According to Maple News, the number of immigration applications waiting to be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reached nearly one million. As of September 30, 2024, the total backlog stood at 996,700, marking the highest volume of pending cases since November 2022. This significant queue includes […]
Can You Keep Working While Waiting for Your PGWP? Here’s What IRCC Says
According to Maple News, international graduates awaiting a decision on their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application can continue working full-time in Canada—even if their interim work authorization has expired. Graduates who apply for a PGWP after completing their studies in Canada are typically issued an interim work authorization letter (IMM […]
Canada Extends Deadline to Reform Citizenship Act, Potential Changes Ahead of Schedule
Maple News reports that the Canadian federal government has been granted additional time to solidify key legislative changes to the Citizenship Act that could dramatically expand access to citizenship rights for Canadians born abroad. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has extended the deadline for the passage of Bill C-3—a […]
IRCC November Update: Processing Times Surge for Key Immigration Programs
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its updated application processing times for November 2025, revealing notable increases in wait times across several major immigration streams. Among the most significant changes, processing under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has surged by nearly 185% compared to […]
Who’s Getting Invited? A Closer Look at Canadian Experience Class Candidates with High CRS Scores
Recent trends in Canada’s Express Entry system show consistent patterns in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, Maple News reports. Since August, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been issuing 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) per draw to candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of 533 or 534 […]
Navigating Healthcare: How Newcomers Can Find a Family Doctor in Canada
Maple News reports that for newcomers settling in Canada, securing a family doctor is a crucial step toward ensuring both immediate and long-term healthcare. A family doctor acts as a primary healthcare provider, managing everything from routine checkups to referrals for specialists. While emergency services are accessible without one, most […]
From NCLC 5 to NCLC 7: How Improving Your French Can Boost Your Express Entry Score
Maple News reports that improving your French language proficiency from a Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) level 5 to level 7 can significantly improve your chances of receiving Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system. Achieving an NCLC level 7 in French—Canada’s second official language—offers two major […]
Missed the PGWP? Here Are Other Work Permit Options for International Graduates
International students in Canada who missed the window to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) still have alternative pathways to obtain a Canadian work permit. As Maple News reports, these alternatives depend on the applicant’s specific situation, such as job offers or country of citizenship. The PGWP allows graduates […]
Ontario Halts Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream Amid Misrepresentation Concerns
The Government of Ontario has suspended its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), effective immediately. According to Maple News, the province has cited widespread systematic misrepresentation as the primary reason behind the decision. As a result of the suspension, Ontario will neither process current […]
Canada Invites 3,500 Healthcare Workers in Record-Low CRS Express Entry Draw
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Healthcare and Social Services category in the latest Express Entry draw, held on November 14, 2025. This marks the sixth healthcare-targeted draw of the year, with a record-low Comprehensive […]
Planning to Attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada? Here’s What You Need to Know if You Have a Criminal Record
Maple News reports that international visitors hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada should be aware of stringent immigration rules concerning criminal inadmissibility. If you have a criminal record—past or present—you may be denied entry, regardless of your nationality or the nature of your offense. Under Canadian […]
Newfoundland and Labrador Issues Record-High Invitations in Latest Immigration Draw
Maple News reports that Newfoundland and Labrador has issued its highest number of immigration invitations since July 2025 in the most recent draw held this week. The province extended a total of 330 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through its two key programs: the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) […]
Canada to Halve International Student Admissions by 2026: What It Means for Future Applicants
Maple News reports that Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 introduces significant changes that directly impact international students. The federal government has announced a dramatic reduction in student intake targets, cutting planned admissions by nearly half compared to previous commitments. Under the new plan, Canada will admit only 155,000 […]
IRCC Conducts Surprise Second CEC Express Entry Draw Within Two Weeks
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 1,000 new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry draw targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. This marks the second CEC-specific draw within just two weeks, highlighting a notable deviation from the monthly pattern previously followed […]
Express Entry Becomes More Competitive as High-Scoring Candidates Rise
Maple News reports a growing trend of competitiveness in Canada’s Express Entry system, with an increasing number of candidates achieving high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. As of November 9, 2025, 11% of all candidates in the Express Entry pool have CRS scores above 500, reflecting a significant shift in […]
IRCC Plans to Favor In-Canada Applicants in New Immigration Strategy
Maple News reports that Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 continues to prioritize applicants already living in the country, even though the plan doesn’t outline a specific admissions category labeled ‘In-Canada focus.’ In a recent media briefing, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab made it clear that Immigration, Refugees and […]