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 […]
Canada Tightens Border Controls: Negative COVID-19 Test Required for Entry
Maple News reports that starting January 7, 2021, Canada will require all incoming travellers to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before their scheduled departure. This new measure comes in response to growing concerns over rising COVID-19 cases across the country, as well as pressure from […]
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs Proved Resilient and Vital in 2020
Maple News reports that despite the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) remained a cornerstone of the country’s immigration strategy in 2020. The provinces and territories stayed actively engaged, maintaining stable nomination levels and launching new immigration streams to address evolving demographic and labour […]
Immigrants and International Students Vital to Canada’s Post-Pandemic Economic Rebound
Maple News reports that immigrants and international students will play a pivotal role in Canada’s economic revival, as the country continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With labour shortages intensified and a rapidly aging population, welcoming newcomers is more critical than ever. According to a recent […]
Can You Leave Canada Before Completing the 14-Day Quarantine?
Maple News reports that travelers arriving in Canada are required to quarantine for 14 days upon entry, regardless of their citizenship status. However, recent clarification from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirms that international visitors may leave Canada before completing their full quarantine period—so long as they remain […]
How Family Members of Temporary Foreign Workers Can Reunite in Canada Amid Restrictions
Maple News reports that while family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents enjoy certain travel exemptions, the rules are more complex for those connected to temporary foreign workers (TFWs). However, under specific criteria, family reunification is possible—even amid ongoing travel restrictions. For clarification, “family members” include spouses, common-law partners, […]
Strong Majority of Canadians Back Permanent Residency for Agricultural Workers
Maple News reports that a growing number of Canadians support creating permanent immigration pathways for temporary foreign workers, particularly in the agricultural sector. According to a recent survey conducted by Nanos Research, over 80% of respondents expressed support for allowing these workers to remain in Canada as permanent residents. The […]
Canada Begins Issuing Invitations Under Delayed 2020 Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Lottery
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially begun issuing invitations for the 2020 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially scheduled for late 2020, the invitation round was postponed as IRCC adapted its processes during the global crisis. Individuals selected […]
Canada Conducts 2020 PGP Lottery, Sets Stage for Major Expansion in 2021
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially conducted the long-awaited 2020 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lottery, marking the next phase in family reunification efforts for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Initially scheduled for late 2020, the lottery experienced delays due to disruptions caused by […]
Trump Extends Work Visa Suspension Until March 2021, Raising Uncertainty for Foreign Talent
Maple News reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has extended a sweeping ban on certain temporary work visas until March 31, 2021, just weeks before he is set to leave office. The move continues a controversial immigration freeze that was first introduced in mid-2020, citing concerns over protecting American jobs […]
Canada Offers Lifeline to Former International Students with Expired Work Permits
Maple News reports that the Canadian government has introduced a temporary public policy giving former international students another opportunity to secure a work permit — a critical pathway toward permanent residency. This initiative comes in response to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many recent graduates unable to […]
Canada Expands 2021 Parents and Grandparents Immigration Program After Pandemic Delays
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially begun issuing invitations for the 2020 intake of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This follows the expression-of-interest submissions collected between October 13 and November 3, 2020. In response to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC is […]
IRCC Discontinues Webform Submissions for Expired COPR Holders Ready to Travel
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will no longer accept webform submissions from individuals with expired Confirmations of Permanent Residence (COPR) who are ready to travel to Canada. This change was confirmed in the department’s most recent program delivery update and marks a shift in how […]
Why You Should Join the Express Entry Pool—Even with a Low CRS Score
Maple News reports that many potential immigration candidates are second-guessing whether to join Canada’s Express Entry pool due to having a low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Recent invitation rounds have set high CRS cutoffs—often exceeding 460 points—leaving some applicants feeling discouraged. However, immigration experts suggest that entering the pool […]
Ontario Launches On-Arrival COVID-19 Testing Pilot at Toronto Pearson International Airport
Maple News reports that the Government of Ontario has launched a new COVID-19 screening pilot program at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s busiest travel hub. Effective January 6, the initiative offers free, voluntary COVID-19 testing for incoming international travelers committed to staying in Ontario for 14 days or more. Premier […]
Canada Welcomes 15,300 New Immigrants in November 2020 Amid Ongoing Pandemic Challenges
Maple News reports that Canada admitted 15,300 new permanent residents in November 2020, marking the third consecutive month with immigration levels around that figure. Although this reflects a slight rebound in arrivals compared to earlier in the year, total immigration numbers remain well below pre-pandemic norms due to continued global […]