Maple News reports that Quebec has officially released its updated annual list of occupations eligible for the facilitated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. The revised list, made public on February 24, 2024, reflects the province’s ongoing efforts to address persistent labour shortages through targeted immigration strategies. Unlike the standard […]
Category: Work Visa
Long-Term Unemployment in Canada Surges Due to COVID-19, Surpassing 2008 Recession Levels
Maple News reports that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a surge in long-term unemployment across Canada, exceeding levels seen during the 2008 financial crisis. By December 2020, approximately 493,000 Canadians were considered long-term unemployed—defined as being out of work for 27 weeks or longer. This […]
Canada Launches Open Work Permit for Hong Kong Graduates and Skilled Workers
Maple News reports that beginning February 8, Canada will offer a new open work permit tailored to recent graduates and skilled workers from Hong Kong. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create smoother pathways to permanent residency, particularly for those who have been impacted by political instability […]
Canada’s New PGWP Extension Policy Brings Relief to International Graduates and Employers
Maple News reports that international students and Canadian employers alike are welcoming a major change to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. The Canadian government has introduced a temporary policy offering former international students whose PGWPs have recently expired or are about to expire the opportunity to apply for an […]
Canada Opens 18-Month Work Permit for 52,000 Former International Students
Maple News reports that Canada has introduced a new policy allowing former international students with expired or soon-to-expire Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) to apply for a new open work permit valid for up to 18 months. This measure, launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 27, is […]
Canada’s Most In-Demand Jobs for 2021 Reflect Post-Pandemic Shifts
As Canada charts its path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, signs of growth and optimism are returning to the labor market. With restrictions easing and economic activity picking up, many employers are reversing layoffs and preparing to fill roles essential for the country’s transition into the post-pandemic economy. Maple […]
Canada Records First Employment Decline Since April Amid COVID-19 Resurgence
Maple News reports that Canada experienced a setback in job recovery as national employment fell by 63,000 positions in December 2020, marking the first monthly decline since April of the same year. This 0.3% drop highlights the ongoing impact of renewed COVID-19 restrictions across multiple provinces. According to Statistics Canada, […]
Canada Grants IEC Extensions Amid Travel Disruptions
Maple News reports that certain participants in Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program are now eligible for an extension of their Letter of Introduction (LOI). This move aims to accommodate youth facing travel challenges due to COVID-19, particularly those whose LOIs are nearing expiration. The IEC program includes three streams: […]
Canada Adds 84,000 Jobs in October Amid Slowing Recovery
Maple News reports that Canada’s labour market added 84,000 jobs in October 2020, signaling a continued—albeit slower—recovery as the country grapples with resurgent COVID-19 cases and reintroduced restrictions. The October gains were considerably lower than the 378,200 jobs added in September, reflecting the direct impact of new public health measures […]
Canada Confirms Employers Must Pay Foreign Workers Even Without a SIN
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reaffirmed that Canadian employers are required to pay foreign workers even if they do not yet have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). While workers must apply for their SIN within three days of beginning employment, they can legally start […]
4 CUSMA Pathways: How U.S. and Mexican Nationals Can Move to Canada Without an LMIA
Maple News reports that citizens of the United States and Mexico have unique opportunities to live and work in Canada with fewer immigration hurdles, thanks to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Formerly known as NAFTA, CUSMA enables eligible applicants to bypass the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, streamlining entry […]
Canada Now Mailing Work and Study Permits to Foreign Nationals Within Country
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new policy allowing approved foreign nationals already in Canada to receive their work or study permits by mail. This change aims to assist those who have received Letters of Introduction (LOIs) but are unable to travel to […]
Canada’s TV and Film Industry Sees Strong Comeback Amid Pandemic Challenges
Maple News reports that Canada’s television and film production sector is witnessing a healthy revival after an extended period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As global restrictions ease and safety protocols strengthen, production activity is ramping up across multiple provinces, reaffirming Canada’s reputation as a key destination for […]
Canada Confirms Eligibility Rules for In-Country Work Permit Applications
Maple News reports that Canada has released further details outlining who can benefit from a new temporary immigration policy allowing certain temporary residents to apply for employer-specific work permits without leaving the country. Announced last month, the policy enables foreign nationals holding valid temporary resident status—specifically visitors—to submit their work […]
How Employment Services Are Guiding Newcomers Toward Success in the Canadian Job Market
Maple News reports that while immigration remains a cornerstone of Canada’s economic recovery and population growth strategy, many newcomers continue to face hurdles when entering the labor market. Despite demand for skilled workers, obstacles such as non-recognition of foreign credentials, language barriers, cultural differences, and underlying hiring biases can delay […]
Canada’s Job Market Rebounds with 246,000 New Positions in August, Boosting Immigrant Employment
Maple News reports that Canada’s labor market continued its steady rebound in August, adding 246,000 new jobs as the economy recovers from the massive losses tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the lockdowns introduced in March, approximately three million jobs were lost across the country. However, with the gradual lifting […]
