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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 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 […]
Canadian Immigration Delays Leave Families Separated Amid Dependents Abroad Policy
Maple News reports a growing number of permanent residence applicants in Canada face heartbreaking delays due to a quiet administrative hurdle: immigration files are being paused if the applicant has dependents currently living outside the country. Arsheveer Kaur, a resident of British Columbia, has been separated from her husband, Jugraj […]
Canada Loses Jobs Amid Third Wave as Provinces Tighten Health Restrictions
Maple News reports that Canada experienced a second consecutive month of job losses in May as provinces implemented stricter public health measures in response to the third wave of COVID-19. According to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey, conducted from May 9 to May 15, the country saw a net decline […]
British Columbia Invites 373 Candidates in Targeted Provincial Nominee Draws
Maple News reports that on June 8, 2021, British Columbia issued 373 invitations to apply for provincial nomination through its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), continuing its trend of conducting targeted draws to address specific labor market needs. Since February, the province has been conducting two types of PNP draws: […]
Canada to Begin Lifting Quarantine Rules for Fully Vaccinated Travelers by July
Maple News reports that Canada is preparing to ease quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers who are already exempt from the current travel restrictions. Health Minister Patty Hajdu announced that those who have received their second dose of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to arriving […]
Canada Opens Two New Pathways to Permanent Residency for Hong Kong Residents
Maple News reports that Canada has officially launched two new immigration programs offering permanent residency pathways for eligible Hong Kong residents currently in Canada. The initiative, first announced by Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino in November 2020, is part of a broader response to political developments in Hong Kong and aims […]