Maple News reports that millions of Americans may qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent. When applying for proof of citizenship, careful preparation can improve the odds of on-time processing and reduce the risk of delays, returns, or refusals. Maple News consulted Ala Bujac, a Canadian immigration lawyer at Cohen Immigration […]
Canada Expands Flexibility for Refugees Facing Exit Barriers, Easing PR Processing and Family Options
Maple News reports that Canada is expanding flexibility for refugees seeking resettlement, clarifying that applicants are not required to present an exit permit or proof of legal status in their host country to have their application processed. The exemption applies under the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA) for issuing […]
Maple News Reports: One-Year Wait for Proof of Canadian Citizenship Certificates as American Applicants Surge
Maple News reports that Canada’s processing time for proof of Canadian citizenship certificates has risen to about 12 months in the second quarter, following a major change to the Citizenship Act. The figure marks a sharp increase from July 2025, when the processing time was about five months. The surge […]
Maple News Exclusive: CELPIP Launches Accelerate Prep and May Webinar to Boost Canadian Language Readiness
Maple News reports a new wave of CELPIP preparation resources designed to help newcomers feel ready for language testing as they advance their careers in Canada in 2026. A live webinar is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM EDT. Hosted by CanadaVisa, the session will feature CELPIP […]
Canada Permanently Closes Four Falls Port of Entry in New Brunswick
Maple News reports that the Canada Border Services Agency has permanently closed the Four Falls port of entry in New Brunswick. The crossing had previously operated seasonally and has been out of service since May 2020, when COVID-19 disruptions prompted temporary suspensions that were extended multiple times over the past […]
May Update: Processing Times Rise for Express Entry and PNP as Backlogs Grow
Maple News reports that on May 12, Canada’s immigration department published updated processing times for permanent residence and citizenship applications. Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications each jumped by about one month in wait times, with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) queue increasing by more than 6,000 applicants […]
Elton John Declares Himself Canadian by Choice as Canada Expands Citizenship by Descent
Maple News reports Elton John, a British citizen with deep personal and family ties to Canada, has publicly identified as Canadian by choice. The singer has partnered with Canadian filmmaker David Furnish for more than three decades, and the couple’s two children are Canadian citizens, underscoring the strength of his […]
Maple News: Americans Heading to the Canadian Grand Prix Could Be Denied Entry for Misdemeanors — How Deemed Rehabilitation Works
Maple News reports that Americans planning to attend the 2026 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (May 22–24) should be aware that a criminal record can lead to entry denial at the border. Canadian authorities apply Canadian law to foreign offences, which means some offenses that are minor in […]
Maple News: Citizenship by Descent — If a Canadian-born Parent Exists, You May Qualify for a Canadian Passport
Maple News reports that if at least one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent, regardless of where you were born. As a citizen by descent, you have the same rights as any Canadian citizen […]
Provincial Nominees Lead May’s First Express Entry Draw, 380 ITAs Issued
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 380 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the first Express Entry draw of May 2026, a round focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. Eligible applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 798 and had created an […]
Maple News Exclusive: New Brunswick Archives Strained as Americans Rush for Canadian Citizenship Records
Maple News reports a dramatic spike in genealogy-related requests in New Brunswick following Canada’s expansion of citizenship by descent. The surge has put provincial archives under pressure, with requests running roughly four times higher than in prior years. Bill C-3, which took effect on December 15, 2025, removed Canada’s first-generation […]
Canada Fast-Tracks Citizenship Certificates for Trans Americans
Maple News reports that Canada is expediting proof-of-citizenship certificates for Americans with Canadian ancestry, with particular attention to applicants who identify as transgender. The policy shift follows December changes to the Citizenship Act that removed the generational limit on citizenship transmission, broadening eligibility for descendants of Canadian citizens. This spring, […]
IRCC Processing Times See Mixed Shifts for Work and Study Permits
Maple News reports on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) latest update to processing times for temporary residents, which shows a mixed picture across work and study permits. The movement varies by visa type and applicant country, with some wait times tightening and others lengthening. The update notes notable decreases […]
New Brunswick Issues 373 Invitations Across PNP and AIP in Late-April to May Draws
Maple News reports that New Brunswick issued 373 invitations across its immigration programs in a series of selection rounds from April 30 through May 3, 2026. Invitations were issued via three NB Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) streams and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).\n\nInvitations were distributed across NBPNP streams—Skilled Worker, Strategic […]
British Columbia Targets Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs in Back-to-Back PNP Draws
Maple News reports that British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) carried out back-to-back draws on May 5–6 to invite candidates for provincial nomination. Officials issued at least 341 invitations across Skills Immigration (SI) and Entrepreneur Immigration (EI), with the majority coming through SI and directed at care-based, education, and construction […]
Maple News Exclusive: Manitoba’s Largest 2026 PNP Draw Invites 906 Applicants, Spotlighting Education Roles and Strategic Recruitment
Maple News reports that Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held its largest draw of the year on May 7, issuing 906 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs). The round specifically prioritized teachers and education assistants, alongside direct invitations under a strategic recruitment initiative. This marks Manitoba’s ninth selection round of […]