Canada has once again secured its place among the world’s most powerful passports for 2026. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Canada ranks 8th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 181 countries and territories. This strong mobility score places the Canadian passport ahead of the United States, reinforcing […]
Month: February 2026
Express Entry: How Some Candidates Receive Invitations Before Their CRS Score Rises
Maple News reports that certain Express Entry candidates may unexpectedly receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence even before their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score increases. This lesser-known scenario occurs when applicants are nearing a new threshold of qualifying work experience, such as moving from one to two […]
Top 10 Countries That Recognize Dual Citizenship with Canada
Maple News reports that Canada fully embraces the concept of dual and multiple citizenships. This means that individuals who obtain Canadian citizenship—whether through naturalization, descent, or birth—are not required to renounce their original nationality. However, the ability to retain dual citizenship largely depends on the regulations of the individual’s country […]
Alberta Issues Over 1,100 Invitations in First Provincial Nominee Draws of 2026
Maple News reports that Alberta has kicked off 2026 with a robust start to its immigration efforts, issuing a total of 1,169 invitations through four separate draws held between January 26 and February 2 under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). These early draws span across key streams designed to […]
IRCC Eases Study Permit Process for Joint Programs and Graduate Students
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released new guidelines for processing study permit applications, introducing important updates aimed at simplifying requirements for international students, especially those in joint academic programs and graduate-level studies. Effective for applications submitted in 2026, students enrolled in joint programs involving […]
New Brunswick Targets Skilled Workers and Francophones in Latest Immigration Round
According to Maple News, New Brunswick has issued 326 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination in two separate draws conducted through its Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) on February 2. The province is continuing to prioritize candidates with strong ties to New Brunswick, in-demand skills, and French language proficiency. The […]
Canada Conducts Largest-Ever Express Entry Draw for French-Speaking Candidates
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has carried out its largest category-based Express Entry draw to date, issuing 8,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with French language proficiency. This significant draw, held on February 6, 2026, marks a historic milestone for the Express Entry system’s […]
Top-Tier Express Entry Candidates Drop, Opening Doors for Mid-Range Applicants
The competitive landscape of Canada’s Express Entry system is showing signs of easing, as the number of high-scoring candidates continues to fall for the second consecutive month. According to the latest data reviewed by Maple News, a total of 1,684 top-tier profiles have exited the Express Entry pool between January […]
New Tool Helps Candidates Assess Eligibility for Canada’s Priority Express Entry Categories
Canada continues to streamline immigration through category-based selections under its Express Entry system, making it easier for skilled workers and French-speaking individuals to gain permanent residency (PR). Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has prioritized certain occupations and language profiles, offering lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) […]
British Columbia Kicks Off 2024 with 429 Invitations Through Skills Immigration Draw
Maple News reports that on February 4, 2024, British Columbia conducted its first Skills Immigration draw of the year, issuing 429 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The draw focused on identifying candidates who demonstrate strong potential to contribute to the province’s economy, […]
How to Correctly Claim Foreign Work Experience in Your Express Entry Profile
Foreign work experience can significantly strengthen an Express Entry candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, particularly by boosting points under the skill transferability section. However, as Maple News reports, it remains one of the areas most susceptible to errors—errors that could cost you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or even […]
Beyond the CRS Score: Key Strategies to Boost Your Express Entry Success
Many aspiring immigrants believe that securing permanent residence through Canada’s Express Entry system is solely about achieving a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. While CRS points are certainly important, they are just one piece of a more complex puzzle, Maple News reports. To enter the Express Entry pool, candidates […]
How a Two-Year Canadian College Program Can Lead to Permanent Residency
International students who complete a two-year college program in Canada can become strong candidates for permanent residency (PR) — if they plan their path strategically, Maple News reports. Graduating from a PGWP-eligible program allows students to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which opens a valuable window to gain Canadian […]
Canada Holds Targeted Express Entry Draw for Provincial Nominees, Issuing 423 Invitations
Maple News reports that on February 3, 2026, Canada conducted its first Express Entry draw of the month, exclusively targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued during this 393rd Express Entry draw, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) […]
Who Can Still Get a Canadian Work Permit at the Border?
Foreign nationals arriving in Canada may still be eligible to obtain work permits directly at a port of entry (POE), but this route is now more limited than in previous years. According to Maple News, recent policy changes introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have imposed tighter restrictions […]
New Brunswick Reforms Immigration Programs, Restricts Key Occupations
Maple News reports that New Brunswick has announced a series of significant changes to its immigration pathways, directly impacting applicants under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). These updates, effective February 3, 2026, aim to better align immigration with the province’s evolving labour […]