Maple News reports that Canada is set to broaden its support for French-speaking newcomers by formally rolling out the Welcoming Francophone Communities (WFCs) initiative between 2025 and 2026. The move represents a significant shift in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) strategy to promote Francophone integration outside of Quebec. The […]
Year: 2025
IRCC Issues 3,000 ITAs in Latest CEC Draw with Lowest CRS Cut-Off in 10 Months
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its most recent Express Entry draw, held on July 8, 2025. This round targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and featured a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off of 518 […]
Canada Issues 356 Express Entry Invitations in New PNP-Only Draw
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on July 7, 2025, issuing 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this round was 750 — an 8-point increase […]
Canada Raises Settlement Fund Requirements for Express Entry Applicants
Maple News reports that Canada has updated the financial requirements for immigration candidates applying through two major federal immigration streams. As of July 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased the minimum settlement funds required for applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal […]
IRCC Kicks Off July with New Express Entry Draw Targeting PNP Candidates
According to Maple News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the first Express Entry draw of July, held on July 7. The draw exclusively targeted candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). To be considered in this round, candidates were required to […]
Quebec Relaunches Skilled Worker Immigration Program With Invitations Beginning July 2025
Maple News reports that Quebec has officially relaunched its Skilled Worker Selection Program (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés – PSTQ), replacing the long-standing Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) as of November 29, 2024. While the new system was initially put on hold following its announcement, a ministerial order issued […]
Entering Canada with a Criminal Record? Here’s What You Need to Know
According to Maple News, foreign nationals with a criminal history may be denied entry into Canada unless they take proactive steps to address their inadmissibility. While Canadian citizens have an absolute legal right to enter the country despite any criminal record, non-citizens—including visitors, workers, and permanent resident applicants—can be deemed […]
Canada Grants Temporary Grace Period for PGWP Eligibility Amid Program Changes
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily relaxed new restrictions on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, allowing a wider range of international students to qualify—at least for now. The federal immigration department has issued a grace period for students who applied for a study permit […]
How to Apply for Your First Canadian Passport After Citizenship
Maple News reports that becoming a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant you a passport—you must apply for one separately. If you’ve recently completed your citizenship ceremony or are planning to do so, understanding the passport application process is your next essential step. A Canadian passport is more than just […]
Alberta Invites 133 Skilled Workers in Sector-Specific Provincial Nominee Draws
Maple News reports that the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted two targeted draws between June 20 and June 25, 2025, inviting a total of 133 candidates to apply for permanent residence through provincial nomination. These draws reflect Alberta’s ongoing strategy of prioritizing candidates in high-demand sectors. The June 20 […]
Quebec Halts PEQ Worker Stream: What Are Your Immigration Alternatives?
Maple News reports that the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)—a key pathway to permanent residence (PR) for many foreign workers—has been temporarily suspended. As of June 5, 2024, Quebec’s immigration ministry has paused new applications through the PEQ worker stream until November 30, 2025. While this disruption may feel disheartening to […]
Alberta Targets Construction and Agriculture Sectors in Latest Immigration Draws
Maple News reports that Alberta continues to strategically invite skilled workers through its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), focusing on labour market priorities. In two recent rounds of invitations, the province extended a total of 133 invitations to candidates well-suited to support key industries across Alberta. On June 25, 2025, […]
Canada Must Rethink Immigration Strategy to Attract Global Experts, Says Citizenship Leader
Maple News reports that Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, is calling on the federal government to urgently revamp its immigration strategy. His appeal comes in response to Ottawa’s decision to reduce permanent resident admissions from 395,000 in 2025 to 365,000 in 2027—a move he warns could […]
University of Toronto Opens Doors to Harvard Students Impacted by U.S. Visa Uncertainty
Maple News reports that international students at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government (HKS) may soon have a Canadian lifeline, as mounting visa challenges in the U.S. prompt a contingency arrangement with the University of Toronto. The agreement would allow eligible HKS students to complete their studies at […]
Canada Raises Minimum Living Cost Requirement for International Students
Maple News reports that international students planning to apply for a Canadian study permit will need to demonstrate a higher level of financial support beginning in late 2025. As of September 1, 2025, applicants must show they have at least CAD $22,895 in available funds—an increase of approximately $2,260 from […]
Canada’s Immigration Reforms: Key 2025 Changes Impacting Applicants so Far
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration policies have undergone notable changes in the first half of 2025, shaping the path for newcomers seeking temporary or permanent residence. These mid-year adjustments reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to aligning immigration initiatives with evolving labor market needs, economic goals, and population planning. Among […]