Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has broadened the list of academic programs that qualify international students for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). The update, which came into effect on December 17, 2024, introduces a new category focused on education, particularly early childhood education and developmental services. […]
Month: December 2024
Government-Funded Services Help Newcomers Settle into Life in Canada
Maple News reports that newcomers to Canada may be eligible for a range of government-funded settlement services designed to ease their transition into Canadian life. These services are tailored to help immigrants with vital tasks such as finding housing, improving language skills, searching for employment, and building social connections in […]
Yukon Introduces New Application Intake System for Nominee Program Starting 2025
Maple News reports that the Government of Yukon is set to implement a new intake-based application model for its Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), beginning January 29, 2025. Under this revamped system, applications will only be accepted during designated intake periods, with a fixed cap on the number of submissions per […]
Canada Officially Ends Flagpoling for Most Temporary Residents
Maple News reports that as of December 23 at 11:59 p.m., the Government of Canada has officially banned the practice of flagpoling for most temporary residents. This change means that individuals in Canada on work or study permits can no longer access same-day immigration services by briefly exiting and re-entering […]
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship: How to Choose the Right Path to Reunite with Your Partner in Canada
Maple News reports that Canadian citizens and permanent residents looking to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence must choose between two categories of sponsorship: inland or outland. Both pathways support family reunification but differ in application logistics, processing locations, and eligibility nuances. Inland sponsorship is […]
Ontario Hits 2024 Provincial Nominee Cap as It Prepares for a Leaner 2025
Maple News reports that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has officially reached its full nomination quota for the year 2024. As of December 23, the province had issued all 21,500 nominations allocated by the federal government under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The OINP is now shifting focus to […]
Canada Ends Flagpoling as Immigration Policy Tightens
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially banned the practice of flagpoling as part of a broader effort to tighten border procedures and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed the change during a televised announcement on December 17, stating […]
IRCC to Eliminate Job Offer CRS Points for Express Entry Candidates Starting Spring 2025
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed a significant change coming to the Express Entry system in spring 2025: candidates will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for holding a valid job offer. Under the current Express Entry rules, candidates can boost […]
Working in Canada Without a Work Permit: Who Qualifies as a Business Visitor?
Maple News reports that not all foreign nationals require a work permit to legally work in Canada. In select cases, individuals may engage in certain business activities without the need for a permit if they qualify as ‘business visitors’. These individuals do not formally enter the Canadian labour market and […]
Victoria Tops List of Canada’s Most Livable Cities for Newcomers in 2024
Maple News reports that Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, has been ranked the most livable city in Canada for newcomers in 2024. The finding comes from a recent annual report by The Globe and Mail, which evaluates cities across several criteria including affordability, employment opportunities, health care access, climate, […]
Canada to Eliminate LMIA Job Offer Points from Express Entry CRS by Spring 2025
Maple News reports that the Government of Canada will eliminate Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the Express Entry system. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the upcoming change in a televised interview on December 17, confirming it will take […]
Canada Extends Deadline on Reforming Citizenship by Descent Rules
Maple News reports that the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has granted the federal government an additional three months to revise Canada’s first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent. The new deadline is set for March 19, 2025. The FGL, currently part of the Canadian Citizenship Act, restricts citizenship transmission […]
Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, and P.E.I. Issue New Invitations in Latest Provincial Immigration Rounds
Maple News reports that four Canadian provinces—Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island—have recently issued new invitations through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), offering pathways toward permanent residency for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and other in-demand candidates. In Alberta, between November 29 and December 17, the province conducted an active […]
Canada Overhauls International Student and Work Permit Rules in 2024: A Year in Review
Maple News reports that Canada has introduced sweeping reforms to its international student and post-graduation immigration policies in 2024, marking a significant shift in the landscape for aspiring international students and recent graduates. These changes are part of Canada’s broader push to better align temporary resident programs and manage population […]
Concordia University Unveils New Migration Research Institute to Support Immigrant Integration
Maple News reports that Concordia University in Montreal has launched the Institute for Research on Migration and Society (IRMS), a new academic hub dedicated to studying immigration and improving outcomes for newcomers across Canada. The institute aims to produce rigorous, evidence-based research on migration patterns, integration challenges, and policy impacts. […]
How to Get an Open Work Permit for Your Spouse During Canada’s Sponsorship Process
Maple News reports that sponsored spouses or partners of Canadian permanent residents or citizens may be eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their permanent residence application is being processed. This permit allows foreign nationals to work for almost any employer in Canada, offering financial stability and […]