Maple News reports a significant contrast in wage trends between new immigrants and the general Canadian workforce, according to recent data from Statistics Canada released on December 9, 2024. Between 2021 and 2022, the real median entry wage for newcomers rose by 6.7%, while overall real wages for Canadian workers […]
Author: Maple News
Canada-US to Adjust Border Crossing Hours Starting January 2025
Beginning January 6, 2025, the service hours for 35 land ports of entry along the Canada-U.S. border will be revised. This change, effective at 12:01 am local time, will impact frequent road travelers who cross the border, offering them fewer hours to do so. The updated hours will affect ports […]
Spousal Sponsorship in Canada: Are You Eligible to Bring Your Partner?
Maple News reports that Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the right to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. However, while the concept may seem straightforward, the path to reunification under spousal sponsorship is often layered with regulatory details and procedures that […]
Understanding the Role of an Immigration Representative in Your Application Journey
Maple News reports that while it’s entirely possible to manage your own immigration application, many individuals opt to work with immigration representatives to streamline the process and avoid costly errors. But what exactly do these professionals do, and are they worth the investment? Immigration representatives—who may be lawyers, paralegals, consultants, […]
British Columbia and Alberta Invite New Provincial Nominee Candidates
Maple News reports that British Columbia and Alberta have issued new rounds of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), advancing Canada’s broader goal of distributing immigration benefits across the country. Under draws held between November 29 and December 6, both provinces selected candidates from various […]
Canada Increases Immigration Application Fees Starting December 1
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new application fees for several immigration and restoration services, effective December 1, 2024. This adjustment affects a variety of application types, with modest increases across the board. Here’s a breakdown of the updated fees: – Authorization to Return […]
Tech Sector Dominates 2025 Canadian Salary Growth Forecast
Maple News reports that Canada’s technology sector is set to lead the way in salary growth for 2025, according to a new salary guide released by Randstad Canada. The guide, which analyzed over 1,000 occupations across the country, identifies key roles expected to see notable wage increases, particularly in digital […]
Smart Saving Strategies: A Financial Guide for Newcomers to Canada
Maple News reports that starting a new life in Canada can be exciting—but often comes with financial uncertainty for newcomers. Building healthy money habits early can help ease this transition and pave the way for long-term financial security. From handling emergencies to achieving major milestones like homeownership, saving early and […]
IRCC Issues 800 Express Entry Invitations in December French-Language Draw
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a category-based Express Entry draw targeting French-speaking candidates. This draw, held on December 3, is part of Canada’s continued efforts to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking […]
Your Guide to Acing the Canadian Citizenship Test
Maple News reports that the Canadian citizenship test is one of the final milestones for immigrants seeking to become Canadian citizens. This essential step evaluates applicants on their understanding of Canada’s identity, governance, and values. The test assesses knowledge in areas including Canadian history, geography, economy, government structure, legal system, […]
Ontario Offers Immediate Health Coverage to Eligible Work Permit Holders
Maple News reports that work permit holders residing and working in Ontario may qualify for public healthcare through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), under specific conditions. This access ensures newcomers can receive essential medical services from the day their applications are approved — with no waiting period currently in […]
Provinces Advance Talent Acquisition Through Targeted Immigration Draws
Maple News reports that four Canadian provinces—Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island—held immigration draws this past week under their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These draws targeted skilled foreign workers in key sectors, aligning with the provinces’ labor market needs. The majority of invitations were issued through economic […]
IRCC Makes Progress: Backlog Drops After Months of Steady Growth
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recorded a decrease in its application backlog for the first time in months. As of October 31, 2024, the backlog stood at approximately 1,056,100 applications—down 3.73% from the 1,097,000 recorded a month earlier on September 30. This marks a […]
IRCC Backlog Tops 1 Million Applications as Canada Plans to Scale Back Immigration in 2025
Maple News reports that the inventory of unprocessed immigration applications in Canada continues to expand, raising concerns about service delivery as the federal government signals plans to reduce immigration levels in 2025. As of September 30, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had a total of 1,097,000 applications awaiting […]
December Express Entry Forecast: How Many Invitations Are Likely Before Year-End?
Maple News reports that based on patterns from recent years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is likely to issue approximately 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system in December 2024. This estimate hinges on analysis of ITA issuance in previous years relative to Canada’s immigration targets […]
Laid Off in Canada? Here’s How to Claim Employment Insurance as a Temporary Worker
Maple News reports that workers who lose their jobs in Canada may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits—even if they hold a temporary work permit. In 2024, EI regular benefits can provide up to $668 per week to help individuals bridge the gap while looking for a new job. […]