Maple News reports that immigration is set to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth for the Ottawa-Gatineau region, potentially contributing nearly $38 billion to the region’s GDP by 2036. This finding comes from a landmark study by the Conference Board of Canada titled “Four Futures: The Economic Impact […]
Year: 2023
Manitoba Moves to Fast-Track Foreign Credential Recognition
Maple News reports that Manitoba is proposing key legislative changes aimed at accelerating the recognition of international credentials, making it easier for internationally educated professionals to contribute to the province’s workforce sooner. On November 2, Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Training, announced amendments to the Fair Registration Practices […]
Parliament Probes COVID-19’s Long-Lasting Impact on Canadian Immigration and Families
Maple News reports that Canada’s Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration has launched a comprehensive review of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected immigrants and the Canadian immigration system. The study, which will be held across eight sessions, is currently hearing testimonies from separated families, stranded permanent residents, and other […]
Canada Eyes Permanent Residency Pathways for Temporary Residents to Boost Economic Recovery
Maple News reports that Canada is preparing to open up more immigration avenues for temporary residents already living in the country. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has confirmed that the federal government is considering accelerated pathways to permanent residency for international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers, as part of […]
Canada Unveils New Immigration Pathways for Hong Kong Residents Amid Rising Concerns
Maple News reports that Canada has announced two new immigration pathways specifically designed for Hong Kong residents and expanded measures for asylum seekers, reinforcing its commitment to supporting human rights and strengthening ties amidst political unrest in Hong Kong. On November 12, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino introduced the new initiatives, […]
Canada Sees Sharp Decline in Permanent Resident Intake Amid Pandemic Challenges
Maple News reports that Canada’s intake of new permanent residents experienced another significant drop this fall, as the country continues to grapple with the ripple effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only 15,025 new immigrants gained permanent residency […]
Canada’s Home Support Worker Pilot Still Open for Applications
Maple News reports that Canada continues to accept permanent residence applications under the Home Support Worker Pilot, a key pathway for foreign caregivers seeking to establish a life in the country. As of now, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that the program has not yet reached its […]
Privately Sponsored Refugees Thrive Economically in Canada, Long-Term Study Shows
Maple News reports: A long-term study by Statistics Canada reveals strong economic outcomes for certain refugee groups in Canada, especially those who were privately sponsored or gained permanent residency through the asylum system. The study followed refugees who arrived in Canada in 2003, analyzing their employment rates and income over […]
Canada Accelerates Spousal Immigration Processing Amid Pandemic Recovery
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has significantly increased the processing of spousal sponsorship applications, addressing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the global health crisis, Canada’s annual immigration target under the Spouses, Partners, and Children category stood at approximately 70,000 newcomers. According to Canada’s […]
Canada Extends U.S. Border Closure to December 21 Amid Ongoing Travel Restrictions
Maple News reports that Canada will maintain its current restrictions on non-essential travel from the United States until at least December 21, 2020. The federal government confirmed the extension of the U.S.-Canada land border closure through a new Order in Council. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and […]
Canada Expands Biometric Services for U.S. Applicants With New Centers in Seattle and San Francisco
Maple News reports that Canada has opened two new Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Seattle, Washington, and San Francisco, California, to provide biometric services for U.S.-based applicants pursuing Canadian immigration pathways. These centers started operations on November 23 and offer fingerprinting and photo collection—key requirements for many immigration applications. The […]
Canada Reopens Visa Application Centres in India, Clearing Key Hurdle for Students and Families
Maple News reports that Canada’s Visa Application Centres (VACs) in India will officially resume operations starting November 20, 2020, bringing relief to thousands of Indian applicants waiting to complete a crucial step in their Canadian immigration and travel journeys. According to the Canadian government, these centres will begin accepting limited […]
Pandemic Fails to Deter Immigrants as Interest in Canada Surges, Survey Finds
Maple News reports that interest in immigrating to Canada surged between April and August 2020, highlighting the country’s growing appeal even amid a global health crisis. According to a new report by World Education Services (WES), nearly 28,000 survey responses revealed a noticeable rise in positive immigration intentions during this […]
Technical Issues Force Ontario to Pause International Student Stream Applications
Maple News reports that Ontario has temporarily suspended the intake for its Employer Job Offer: International Student stream due to unexpected technical difficulties that disrupted the online registration system. The pause was announced shortly after the stream opened for applications on November 26. This particular stream is part of the […]
Newfoundland and Labrador Launch New Immigration Stream to Attract Skilled Talent
Maple News reports that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced a new immigration stream aimed at retaining highly skilled newcomers already living in the province. The ‘Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador’ pathway, part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), is set to launch on January […]
December Outlook: Key Immigration Developments to Watch in Canada
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration system is expected to remain active through December, wrapping up what has been a dynamic and transformative year. With multiple policy announcements and immigration activities anticipated, prospective immigrants and stakeholders will want to keep a close eye on several developments before year-end. First, Express […]