Maple News reports that Canada has released updated guidance for foreign nationals seeking entry under the work permit exemption for business visitors, clarifying that the rules are clearer but the list of qualifying scenarios is not exhaustive. The changes were published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on March 19, […]
Month: March 2026
Ontario Invites Master’s and PhD Graduates to Provincial Nominee Program Draws, Maple News Reports
Maple News reports that Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued invitations to apply on March 18 under the Master’s Graduate and PhD Graduate streams — the first ITAs issued under these streams since September 2024. The province targeted more than 1,100 international student graduates with Canadian work experience in in-demand […]
Banking Essentials for New Canadians: A Practical Guide
Maple News reports that arriving in Canada comes with a range of everyday tasks—from finding a place to live to setting up a phone plan and accessing essential services. Opening a bank account is often one of the first steps in establishing your financial footing. Canadian banking can differ from […]
Five Practical Tips That Helped Me Land My First Job in Canada
Maple News reports that moving countries is tough, and finding work while settling into a new home can amplify that challenge. When I arrived in Canada in 2022 as a permanent resident with no job lined up, I had to relearn the labor market, adapt to a Canadian resume style, […]
New to Canada? A Practical Starter Guide to Banking
Maple News reports that arriving in Canada brings a flurry of essential tasks—from housing and phone plans to setting up services. Opening a bank account is often one of the first steps newcomers take to establish financial footing and manage everyday expenses. Banking in Canada can differ from what you’re […]
IRCC Backlog Drops Under 1 Million as Work Permit Wait Times Ease, Maple News Reports
Maple News reports that IRCC’s total application backlog fell to 990,300 as of January 31, the first time it slipped below one million since October 2025, helped by easing work permit wait times. The update also highlights notable shifts across streams, with the study permit backlog up 14 percent, the […]
Express Entry: Cut-off dips below 400 in latest French-language draw, 4,000 ITAs issued
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a recent Express Entry draw focused on French-language proficiency, dated March 18, 2026. To be eligible in this draw, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 393 and had to […]
The Real Timeline for Canadian Citizenship: Why the Process Can Take Longer Than You Think
Maple News reports that the path to Canadian citizenship through naturalization is a multi-year journey, typically extending beyond four years from start to finish. Much of that time is attributable to meeting the physical presence requirement and the processing of the citizenship application. The process is broken into clear stages, […]
Criminal Record Could Derail Your Canada Trip This Spring — What You Need to Know
Maple News reports that travelers planning to enter Canada this spring risk being denied entry if they have a criminal record, even for minor offences. Border officers review applicants’ histories to assess admissibility, and a record from another country does not automatically guarantee entry into Canada. One potential avenue to […]
Record-Breaking Start to 2026: Newfoundland and Labrador Issues 445 ITAs in First Draw
Maple News reports that Newfoundland and Labrador issued 445 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its first draw of 2026, the highest single-round total the province has ever seen. The invitations were spread across two programs: 362 ITAs under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and 83 ITAs under […]
Maple News: Express Entry Issues 4,000 ITAs to CEC Candidates at 18-Month Low CRS Cut-Off
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw conducted through the Express Entry system. The draw set a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of 507, and required candidates to have created an Express Entry profile […]
Ontario to Overhaul OINP Streams by May 2026, Maple News Reports
Maple News reports that Ontario’s immigration authority has drafted amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act to overhaul the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The changes would redefine streams, candidate selection, and the overall structure of the program. The province says the reforms are slated to take effect on May 30, […]
Could Katy Perry Move to Canada? A Practical Look at Canadian PR Options
Maple News reports a hypothetical scenario: if American pop star Katy Perry wanted to relocate to Canada to join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she would need permanent residency. The citizenship path by descent would only apply to Canadians with roots here, not Perry. Current assessments suggest Perry does not have […]
Canada’s Citizenship Test Goes Online by Default: 10 Key Facts for Applicants
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidance, making the online, self-administered citizenship test the default format for applicants. The online test draws from a question bank of roughly 300 to 400 items. IRCC’s rules ensure each test version maintains a similar level of […]
Provincial Nominees Invited in Latest Express Entry Draw as IRCC Issues 362 ITAs
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 362 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a recent Express Entry draw focused on Provincial Nominee Program candidates. To be considered in this draw, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 742 and had to have created […]