Category: Immigration Guidance

Maple News reports that Marco Mendicino, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, recently delivered a keynote speech titled “Modernizing Canada’s Immigration System,” highlighting the country’s forward-looking plans to upgrade its immigration infrastructure. Speaking virtually at the Canadian Club of Ottawa on May 12, Mendicino emphasized that immigration remains vital to Canada’s identity […]

Maple News reports that Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marco Mendicino, has signaled a potential increase to the cap on a new temporary-to-permanent residency program, launched to support the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery. This follows an overwhelming response from applicants, just days after the program’s official launch. “I’m open to discussion on […]

Maple News reports that the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration has released a detailed report outlining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s immigration system. Titled “Immigration in the Time of COVID-19: Issues and Challenges,” the study offers a comprehensive review across economic, […]

Maple News reports that two key factors will shape the direction of Canadian immigration policy for the remainder of 2021: the country’s progress in controlling COVID-19 and the potential for a federal election later in the year. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly influenced Canadian immigration decisions since March 2020. Immigration, […]

Maple News reports that the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically disrupted Canada’s immigration system in 2020, causing admissions to stall and prompting a shift in policy priorities. According to a newly released study by the Conference Board of Canada, the country saw a 56% drop in permanent resident admissions between March and […]

Maple News reports that Canada has extended its ban on all direct commercial and passenger flights from India and Pakistan for another 30 days, now in effect until June 21, 2021. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, particularly the B.1.617 strain […]

Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released detailed program guidelines for the six new permanent residence (PR) pathways launched earlier this month. The update, published on May 26, clarifies key eligibility requirements for applicants under these limited-time immigration streams. Originally announced on May 6, the […]

Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has pledged to enhance transparency and communication with immigration applicants, following a critical investigation by Canada’s Information Commissioner. The move comes in response to a dramatic increase in Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) requests. These requests—often used by applicants […]

Maple News reports the passing of David Cohen, one of Canada’s most influential immigration lawyers and digital pioneers, who died on May 14, 2021, at his home in Montreal, surrounded by his family. At the age of 74, Cohen succumbed to cancer after overcoming the disease multiple times. His legacy […]

As Canada and the U.S. gradually reopen their borders following widespread COVID-19 vaccinations, many individuals are once again planning trips—both short and permanent—to the Great White North. However, Maple News reports that prospective travelers should be aware of the rules around criminal inadmissibility, as a past criminal record could prevent […]

Maple News reports that Canada’s federal advisory panel on COVID-19 is calling for an end to the mandatory hotel quarantine for air travelers. The panel, comprised of scientific and public health experts, argues that the policy—introduced in February 2021—is costly, inconsistently aligned with the actual incubation period of the virus, […]

Maple News reports that Canada has officially launched two new immigration programs offering permanent residency pathways for eligible Hong Kong residents currently in Canada. The initiative, first announced by Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino in November 2020, is part of a broader response to political developments in Hong Kong and aims […]

Maple News reports that Canada is preparing to ease quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers who are already exempt from the current travel restrictions. Health Minister Patty Hajdu announced that those who have received their second dose of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to arriving […]

Maple News reports that Canada welcomed 21,105 new permanent residents in April 2021—its lowest monthly total so far this year. The decline marks the second consecutive monthly drop in newcomer admissions after a strong start to the year. According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), […]

Maple News reports that Canada is recognizing a broad spectrum of communities and cultures throughout June, a month filled with national heritage observances and diversity celebrations. June marks National Indigenous History Month, as well as Italian, Portuguese, and Filipino Heritage Months, and is also known for LGBTQ2+ Pride events across […]

Maple News reports that Canada will maintain its current border closure with the United States for non-essential travel until at least July 21, 2021. This extension, announced by Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, continues the restrictions originally implemented in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a steady […]