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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Canada Reinforces Immigration as Cornerstone of Economic Recovery and Growth
Maple News reports that the Canadian government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to immigration as a key driver of economic development and recovery in a new supplementary mandate letter released by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The letter, addressed to Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, outlines the government’s updated immigration priorities in […]
Pandemic Exposed Gaps in Support for Immigrants in Canada, Survey Finds
Maple News reports that a recent survey highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted economic outcomes for immigrants in Canada, amplifying longstanding vulnerabilities in the immigration system. According to research conducted by World Education Services (WES), which analyzed responses from 7,496 recent immigrants across three surveys between April and August […]
Canada Extends Non-U.S. Travel Restrictions to February 21 Amid COVID-19 Concerns
Maple News reports that Canada is extending its international travel restrictions for non-U.S. arrivals until at least February 21, 2021, as part of continued efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. The extension was officially announced by Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, underscoring the Canadian government’s commitment to safeguarding public […]
Canada Confirms COVID-19 Vaccines Available to All, Regardless of Immigration Status
Canada is making COVID-19 vaccines accessible to everyone in the country, regardless of their immigration status, Maple News reports. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has affirmed that vaccines will be distributed equitably to all residents for whom they are approved and recommended, including permanent residents, temporary workers, international […]