Maple News reports that on February 23, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) conducted an immigration draw across all four streams of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). With the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) closed, the PSTQ has become the province’s main pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent […]
Month: February 2026
Temporary policy expires: Iranians no longer eligible for special Canadian work permits
Maple News reports that Iranians in Canada can no longer apply for special work permits after the temporary public policy expired. The policy—titled the Updated temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents—had allowed Iranians who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025 to […]
Manitoba RCIP 2026: Regions Name Priority Sectors and Occupations for Permanent Residency
Maple News reports that Manitoba’s three Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) regions have unveiled their 2026 priority sectors and occupations. To pursue permanent residence under RCIP, candidates must hold a job offer from a designated local employer in an eligible occupation. The Manitoba regions participating in RCIP are Altona/Rhineland (the […]
Manitoba PNP Issues 72 Invitations in Latest Skilled Worker Draw
Maple News reports that Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 72 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) on February 26, 2026, through the Skilled Worker stream’s two pathways: Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas. The invitations targeted candidates in Manitoba and abroad who stated they were directly invited […]
Alberta Issues 899 Invitations Across Two AAIP Draws, Marking Strong Start to 2026 Immigration
Maple News reports that the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted two draws on February 20 and February 24, 2026, issuing a total of 899 invitations to prospective newcomers, marking the province’s 11th and 12th provincial immigration draws of 2026. The two draws included the first Alberta Opportunity Stream priority-sectors […]
RCIP 2026: BC Regions Map Priority Jobs for Permanent Residency Pathways
Maple News reports that British Columbia’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) regions have unveiled their 2026 priority sectors and occupations, outlining the job-focused path to permanent residence for foreign workers whose offers align with local labor needs. The RCIP regions participating in BC are North Okanagan-Shuswap, Peace Liard, and West […]
Canada Tightens Scrutiny of Significant-Benefit LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department has tightened the evaluation criteria for work permits issued under the ‘significant benefit to Canada’ LMIA exemption, code C10, within the International Mobility Program (IMP). The updated guidance was published on February 24, 2026. Under the new instructions, officers must apply more stringent […]
13 Provincial Pathways to Permanent Residence Without a Job Offer, Explained
Maple News reports that, while many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams require a job offer, 13 pathways do not. For applicants pursuing permanent residence through provincial nomination without an offer, here are notable options. Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers a single PNP stream that does not require a job […]
Canada processing times evolve: Pakistan study permits surge while work and visitor categories shift
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated processing times for temporary resident applications, covering work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. The latest estimates, released February 24, show several notable shifts across different applicant origins. For work permits, the updates indicate a mix of modest […]
Staying Safe in Canada: A Newcomer’s Guide to Guarding Against Financial Fraud
Maple News reports a practical guide to help newcomers stay safe from financial fraud in Canada, a risk many managing money in a new country may encounter. Financial fraud involves someone attempting to access your money or personal information through deception. Scammers may pose as banks, government offices, or trusted […]
Quebec Narrows Expedited LMIA List to 60 Occupations for the TFWP
Maple News reports that Quebec has updated its roster of occupations eligible for expedited Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The February 24, 2026 update reduces the list to 60 occupations across the province, down from 76. To ease the transition, Quebec has […]
Maple News: How Newcomers Can Shield Themselves From Financial Fraud in Canada
Maple News reports on essential safeguards as newcomers settle in Canada, focusing on recognizing and responding to potential financial fraud. Managing money in a new country often involves sharing personal or banking information with organizations you may not know well. Understanding how fraud can present itself helps you protect your […]
Maple News: Sweeping Canadian immigration bill advances to third reading with no amendments
Maple News reports that a broad immigration reform bill, Bill C-12, has cleared committee review and is poised to advance to third reading without any amendments. If enacted in its current form, the bill would vest the Governor in Council with wide-ranging executive powers over Canada’s immigration system. The proposed […]
Maple News: Charley Crockett Denied Entry to Canada, Tour Canceled Over Serious Criminality
Maple News reports that American country music star Charley Crockett canceled the Canadian leg of his tour after being denied entry to Canada at Kelowna on February 22, 2026, with officials citing a finding of serious criminality. Crockett posted on Instagram on February 23 that he had sought entry at […]
Ontario’s Rural Immigration Pilot: Five Regions Release 2026 PR-Eligible Jobs
Maple News reports that five Ontario communities participating in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) have published their 2026 priority sectors and occupations. The RCIP provides a path to permanent residence for foreign nationals who have a job offer aligned with a community’s labour-market needs, supporting rural and northern growth. […]
IRCC Clarifies Two-Year Work Permits for RCIP and FCIP Applicants
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department has clarified the rules around special work permits for permanent residence applicants under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Under the update, foreign nationals who have submitted a complete application for permanent residence under FCIP or […]