Category: Immigration Guidance

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Canada’s population growth stagnated in the first quarter of 2025, as federal measures to limit both temporary and permanent immigration took effect. According to new estimates from Statistics Canada, the nation’s population increased by just 20,107 people—effectively 0.0% growth—between January and April, marking the weakest quarter since the early months […]

Maple News reports that Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), an immigration initiative designed to connect skilled refugees with Canadian employers, is set to become a permanent program by 2025. This expansion, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aligns with the federal government’s commitment to combine humanitarian efforts […]

Maple News reports that Canada has introduced the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) for 2025, a key initiative aimed at aligning immigration goals with local labour market needs. Replacing the earlier Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the RCIP enables skilled foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency by working and […]

Maple News reports that a recent federal survey reveals growing caution among Canadians regarding immigration levels—even after the federal government announced a significant cut to its intake targets starting in 2025. Commissioned by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and conducted in November 2024, the survey found that 54% of […]

Canada’s major cities continue to shine on the world stage, with three of them placing in the top 20 of the 2025 Global Liveability Index, according to new data released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Maple News reports that Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary all received overall scores above […]

Maple News reports that the Canadian federal government has released further details of its proposed Strong Borders Act as it faces growing scrutiny over how the legislation may impact asylum seekers and immigrants. While positioned as a way to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration and asylum systems, critics argue […]

Maple News reports that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced a streamlined online application process, making it significantly easier for newcomers to Canada to apply for federal benefit and credit payments. Until recently, temporary and permanent residents had to submit paper applications to access benefits like the GST/HST Credit […]

Maple News reports that Canada has extended its Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) until December 31, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative enables skilled refugees and displaced individuals to immigrate to Canada through economic immigration pathways, helping to alleviate labour shortages across various industries while giving newcomers a fresh start through permanent […]

Maple News reports that Canada’s growing healthcare needs and aging population have made Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) a key priority in the country’s immigration strategy. With thousands of positions projected to remain unfilled, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded opportunities for foreign-trained LPNs to obtain permanent residency through […]