Maple News reports that on May 20, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an unanticipated Express Entry draw that caught many off guard. In a rare and significant move, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) was just 397 — one […]
Month: August 2021
Alberta Issues Record-Breaking 396 Invitations in Largest PNP Draw of 2021
Maple News reports that the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) held its largest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2021 on August 10, inviting 396 Express Entry candidates to apply for a provincial nomination. This marks the highest number of invitations issued in a single Alberta draw this year, with […]
Afghan Refugee Crisis Emerges as Key Issue Ahead of Canadian Federal Election
As the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan escalates, Canada has acted swiftly to provide refuge and assistance, launching emergency immigration measures just days before calling a federal election. Maple News reports that the Canadian government has committed to resettling 20,000 vulnerable Afghan refugees, primarily targeting women, journalists, human rights defenders, LGBTQ+ […]
Manitoba Invites 275 in Latest Provincial Nominee Program Draw
Maple News reports that the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 275 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to immigration candidates on August 12, in its latest round of invitations. These invitations offer candidates the chance to apply for a provincial nomination, a key step toward securing Canadian permanent residence. […]
Canada Invests $100 Million to Modernize Newcomer Settlement Services
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has committed $100 million over three years to enhance and adapt newcomer settlement services in response to the evolving needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is being channeled through IRCC’s Service Delivery Improvement (SDI) program, which supports innovative […]
Navigating Canada’s Immigration Pathways for Tech Talent
Maple News reports that Canada continues to be a highly attractive destination for global tech professionals seeking career growth, innovation opportunities, and stability. Recognizing the demand for skilled technology specialists, Canada offers a range of immigration and work pathways tailored specifically for tech workers—from temporary work permits to permanent residency. […]
Ontario Targets Key Sectors in Latest Immigration Draw, Invites Skilled Workers Across Health, Agriculture, and Manufacturing
Maple News reports that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invited 48 candidates to apply for provincial nomination in its August 11 draw, focusing on critical sectors with persistent labor shortages. The draw was held through the In-Demand Skills stream under the province’s recently launched Expression of Interest (EOI) system, […]
B.C. Invites 51 Tech Workers in Latest Provincial Nominee Draw
Maple News reports that British Columbia has issued 51 invitations to skilled technology professionals through the BC PNP Tech draw held on August 10. These candidates are now eligible to apply for a provincial nomination, a key step toward permanent residency in Canada. The invitations were extended through the BC […]
Ontario Adds Master’s and PhD Graduate Streams to EOI System for Immigration
Maple News reports that Ontario has officially integrated its Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate immigration streams into the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system, expanding opportunities for international graduates who wish to settle in the province. International Master’s and PhD graduates who have completed their studies in Ontario can now […]
Canada Issues 3,000 Invitations in Latest Canadian Experience Class Express Entry Draw
Maple News reports that on August 5, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) via the Express Entry system. To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 404. […]
Quebec and Ottawa Reach Landmark Agreement to Ease Hiring of Foreign Workers
Maple News reports that the Government of Quebec has finalized a significant agreement with the federal government of Canada aimed at addressing ongoing labour shortages in the province. This landmark deal introduces three new measures designed to simplify the hiring and retention of temporary foreign workers, while also improving pathways […]
Quebec and Ottawa Launch New Measures to Address Labour Shortages with Foreign Worker Reforms
Maple News reports that Quebec has become the first province in Canada to reach a comprehensive agreement with the federal government to tackle its mounting labour shortages head-on. The deal includes a series of new measures aimed at streamlining the hiring and retention of temporary foreign workers (TFWs), a crucial […]
Fully Vaccinated U.S. Travelers Now Welcome in Canada: Key Border Rules Explained
Maple News reports that, as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 9, Canada has reopened its land border to fully vaccinated tourists from the United States after nearly 17 months of pandemic-related closure. This much-anticipated move marks the first phase of Canada easing travel restrictions for foreign nationals. Currently, […]
Canada Reopens Borders to Vaccinated Tourists: What You Need to Know
Maple News reports that after nearly a year and a half of stringent border closures, Canada is gradually reopening its doors to international tourists. While not yet fully back to pre-pandemic norms, the government has announced a phased approach to resume travel, starting with fully vaccinated visitors. As of August […]
Saskatchewan Invites 452 Skilled Workers in Latest PNP Draw
Maple News reports that on August 5, Saskatchewan issued 452 invitations to skilled workers seeking permanent residence through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw targeted candidates within the International Skilled Worker category, including both Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand subcategories. Of those invited, […]
Navigating Canada’s Work Permit Rules for Performing Artists
Maple News reports that while work permits are typically required for foreign nationals seeking employment in Canada, there are important exemptions in place—particularly for those in the performing arts and entertainment industries. Foreign artists may not need a work permit if their role does not impact the Canadian labour market. […]