Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 975 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a targeted Express Entry draw for transport occupations. Conducted on March 13, 2024, this is the first occupation-specific Express Entry draw of the year focusing on the transport sector. Candidates needed a […]
Temporary Workers Quadruple in Quebec as Immigration Fuels Labour Market Growth
Maple News reports that the number of temporary foreign workers in Quebec has nearly quadrupled over the past eight years, driven primarily by two federal immigration programs: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). According to a recent report from the Institut du Québec (IDQ), […]
Should You Enter the Express Entry Pool with a Low CRS Score? Here’s What to Consider
Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system continues to be a leading pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Express Entry is known for its efficiency, with standard application processing times averaging six months. That reputation for speed makes it one […]
Canada Confirms 292,000 Study Permits for International College and Undergraduate Students in 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed it will approve approximately 292,000 study permits for international college and undergraduate students in 2024. This figure is part of a broader cap introduced earlier in the year to manage the volume of international students and improve the […]
What is a Port of Entry (POE) Letter and Why Is It Crucial for Entering Canada?
Maple News reports that certain temporary residents entering Canada must receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before they are allowed to enter the country. POE letters, officially called ‘Port of Entry Letters of Introduction,’ play a pivotal role in confirming an individual’s […]
Ontario, B.C., and Saskatchewan Issue New Invitations Through PNP Streams
Maple News reports that three Canadian provinces—Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan—issued new invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence this week through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These invitations are part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to address regional labour market needs and demographic priorities, and they highlight the increasingly […]
IRCC Unveils Action Plan to Clear Permanent Residence Application Backlog
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released an official roadmap detailing how it plans to resolve the backlog of permanent residence applications, following recommendations from Canada’s Auditor General. The plan, disclosed through an Access to Information request, outlines how IRCC will tackle application delays across […]
Taking a Gap Year? Here’s What Canadian Schools Expect from International Applicants
Maple News reports that taking a break between academic programs—commonly known as a gap year—does not automatically affect an international student’s chances of being accepted into a Canadian educational institution. However, how that time is explained can significantly influence the success of one’s application. Canada’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), which […]
Study Permit Applicants: New Provincial Attestation Letter Requirement Now in Effect
Maple News reports that international students planning to study in Canada at the post-secondary level may now need to submit a new document — a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) — as part of their study permit application. This new requirement, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), marks a […]
Canada Updates Acceptance Letter Requirements for International Students
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidance on what Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada should include in Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) issued to international students. These letters play a crucial role in the study permit application process, serving as essential proof that […]
CAEL: The Canadian Academic English Test Streamlining Pathways to Study in Canada
Maple News reports that international students aiming to study at Canadian universities and colleges now have a streamlined option to demonstrate English proficiency through the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test. Designed specifically for academic settings, CAEL has emerged as a strong alternative to internationally known tests such as IELTS […]
Canada Launches Two New Immigration Pilots to Boost Rural and Francophone Communities
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled two new immigration pilot programs aimed at supporting rural areas and French-speaking minority communities across Canada. The announcement, made during a press conference by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, also confirmed that the current Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot […]
Canada Launches Temporary PR Pathway for Colombians, Haitians, and Venezuelans with Family Ties
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially activated a new humanitarian permanent residence (PR) pathway, aimed at supporting Colombian, Haitian, and Venezuelan nationals with close family connections in Canada. This initiative, first announced in October 2023, is part of Canada’s broader strategy to offer humanitarian […]
Inside Canada’s Permanent Residence Application Process: How IRCC Handles Thousands of Files
Maple News reports that Canada welcomed a record-breaking 471,550 new permanent residents in 2023—surpassing the government’s annual immigration targets. As interest in immigrating to Canada continues to grow, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is tasked with processing hundreds of thousands of permanent residence (PR) applications each year alongside thousands […]
Language Proficiency Strongly Linked to Immigrant Earnings in Canada, Study Finds
Maple News reports that a recent Statistics Canada study confirms a strong connection between language proficiency and income levels for immigrants in Canada, emphasizing the importance of strong English or French skills for long-term economic success. Under Canada’s Express Entry system—a primary pathway for skilled immigration—candidates must prove their language […]
Where South Asians Are Putting Down Roots in Canada
According to the latest national census, Canada’s South Asian community has reached 2.3 million people, making it the country’s largest visible minority group. As the nation’s immigrant population continues to surge—expected to exceed 5 million South Asian residents by 2041—Maple News offers a closer look at where South Asians are […]