Maple News reports that Alberta’s early testing pilot for international travellers is showing encouraging outcomes, with most participants testing negative for COVID-19. The innovative program allows arriving travellers at select entry points to reduce their quarantine period through testing, rather than undergoing the standard 14-day isolation requirement. Launched at Calgary […]
Month: August 2023
Canada Halts UK Flights Amid Rising COVID-19 Variant Concerns
Maple News reports that Canada implemented an immediate ban on all incoming passenger flights from the United Kingdom starting midnight on December 20, 2020. This decisive move came in response to growing concerns over a new, more transmissible variant of COVID-19 that had rapidly spread across parts of the UK. […]
Canada Seeks Global Tech Talent Amid Local Brain Drain
Maple News reports that Canada is facing a growing tech talent shortage, prompting Canadian companies to look abroad for skilled professionals. Despite a thriving technology sector, more of the country’s top innovators are being lured south, attracted by higher salaries and expanded opportunities in the United States. The findings stem […]
Canada Prolongs U.S. Border Restrictions Until January 21 Amid Ongoing Health Measures
Maple News reports that Canada will extend its closure of the U.S. land border to non-essential travel until at least January 21, marking the ninth consecutive extension of the restrictions that first came into effect on March 21, 2020. The extension aligns the U.S. border restrictions with Canada’s broader international […]
Canadian ECA Now Requires Only Highest Degree for Assessment
Maple News reports that immigration applicants to Canada no longer need to submit all their foreign academic credentials for evaluation. According to recent updates from World Education Services (WES), a designated Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) provider for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), applicants should now only submit their highest […]
More Canadian Universities Cleared to Welcome International Students Amid Eased Border Rules
Maple News reports that Canada has expanded the number of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) permitted to admit international students, as the country continues to adjust its travel and immigration measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DLIs are schools, colleges, and universities that are approved by provincial or territorial governments […]
Immigrants and International Students Vital to Canada’s Post-Pandemic Economic Rebound
Maple News reports that immigrants and international students will play a pivotal role in Canada’s economic revival, as the country continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With labour shortages intensified and a rapidly aging population, welcoming newcomers is more critical than ever. According to a recent […]
Can You Leave Canada Before Completing the 14-Day Quarantine?
Maple News reports that travelers arriving in Canada are required to quarantine for 14 days upon entry, regardless of their citizenship status. However, recent clarification from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirms that international visitors may leave Canada before completing their full quarantine period—so long as they remain […]
Canada Tightens Border Controls: Negative COVID-19 Test Required for Entry
Maple News reports that starting January 7, 2021, Canada will require all incoming travellers to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before their scheduled departure. This new measure comes in response to growing concerns over rising COVID-19 cases across the country, as well as pressure from […]
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs Proved Resilient and Vital in 2020
Maple News reports that despite the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) remained a cornerstone of the country’s immigration strategy in 2020. The provinces and territories stayed actively engaged, maintaining stable nomination levels and launching new immigration streams to address evolving demographic and labour […]
Canada Begins Issuing Invitations Under Delayed 2020 Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Lottery
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially begun issuing invitations for the 2020 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially scheduled for late 2020, the invitation round was postponed as IRCC adapted its processes during the global crisis. Individuals selected […]
Canada Conducts 2020 PGP Lottery, Sets Stage for Major Expansion in 2021
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially conducted the long-awaited 2020 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lottery, marking the next phase in family reunification efforts for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Initially scheduled for late 2020, the lottery experienced delays due to disruptions caused by […]
How Family Members of Temporary Foreign Workers Can Reunite in Canada Amid Restrictions
Maple News reports that while family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents enjoy certain travel exemptions, the rules are more complex for those connected to temporary foreign workers (TFWs). However, under specific criteria, family reunification is possible—even amid ongoing travel restrictions. For clarification, “family members” include spouses, common-law partners, […]
Strong Majority of Canadians Back Permanent Residency for Agricultural Workers
Maple News reports that a growing number of Canadians support creating permanent immigration pathways for temporary foreign workers, particularly in the agricultural sector. According to a recent survey conducted by Nanos Research, over 80% of respondents expressed support for allowing these workers to remain in Canada as permanent residents. The […]
IRCC Discontinues Webform Submissions for Expired COPR Holders Ready to Travel
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will no longer accept webform submissions from individuals with expired Confirmations of Permanent Residence (COPR) who are ready to travel to Canada. This change was confirmed in the department’s most recent program delivery update and marks a shift in how […]
Trump Extends Work Visa Suspension Until March 2021, Raising Uncertainty for Foreign Talent
Maple News reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has extended a sweeping ban on certain temporary work visas until March 31, 2021, just weeks before he is set to leave office. The move continues a controversial immigration freeze that was first introduced in mid-2020, citing concerns over protecting American jobs […]