Maple News reports that Canada will introduce 5,000 new permanent residence (PR) spaces specifically allocated for French-speaking immigrants in 2026. This new measure, announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab in Moncton, New Brunswick, reflects an ongoing federal commitment to expanding Francophone communities outside of Quebec. These additional spaces are […]
Month: January 2026
Express Entry Backlog Rises to Highest Point Since 2022
Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry immigration backlog has surged to its highest level in more than three years, according to fresh data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of November 30, 2025, 32% of Express Entry applications were considered backlogged—meaning their processing time exceeded IRCC’s service […]
Express Entry Becomes Less Competitive as Thousands of High-Scoring Profiles Exit the Pool
According to Maple News, the Express Entry system has seen a noticeable dip in competitiveness for the second consecutive month. Since the beginning of 2024, a total of 4,672 candidate profiles with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 501 and 600 have exited the Express Entry pool. This development largely […]
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Admissions Fall to Two-Year Low Amid Policy Changes
Maple News reports that the number of new arrivals under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has dropped to its lowest point in nearly two years, reflecting recent policy shifts and more cautious federal oversight. According to newly released government data, just 2,615 individuals entered Canada through the TFWP in […]
Canada and China to Launch Visa-Free Travel Agreement: What We Know So Far
Maple News reports that Canadian citizens will soon be eligible for visa-free travel to China, following an announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney during his official visit to Beijing on January 16. The move marks a significant step towards strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. While this […]
Canada Holds Third Express Entry Draw of 2026, Prioritizing Provincial Nominees
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system in its latest round of selection. Held on January 8, this draw focused exclusively on candidates who had received a provincial nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). […]
Canada Suspends New Parent and Grandparent Sponsorships for 2026 — What Families Need to Know
Maple News reports that Canada’s federal government has temporarily paused new applications to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2026, altering the landscape for many families seeking long-term reunification. Under updated Ministerial Instructions effective January 1, 2026, no new sponsorship requests for permanent residence through the PGP will be […]
Canada’s Citizenship Overhaul Sparks Global Surge in Passport Demand
Maple News reports that a historic shift in Canadian citizenship law is positioning the country as a global leader in second passport demand in 2026. With the passage of Bill C-3, which came into effect on December 15, 2025, Canada has removed the longstanding ‘first-generation limit’ on citizenship by descent, […]
Essential Documents for a Successful Provincial Nominee Program Application
Maple News reports that applicants who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from a Canadian province under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) must act quickly and carefully to ensure their application is approved. Once invited, candidates typically have between 20 to 60 days to submit a complete application with all […]
Top 10 Canadian Cities Offering the Best Quality of Life in 2026
Maple News reports that Canada continues to shine globally when it comes to quality of life, with several cities ranking among the best in the 2026 Numbeo Quality of Life Index. The index evaluates cities based on key everyday metrics such as safety, cost of living, housing affordability, health care […]
Canada Expands Francophone Immigration with 5,000 New PR Spaces
Maple News reports that Canada is strengthening its commitment to Francophone immigration by adding 5,000 new permanent residence (PR) nomination spaces for French-speaking newcomers. The announcement was made on January 19 in Moncton, New Brunswick by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab during a government press conference. This increase in PR […]
Citizenship Reform Advances: Bill to Expand Rights for Canadians Born Abroad Moves Closer to Law
Maple News reports that on November 5, Bill C-3, which seeks to significantly expand Canadian citizenship eligibility, passed its third reading in the House of Commons. This legislative milestone brings the country closer to eliminating the controversial First-Generation Limit (FGL), a provision that restricts the transmission of Canadian citizenship to […]
Quebec Reduces Immigration Targets in 2026 Plan, Introduces Temporary Resident Forecasts
Quebec has announced lower immigration targets for 2026, scaling back its permanent resident (PR) intake compared to previous years. According to the province’s 2026 Immigration Levels Plan, unveiled on November 6, Quebec will aim to welcome 45,000 new permanent residents, with a minimum intake of 43,000 and a maximum of […]
Canada to Significantly Boost Provincial Immigration Pathways by 2026
Maple News reports that Canada is set to significantly expand its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), targeting 91,500 new permanent residents through the PNP in 2026. This marks a 66% increase compared to the 2023 target of 55,000 admissions, providing a major opportunity for candidates hoping to immigrate through provincial streams. […]
Canada Expands Provincial Nominee Program, Cuts Student and TFW Admissions in 2026 Plan
Maple News reports that Canada’s federal government has unveiled its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, laying out significant revisions to its permanent and temporary residency targets. The new strategy includes a sharp increase in spots for provincial nominees, while scaling back submissions under work and student visa programs, with the aim […]
CLB 7 in English: A Key Advantage for French-Speaking Candidates Under Express Entry
Maple News reports that for French-speaking immigration candidates, achieving Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 in English can significantly improve their Express Entry profiles and overall chances of being selected for permanent residency in Canada. While bilingualism has long been a personal strength for many immigrants, it is now a […]