Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first Express Entry draw of February 2026, focusing specifically on candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued during this targeted draw. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive […]
Category: Express Entry
Why Category-Based Express Entry Draws Offer an Easier Route to Canadian Permanent Residency
Maple News reports that for many aspiring immigrants, category-based selection (CBS) under Canada’s Express Entry system remains one of the most accessible routes to permanent residency (PR). Introduced in May 2023, CBS was designed to address labor shortages in key sectors and support francophone immigration. Since its launch, it has […]
Top In-Demand Occupations Prioritized by Provinces for Express Entry Selection
Maple News reports that candidates in Canada’s Express Entry pool can significantly boost their chances of receiving a permanent residence invitation if their declared occupation aligns with a province’s priority list. This strategy is especially effective through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that are integrated with Express Entry, known as enhanced […]
Lower CRS Scores Open Doors for More Canadian Experience Class Candidates
Maple News reports that recent decreases in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) cut-off scores under Express Entry have expanded permanent residence opportunities for thousands of candidates. After months of stable scores hovering around 533–534, the CEC cut-off has seen a sharp decline—dropping to 509 in the most recent January 21, […]
Top Employers Paving a Path to Permanent Residency for International Graduates in Canada
According to Maple News, international students and recent graduates looking to transition from study permits to permanent residency (PR) in Canada have a strategic advantage—choosing the right employer and occupation. By securing at least six months of Canadian work experience in qualifying professions under specific Express Entry categories, applicants can […]
When Declining an Express Entry ITA is the Smartest Move
Maple News reports that while receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Canada’s Express Entry system is typically a cause for celebration, there are certain situations where it may be wiser to decline the invitation. Understanding when and why to refuse an ITA can help candidates safeguard their chances of […]
IRCC Invites 6,000 Canadian Experience Class Candidates in Major Express Entry Round
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw focused exclusively on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), marking its second CEC-specific round of 2026. The draw, held on January 21, 2026, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking […]
Canada Launches 2026 Immigration Year with Express Entry Draw for Provincial Nominees
Maple News reports that Canada has conducted its first Express Entry draw of 2026, targeting candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to immigration candidates who had been nominated through a provincial or territorial program. To qualify, candidates needed a […]
Prepare for Your 2026 Canadian Immigration Journey with a Free Expert-Led Webinar
Maple News reports that aspiring immigrants planning to move to Canada in 2026 can now register for a comprehensive live webinar scheduled for Thursday, February 12 at 11 A.M. EST. Designed to guide newcomers through each step of the Canadian immigration process, this online event offers expert insights into Express […]
Express Entry: Latest CEC Draw Hits Lowest CRS Cut-Off of 2026, With 6,000 Invited
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted the fourth Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This draw, held on January 21, set a new low for Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores in 2026, […]
Canada Expands Francophone Selection Pathways with 5,000 Additional PR Spaces
Maple News reports that Canada will introduce 5,000 new permanent residence (PR) spaces specifically allocated for French-speaking immigrants in 2026. This new measure, announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab in Moncton, New Brunswick, reflects an ongoing federal commitment to expanding Francophone communities outside of Quebec. These additional spaces are […]
Express Entry Backlog Rises to Highest Point Since 2022
Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry immigration backlog has surged to its highest level in more than three years, according to fresh data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of November 30, 2025, 32% of Express Entry applications were considered backlogged—meaning their processing time exceeded IRCC’s service […]
Express Entry Becomes Less Competitive as Thousands of High-Scoring Profiles Exit the Pool
According to Maple News, the Express Entry system has seen a noticeable dip in competitiveness for the second consecutive month. Since the beginning of 2024, a total of 4,672 candidate profiles with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 501 and 600 have exited the Express Entry pool. This development largely […]
Canada Holds Third Express Entry Draw of 2026, Prioritizing Provincial Nominees
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 681 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system in its latest round of selection. Held on January 8, this draw focused exclusively on candidates who had received a provincial nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). […]
CLB 7 in English: A Key Advantage for French-Speaking Candidates Under Express Entry
Maple News reports that for French-speaking immigration candidates, achieving Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 in English can significantly improve their Express Entry profiles and overall chances of being selected for permanent residency in Canada. While bilingualism has long been a personal strength for many immigrants, it is now a […]
Why Reaching CLB Level 7 in English Can Significantly Boost Your Canadian Immigration Chances
Maple News reports that for French-speaking immigration candidates, learning English isn’t just a valuable skill — it’s a strategic advantage that can significantly increase the chances of successfully immigrating to Canada through programs like Express Entry. Canada is officially bilingual, but English remains the dominant language in most provinces and […]
