Maple News reports that, starting December 14, 2020, Canada officially launched two targeted immigration programs to allow certain asylum seekers—primarily those who provided direct health care during the COVID-19 pandemic—to apply for permanent residence. These new temporary measures, first introduced by Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino in the summer, are designed […]
Canada Opens Path to Permanent Residency for Refugee Healthcare Workers
Maple News reports that Canada has launched two new immigration pathways tailored for refugee claimants who worked on the front lines of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting December 14, applications for permanent residency will be accepted from individuals who provided essential direct care to Canadians under challenging conditions. The […]
Canada Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine Amid Plans for Expanded Immigration
Maple News reports that on December 9, 2020, Health Canada granted its first emergency authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine, giving a green light to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. This marks the beginning of Canada’s largest immunization campaign in history and is seen as a major turning point in the national pandemic […]
Canada and Italy Expand Youth Mobility Agreement to Enhance Work and Travel Opportunities
Maple News reports that Canada and Italy have signed an enhanced bilateral youth mobility agreement, offering expanded opportunities for young adults to work and travel between the two countries. The new agreement, signed on December 11 by Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Marco Mendicino, and Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luigi […]
Why Immigrants Choose to Stay—or Leave—Nova Scotia
Maple News reports that job opportunities are the most decisive factor influencing whether immigrants remain in Nova Scotia or seek opportunities elsewhere. A recent study analyzing the experiences of 2,815 immigrants who either stayed in or left the province between 2011 and 2018 found that 46% of those who left […]
Canada Admits 15,100 Immigrants in October Amid Ongoing Pandemic Impact
Maple News reports that Canada welcomed approximately 15,100 new permanent residents in October 2020, a figure nearly identical to that of September. This marks the second-highest monthly intake since COVID-19 began affecting immigration flows earlier in the year. Newly released data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlights the […]
Canada Expands Access to Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot with New Flexibility
Maple News reports that Canada has introduced key changes to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), a program tailored to help rural communities attract and retain skilled foreign workers. According to an announcement made on December 14 by Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, these adjustments are aimed at boosting participation […]
Thousands of Approved Immigrants Still Stranded Abroad Amid Expired Documents and Delays
Maple News reports that thousands of individuals who have been officially approved for permanent residency in Canada remain stranded outside the country due to complications stemming from expired documents and pandemic-related travel disruptions. Fadi Ghaoui, a cybersecurity analyst from Lebanon, is one such case. He received his Confirmation of Permanent […]
Canada’s Top Immigration Milestones of 2020: Resilience Amid a Global Crisis
Maple News reports that despite a year defined by unprecedented global disruption, Canada’s immigration system has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout 2020. While the coronavirus pandemic forced many countries to tighten borders and pause migration, Canada not only upheld its commitment to immigration, but also introduced key policy changes […]
Canada Delays Parents and Grandparents 2020 Sponsorship Lottery to Early 2021
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department has postponed the selection process for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2020 edition until early 2021. Originally scheduled to take place by the end of 2020, the lottery has been pushed back due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical […]
Canada Ranks Among World’s Best for Immigrant Integration, Report Finds
Canada has earned a spot among the top five countries worldwide for immigrant-friendly policies, securing fourth place in the latest edition of the Migration Integration Policy Index (MIPEX). The ranking, based on 52 countries, evaluates how effectively governments support newcomers in becoming full members of society. MIPEX, a globally recognized […]
Alberta’s Airport COVID-19 Testing Program Shows Promising Results
Maple News reports that Alberta’s early testing pilot for international travellers is showing encouraging outcomes, with most participants testing negative for COVID-19. The innovative program allows arriving travellers at select entry points to reduce their quarantine period through testing, rather than undergoing the standard 14-day isolation requirement. Launched at Calgary […]
Canada Seeks Global Tech Talent Amid Local Brain Drain
Maple News reports that Canada is facing a growing tech talent shortage, prompting Canadian companies to look abroad for skilled professionals. Despite a thriving technology sector, more of the country’s top innovators are being lured south, attracted by higher salaries and expanded opportunities in the United States. The findings stem […]
Canada Prolongs U.S. Border Restrictions Until January 21 Amid Ongoing Health Measures
Maple News reports that Canada will extend its closure of the U.S. land border to non-essential travel until at least January 21, marking the ninth consecutive extension of the restrictions that first came into effect on March 21, 2020. The extension aligns the U.S. border restrictions with Canada’s broader international […]
Canadian ECA Now Requires Only Highest Degree for Assessment
Maple News reports that immigration applicants to Canada no longer need to submit all their foreign academic credentials for evaluation. According to recent updates from World Education Services (WES), a designated Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) provider for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), applicants should now only submit their highest […]
More Canadian Universities Cleared to Welcome International Students Amid Eased Border Rules
Maple News reports that Canada has expanded the number of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) permitted to admit international students, as the country continues to adjust its travel and immigration measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DLIs are schools, colleges, and universities that are approved by provincial or territorial governments […]