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, […]
Canada Extends International Travel Restrictions to June 21 Amid COVID-19 Caution
Maple News reports that the Canadian federal government has officially extended its international travel restrictions through June 21, 2021, as part of continued efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. The policy applies to travelers from all countries, including the United States, although certain exemptions remain in place for essential […]
Canada’s Immigration System Recovering from Pandemic Shocks, Report Finds
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 […]
Canada Extends Flight Ban from India and Pakistan Amid Variant Concerns
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 […]
IRCC Unveils Enhanced Guidelines for Six New Pathways to Permanent Residency
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 […]
Your Guide to Sponsoring a Spouse for Canadian Immigration
Maple News reports that Canada’s spousal sponsorship program, part of its broader family reunification strategy, remains a vital pathway for Canadians to bring their loved ones into the country as permanent residents. Each year, Canada aims to welcome around 80,000 newcomers under the Spouses, Partners, and Children immigration category, the […]
U.S. Companies Eye Canadian Expansion Amid Workforce Challenges
Maple News reports that more than half of American employers are actively exploring or have already expanded operations into Canada, reflecting a growing trend driven by access to global talent and more favorable immigration policies north of the border. According to a recent survey by Envoy Global, a U.S.-based immigration […]
IRCC Commits to Improving Transparency After Surge in Information Requests
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 […]
Honoring David Cohen: The Visionary Who Transformed Canadian Immigration
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 […]
Criminal Inadmissibility to Canada: What It Means and How to Overcome It
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 […]
Majority of Canadians Support Keeping Border Closed Until Vaccination Threshold Met
Maple News reports that while the Canadian government has begun laying the groundwork for reopening the Canada-U.S. border, public sentiment remains largely cautious. A new poll by the Angus Reid Institute reveals that the majority of Canadians are not eager to reopen the border any time soon. According to the […]
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs: Key Immigration Highlights from May 2021
Maple News reports that Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) saw robust activity throughout May 2021, with provinces actively issuing invitations to skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence. The PNP system enables individual Canadian provinces and territories—excluding Quebec and Nunavut—to select immigration candidates who align with their specific […]
Ontario Border City Mayors Signal Possible Canada-U.S. Border Reopening by Late June
Maple News reports that Canadian border cities may soon see an easing of travel restrictions, as Ontario mayors held a key discussion with Public Safety Minister Bill Blair about the reopening of the Canada-U.S. border. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens shared that while there is no fixed date, federal officials are […]
Canada’s COVID-19 Advisory Panel Recommends Ending Mandatory Hotel Quarantine
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, […]
Canada’s Health-Care Worker Shortage Hits Record Levels, Raising Immigration’s Role
Maple News reports that Canada’s health-care and social assistance sector is facing unprecedented labour shortages, with job vacancies reaching 100,300 by the end of 2020 — the highest on record. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly amplified long-standing staffing challenges across the country’s medical and support systems. This shortage coincides with […]
Canada Grants Cross-Border Travel Exemption for NHL Playoffs
Maple News reports that the Canadian government has granted a special exemption to allow National Hockey League (NHL) teams to travel across the U.S.-Canada border for the final two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The decision, announced by Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, comes under a “national interest” exemption that […]