Maple News reports that skilled workers over the age of 40 still have ample opportunities to immigrate to Canada, despite lower age-related scores in the Express Entry system. Although the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) under Express Entry favors younger applicants—especially those aged 20 to 29—older individuals can still achieve permanent […]
Author: Maple News
IRCC Immigration Backlog Rises for the First Time in Seven Months
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration backlog has grown for the first time since October 2024, according to new data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of May 31, 2025, there were 802,000 applications classified as backlogged—an increase of 5.5% compared to 760,200 in April. This marks […]
IRCC Unveils New PR Pathways and Work Permit Stream in 2025–2026 Plan
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is preparing to launch significant new immigration pathways, as outlined in its 2025–2026 Departmental Plan. Key initiatives include the development of an innovative permanent residence (PR) route and the introduction of a fresh work permit stream to meet Canada’s evolving […]
Canada Issues 3,000 Invitations to CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
Canada’s immigration department has conducted its second Express Entry draw this week, with 3,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) issued to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Maple News reports. The draw, held on June 26, required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521. Additionally, […]
How to Authenticate Immigration Documents and Choose the Right Consultant for Canada
Maple News reports that while Canada’s immigration system remains among the most accessible and structured in the world, successfully navigating it requires careful planning, especially when it comes to verifying documents and choosing professional help. Ensuring your documents are valid and hiring the right immigration consultant can make the difference […]
Canada Reveals 920 Approved Programs for 2025 Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially published a comprehensive list of 920 programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as of 2025. This significant update is part of a major policy shift rolled out in late 2024, aimed at aligning Canada’s international education […]
Canada Expands PGWP Access to 120 New Non-Degree Programs in Key Sectors
Maple News reports that Canada has introduced a significant update to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, expanding access to 920 non-degree educational programs, effective June 25, 2025. This move includes the addition of 119 new certificate and diploma fields while removing 178 that no longer align with national labour […]
Sudbury Unveils List of Designated Employers for Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilots
Maple News reports that the City of Greater Sudbury has officially released its list of designated employers under two key immigration initiatives — the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). These community-driven programs aim to support regional labour needs by welcoming skilled foreign workers […]
Canada Opens Applications for Immigration Consultants’ Regulatory Board
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a national selection process to identify qualified candidates for the board of directors of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). This move underscores Canada’s ongoing efforts to uphold strong regulatory oversight and professional excellence within its […]
BC PNP 2024 Year in Review: Care Economy and Regional Growth Take Center Stage
British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) underwent a significant transformation in 2024, reshaping its priorities amid tightening federal immigration quotas. Maple News reports that while the province had initially anticipated receiving 9,000 nominations, the federal government capped B.C.’s allocation at 8,000 – and later announced it would drop even […]
Canada Revises Work Permit Eligibility for International Students in Career-Focused Programs
Maple News reports that the Government of Canada has introduced major updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria, aligning permitted programs with evolving labour market needs for 2025 and beyond. Effective June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised the list of educational programs that […]
Telling Canada’s Immigration Story: Journalist Nicholas Keung on Shifting Media Narratives
Maple News reports on an insightful conversation with Nicholas Keung, a veteran immigration reporter for the Toronto Star. With over two decades on Canada’s immigration beat, Keung offers a rare view into how news media have evolved to reflect the lives and challenges of newcomers. Originally from Hong Kong, Keung […]
Alberta Targets Critical Labour Shortages with Sector-Focused Immigration Draws in June 2025
Maple News reports that the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted five targeted immigration draws in June 2025, inviting over 120 candidates across high-demand sectors. These draws are part of Alberta’s strategic plan to address ongoing labour market gaps in technology, law enforcement, healthcare, and the tourism and hospitality industries. […]
Does Immigration Really Drive Up Housing Prices in Canada? New Study Reveals the Nuanced Truth
A major new study released by Statistics Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada provides fresh insight into the relationship between immigration and housing prices—an issue often at the centre of public debate. According to Maple News, while immigration does play a role in the rising cost of housing, it […]
Canada Issues 503 Invitations in Latest Provincial Nominee Express Entry Draw as CRS Cutoff Drops
Maple News reports that on June 23, 2025, Canada conducted another round of Express Entry invitations, issuing 503 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score for this draw was 742—42 points lower than the previous PNP-specific draw on […]
Comparing U.S. Green Cards and Canadian PR: Key Insights for Skilled Workers
Skilled professionals exploring immigration options often find themselves weighing two major pathways: the U.S. employment-based green card and Canada’s permanent residency through Express Entry. Each offers different strengths, timelines, and requirements, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision. Maple News breaks down the crucial differences. In the […]