Maple News reports that a broad immigration reform bill, Bill C-12, has cleared committee review and is poised to advance to third reading without any amendments. If enacted in its current form, the bill would vest the Governor in Council with wide-ranging executive powers over Canada’s immigration system. The proposed […]
Maple News: Charley Crockett Denied Entry to Canada, Tour Canceled Over Serious Criminality
Maple News reports that American country music star Charley Crockett canceled the Canadian leg of his tour after being denied entry to Canada at Kelowna on February 22, 2026, with officials citing a finding of serious criminality. Crockett posted on Instagram on February 23 that he had sought entry at […]
Ontario’s Rural Immigration Pilot: Five Regions Release 2026 PR-Eligible Jobs
Maple News reports that five Ontario communities participating in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) have published their 2026 priority sectors and occupations. The RCIP provides a path to permanent residence for foreign nationals who have a job offer aligned with a community’s labour-market needs, supporting rural and northern growth. […]
IRCC Clarifies Two-Year Work Permits for RCIP and FCIP Applicants
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department has clarified the rules around special work permits for permanent residence applicants under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Under the update, foreign nationals who have submitted a complete application for permanent residence under FCIP or […]
Navigating China’s Police Certificate Hurdle for Express Entry: Practical Steps to Secure Your No Criminal Record Certificate
Maple News reports that obtaining a police certificate for periods of residence in China—required for Canadian Express Entry—can be a major hurdle, especially if you are applying from abroad. In China, the document is commonly called the No Criminal Record Certificate, and the process is largely in-person with no single […]
Canada Fast-Tracks Foreign Military Recruits Under Express Entry, Maple News Reports
Maple News reports that on February 18, Canada’s immigration department introduced a new Express Entry priority category aimed at foreign skilled military recruits seeking permanent residence. The move underscores the government’s view of these personnel as a strategic national asset, a stance echoed in Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy, which positions […]
IRCC Overhauls LMIA-Exempt Permits Tied to Reciprocal Employment
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the rules governing LMIA-exempt work permits issued under reciprocal employment through the International Mobility Program. The updated guidelines were published on IRCC’s website on February 20, 2026, under the title “Reciprocal employment general guidelines [R205(b) – C20] – […]
IRCC Unveils Canada’s First AI Strategy to Modernize Immigration
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published its first AI strategy, outlining guiding principles, objectives, opportunities, and a framework for classifying AI use cases. The strategy centers on human-centered and accountable AI, transparency and explainability, fairness and equity, strong privacy and security, and reliability in […]
Express Entry Overhaul: 12 Months of Eligible Work Experience Now Required Across All Occupation Categories
Maple News reports a government update effective February 18, 2026, which now requires Express Entry applicants to have at least 12 months of work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years to qualify for any occupational category. Importantly, this experience may be non-consecutive. Previously, candidates needed six […]
PEI’s Latest PNP Draw Elevates International Graduates From Designated Learning Institutions
Maple News reports that on February 19, 2026, Prince Edward Island conducted its latest draw under the PEI Provincial Nominee Program, aligned with the province’s anticipated Invitation to Apply schedule. Continuing a pattern from earlier draws this year, PEI prioritized candidates with in-province ties and strong alignment with occupations and […]
Canada Tightens Study Permits for International Students Completing Prerequisite Courses
Maple News reports that Canada has updated its study-permit policy for international students arriving to take prerequisite courses before starting longer programs. Under the new rules, a study permit will cover only 90 days beyond the length of the prerequisite course(s), replacing the previous instruction to issue a permit equal […]
Maple News reports: Alberta issues hundreds of invitations across six AAIP draws, signaling sector-focused immigration priorities
Maple News reports that Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) carried out six provincial draws between February 6 and February 19, 2026, spanning Rural Renewal and multiple Express Entry streams, plus dedicated priority-sector pathways. The period yielded at least 441 invitations across the six draws, reflecting a broad push across tech, […]
Maple News Reports 4,000 Express Entry Invitations Target Healthcare and Social Services Professionals
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a category-based Express Entry draw focused on healthcare and social services professionals. The draw occurred on February 20, 2026, and required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 467, with applicants having […]
NWT Nominee Program Allocates 197 Slots for 2026, Introduces Expression of Interest for Employer-Driven Streams
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has allocated 197 nomination slots to the Northwest Territories for 2026, the same total the territory ended 2025 with after a post-nomination increase. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is also updating its selection process by adopting an Expression of Interest […]
Canada’s Express Entry Expands: Who Qualifies Under the New Transport Category
Maple News reports that Canada has created a new Transport category within Express Entry, prioritizing permanent residence for foreign nationals with work experience in four transport-related occupations. The changes took effect on February 18, 2026, as part of an effort to address labor needs in aviation and the broader transport […]
China Grants Visa-Free Entry to Canadian Travelers Until End of 2026
Maple News reports that, beginning February 17, 2026, Canadian citizens can travel to mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The Chinese government’s new policy is part of an expanding effort to facilitate international travel and foster closer ties with select countries. According to a […]