Category: Work Visa

Maple News reports that on June 4, the federal government unveiled plans to fast-track work permits for artificial intelligence professionals, as part of Canada’s push to attract and retain AI talent.\n\nUnder the proposal, the AI worker stream would operate through the Global Talent Stream (GTS), a component of the Temporary […]

Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department released updated processing time estimates for temporary residence applications on June 3, with overall wait times broadly stable and a mix of improvements and minor increases across categories. The update reflects changes since the May 26 figures and provides a clearer view of […]

Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is developing a dedicated field on the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) portal to submit language test results, as part of a broader push to modernize its online services and reduce applicant confusion. A spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Diab’s office […]

Maple News reports on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) latest update to processing times for temporary residents, which shows a mixed picture across work and study permits. The movement varies by visa type and applicant country, with some wait times tightening and others lengthening. The update notes notable decreases […]

Maple News reports that foreign workers in Canada who have applied for a new work permit before their current work authorization expires will now receive WP-EXT letters valid for 365 days, up from 180 days. The extension was outlined in updated instructions to immigration officers and published on the immigration […]

Maple News reports that the Government of Canada has launched a time-limited policy to ease access to employer-specific (closed) work permits for temporary foreign workers in Quebec who are awaiting a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) while their permanent residence application is reviewed. This is a short-term public policy designed to […]

Maple News reports that Canada is moving to expand work authorization for international students and graduates, with proposed amendments published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on April 1, 2026. The reforms enter a consultation phase, with IRCC planning to engage stakeholders in early spring 2026. Under the plan, […]

Maple News reports that eight Canadian firms participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project can offer LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permits to high-skilled foreign nationals who have a job offer, giving these employers a faster path to bring in talent. These eight companies are eligible for a five-year employer-specific permit under the […]

Maple News reports that, effective March 23, 2026, eligible spouses and common-law partners of foreign workers employed by Lululemon Athletica and Microsoft Vancouver may obtain open work permits, regardless of their partner’s compensation or seniority. The federal government has designated these two British Columbia employers as Significant Investment Projects, a […]

Maple News reports that Canada will extend the Innovation Stream pilot for two more years, maintaining its provision of employer-specific LMIA-exempt work permits for eligible high-skilled foreign nationals through 2028. The extension highlights the government’s continued emphasis on fast-tracking skilled talent to support innovation and growth in Canada’s tech and […]

Maple News reports that Canada has released updated guidance for foreign nationals seeking entry under the work permit exemption for business visitors, clarifying that the rules are clearer but the list of qualifying scenarios is not exhaustive. The changes were published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on March 19, […]

Maple News reports that the federal government announced on March 13 that Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will introduce temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to help rural employers meet labour-market needs. From April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, rural employers will be able to […]

Maple News reports that Canada has introduced two new employer-specific work permit pathways under the International Experience Canada Young Professionals stream, expanding opportunities for youth from Portugal and Taiwan. The routes are designed to facilitate work placements with Canadian employers while participants gain international experience. The two pathways are: Young […]

Maple News reports that Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated LMIA processing times for February 2026, showing increases across nearly all streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), even as temporary foreign worker admissions declined in 2026. The most pronounced rise occurred in the High-wage stream (jobs paid […]

Maple News reports that, effective March 1, 2026, Canada has updated its special measures for Iranian nationals and extended eligibility through March 31, 2027. The new framework narrows eligibility to certain work-permit holders, focusing on extensions rather than broader open permits or study-status changes. Iranian workers in Canada who wish […]

Maple News reports that Iranians in Canada can no longer apply for special work permits after the temporary public policy expired. The policy—titled the Updated temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents—had allowed Iranians who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025 to […]