Maple News reports that as of January 30, 2024, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core is now officially accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a wide range of immigration pathways. This decision offers prospective immigrants another English language testing option, enhancing flexibility and accessibility on their […]
Month: January 2024
Nigerian Students Drive Canada’s Evolving International Education Landscape
Maple News reports a notable shift in the makeup of Canada’s international student population, reflecting broader global trends and a growing diversification across Canadian university programs. According to recent data, students from Nigeria are emerging as a key force in reshaping the country’s academic demographic. Nigeria posted the fastest growth […]
Ontario and B.C. Roll Out New Measures to Safeguard International Student Education
Maple News reports that Ontario and British Columbia (B.C.) are implementing sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of post-secondary education, particularly for international students. These provincial initiatives come amid rising concerns about program quality, student outcomes, and exploitation by unregulated recruiters and institutions. Ontario announced it will collaborate with […]
Canada Clarifies Entry Rules for Digital Nomads Working Remotely
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated guidance detailing how foreign digital nomads can legally reside and work remotely from Canada. According to the IRCC’s January 30 policy release, digital nomads — defined as individuals capable of performing their job remotely from anywhere in […]
Can You Travel Abroad While Waiting for a Canadian Work Permit Extension?
Maple News reports that foreign nationals who apply to extend their Canadian work permit are allowed to leave and re-enter Canada during the processing period. However, applicants should be aware that their re-entry rights and work status upon returning may change depending on their situation at the time of re-entry. […]
Key Requirements for a Complete Express Entry Application in 2024
Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system—used to manage applications for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)—requires applicants to submit a range of essential documents to ensure their applications are complete and eligible for review. The […]
Can You Work and Study in Canada at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need to Know
Maple News reports that it is indeed possible for foreign nationals in Canada to hold both a study permit and a work permit at the same time — provided they meet the eligibility requirements for each. These permits serve different legal purposes and have distinct application conditions, but when used […]
Canada Doubles Cost-of-Living Requirement for International Students Starting 2024
Maple News reports that the Canadian government has significantly raised the financial threshold international students must meet to obtain a study permit. As of January 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now requires prospective students to show proof of at least CAD $20,635 in available funds, more than […]
How to Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Through WES to Boost Your Immigration Score
Maple News reports that with Canada aiming to welcome nearly 1.5 million new permanent residents by 2026, international professionals eyeing immigration now have a clearer path forward—especially with tools like the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). For those applying through economic pathways such as Express Entry, an ECA can significantly enhance […]
CAEL: The Canadian English Test Helping International Students Fast-Track Their Study Plans
Maple News reports that international students aiming to study in Canada now have a streamlined path to prove their English language proficiency through the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test. Distinguished as the only English test specifically designed for the Canadian academic environment, CAEL is accepted by over 180 post-secondary […]
What Newcomers Should Know About Canada’s First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Maple News reports that the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), introduced by Canada’s federal government in April 2023, is a promising financial tool designed to help first-time homebuyers, particularly newcomers to Canada, save for a down payment using tax-advantaged contributions. The FHSA combines key benefits of both the Registered Retirement […]
Canada Sets Two-Year Cap on Study Permits and Introduces New Requirements for 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced sweeping reforms to its international student program, including a two-year cap on new study permit approvals for 2024. Announced on January 22, the changes aim to stabilize international student intake, setting the approval ceiling at 360,000 permits for […]
British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba Announce New Provincial Nomination Draws
Maple News reports that three Canadian provinces—British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba—issued new rounds of provincial nominations this week, reflecting ongoing efforts to attract skilled immigrants under Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs serve as critical tools for provinces to meet local labor market demands by selecting economic class immigrants […]
New Requirement for International Students Heading to Quebec: Provincial Attestation Letter Now Mandatory
Maple News reports that international students planning to study in Quebec must now obtain a provincial attestation letter in addition to a Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before applying for a Canadian study permit. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this new requirement is part of a larger […]
Canada Extends 1,040 Express Entry Invitations in Second Draw of 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 1,040 candidates in its latest Express Entry draw, held on January 23, 2024. The draw was classified as a general round of invitations, considering candidates from all programs managed within the Express Entry system. To qualify, candidates needed […]
Canada Extends Flexible Off-Campus Work Hours for International Students Until April 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially extended its temporary policy allowing eligible international students to work more than the standard 20 hours per week off campus. Initially introduced in November 2022, the policy will now remain in effect until April 30, 2024. The extension […]