Maple News reports that the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), introduced by Canada’s federal government in April 2023, is a promising financial tool designed to help first-time homebuyers, particularly newcomers to Canada, save for a down payment using tax-advantaged contributions. The FHSA combines key benefits of both the Registered Retirement […]
Author: Maple News
Canada Sets Two-Year Cap on Study Permits and Introduces New Requirements for 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced sweeping reforms to its international student program, including a two-year cap on new study permit approvals for 2024. Announced on January 22, the changes aim to stabilize international student intake, setting the approval ceiling at 360,000 permits for […]
British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba Announce New Provincial Nomination Draws
Maple News reports that three Canadian provinces—British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba—issued new rounds of provincial nominations this week, reflecting ongoing efforts to attract skilled immigrants under Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs serve as critical tools for provinces to meet local labor market demands by selecting economic class immigrants […]
New Requirement for International Students Heading to Quebec: Provincial Attestation Letter Now Mandatory
Maple News reports that international students planning to study in Quebec must now obtain a provincial attestation letter in addition to a Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before applying for a Canadian study permit. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this new requirement is part of a larger […]
Canada Extends 1,040 Express Entry Invitations in Second Draw of 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 1,040 candidates in its latest Express Entry draw, held on January 23, 2024. The draw was classified as a general round of invitations, considering candidates from all programs managed within the Express Entry system. To qualify, candidates needed […]
Canada Extends Flexible Off-Campus Work Hours for International Students Until April 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially extended its temporary policy allowing eligible international students to work more than the standard 20 hours per week off campus. Initially introduced in November 2022, the policy will now remain in effect until April 30, 2024. The extension […]
Canada Named Safest Travel Destination in the World for 2024
Maple News reports that Canada has been ranked as the safest country for international travel in 2024, according to a recently released study by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP). The annual report evaluates global travel safety using a comprehensive scoring system that combines survey data, expert insights, and global indices. […]
Economists Call for More Skilled Immigrants to Tackle Canada’s Labour and Housing Crunch
Maple News reports that a new study from Desjardins Economic Studies underscores the importance of expanding skilled immigration to address critical labour shortages in Canada’s construction sector. The findings, released amidst a growing housing affordability crisis, suggest that attracting qualified newcomers could be a vital part of the solution. The […]
Canada’s Rental Prices Soar Nearly 9% in 2023, Hitting Record High
Maple News reports that rental prices across Canada surged to historic levels in 2023, with the national average asking rent reaching $2,178 by December. This marks an 8.6% year-over-year increase from 2022, when average rents stood at $2,005. Over the past two years, rents have climbed a total of 22%, […]
Which Canadian Industries Require Criminal Background Checks for Employment?
Maple News reports that criminal background checks have become a standard component of the hiring process across various sectors in Canada, particularly in roles where public safety, vulnerability, or high levels of trust are at stake. These checks are essential tools used by employers to evaluate risk and maintain secure, […]
Pandemic-Era Immigrants Earn Higher Wages Than Pre-COVID Newcomers, Says StatsCan
Maple News reports that immigrants who arrived in Canada during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic saw stronger initial earnings than those who came before the pandemic. According to a new Statistics Canada report released on January 22, newcomers who landed in 2020 recorded the highest median entry wages […]
Unlocking the Hidden Advantages of Canadian Permanent Residency
Maple News reports that becoming a Canadian permanent resident (PR) brings with it a surprising number of lesser-known but highly valuable benefits—well beyond the ability to live, study, and work in Canada. While many newcomers pursue permanent residency for stability and long-term opportunities, PR status opens doors in ways they […]
Canada Names Top Employers of 2024: A Guide for Job Seekers and Newcomers
Maple News reports that MediaCorp has officially unveiled its list of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2024. Now in its 24th year, this national competition continues to influence the career choices of both Canadians and newcomers by spotlighting companies that go above and beyond in creating supportive and forward-thinking workplace […]
How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Canadian Immigration Document
Maple News reports that newcomers to Canada who have lost, had stolen, or damaged their official immigration documents must follow a specific process set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to request a replacement. This procedure is essential to ensure individuals can continue to legally stay, work or study […]
Canada Surpasses One Million International Students as Government Moves to Curb Growth
Maple News reports that the number of international students in Canada has surpassed one million, marking a historic milestone for the country’s education and immigration landscape. According to official data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were 1,028,850 valid study permit holders in the country as of December […]
Canada Suspends New International Study Permit Applications Until March 31 Amid Reform Rollout
Maple News reports that Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced sweeping changes to the international student permit system, effectively pausing most new study permit applications until at least March 31, 2024. The Canadian government has set a nationwide cap of approximately 360,000 new study permits for 2024—a […]