Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially released details of the 2021 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), unveiling its largest intake quota to date. Under the updated program, IRCC will invite up to 30,000 Canadian citizens and permanent residents to submit sponsorship applications for their […]
Traveling to Canada from the U.S.? Know the Rules if You Have a Criminal Record
Maple News reports that as of August 9, 2021, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents of the United States are permitted to travel to Canada for leisure and other non-essential purposes. This announcement marks a significant step in the easing of pandemic-related border restrictions that have been in place since […]
Canada to Invite 30,000 Sponsors Under 2021 Parents and Grandparents Program Lottery
Maple News reports that Canada will resume the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2021 with a new lottery-based selection process. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the upcoming draw will take place during the week of September 20, 2021. Invitations to apply will be sent out […]
Canada Extends India Flight Ban Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Concerns
Maple News reports that Canada has extended its ban on direct commercial flights from India until at least August 21. The decision, announced earlier this week, comes as the country continues to gradually loosen international travel restrictions for other regions. The flight suspension, first put in place on April 22, […]
Canada Hits a Pandemic-Era High With Over 35,000 New Immigrants Welcomed in June
According to Maple News, Canada recorded its strongest month for immigration since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, welcoming approximately 35,700 new permanent residents in June 2021. These figures, reported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), mark a significant rebound and demonstrate renewed momentum in the country’s ambitious immigration […]
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs Issue Over 6,000 Invitations in July 2021
Maple News reports that Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) continued their strong momentum in July 2021, issuing more than 6,000 invitations to apply for provincial nominations. These programs are key to Canada’s strategy for attracting skilled immigrants who meet specific regional labor market needs. Except for Quebec and Nunavut, all […]
Canada Expands Access to Privacy and Immigration Records for Foreign Nationals
Maple News reports that Canada is taking a significant step toward transparency and global alignment by expanding access rights under its Privacy Act. For the first time, non-Canadians located outside of Canada will be permitted to submit Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) requests—an important policy shift published recently in […]
Canada Faces Critical Labour Gaps in Health Care and Hospitality Sectors
Maple News reports a significant uptick in job vacancies across Canada, especially in essential sectors like health care, food services, and retail, as the country continues to recover from the pandemic’s economic shocks. Data from May shows Canadian employers were actively recruiting for approximately 671,100 positions. The health care and […]
Canada Adds 94,000 Jobs in July as Economic Recovery Gains Momentum
Canada’s labour market made notable progress in July, recovering 94,000 jobs as the economy edged closer to pre-pandemic levels, Maple News reports. The employment boost came as public health restrictions eased across much of the country thanks to lower COVID-19 case numbers and increased vaccination coverage. According to Statistics Canada’s […]
Canada Extends Ban on Direct Flights from India Until September 21
Maple News reports that the Canadian government is prolonging its restriction on direct flights from India due to ongoing public health concerns. The suspension, which initially began in April 2021 following a surge in COVID-19 cases among incoming travelers from India, will now remain in place until at least September […]
British Columbia Invites 374 Candidates in Latest PNP Draws to Meet Labour Market Needs
Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia has invited 374 skilled immigration candidates in its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws held on August 3, 2021. These draws are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address labour market demands across various sectors of the province. Since February […]
Alberta Lowers CRS Requirement to 300 in Latest PNP Draw
Maple News reports that Alberta has conducted a new provincial nominee program (PNP) draw through its Express Entry stream, issuing invites to 148 candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 300. This draw, held on July 27, marks a significant drop in the minimum CRS requirement, potentially […]
Canada May Head to the Polls Early as Trudeau Weighs Snap Election
Maple News reports that Canada could be heading toward a federal election sooner than expected, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau considers calling a snap vote—possibly within weeks. While Canadian law mandates a general election by October 2023, political indicators suggest the Liberal government may act earlier, potentially sending Canadians to […]
Canada to Launch National Vaccine Credential for International Travel
Maple News reports that the Canadian government is developing a standardized vaccine credential designed to streamline international travel for residents. The system, often called a ‘vaccine passport,’ is being created in collaboration with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. It is expected to launch in early fall. Speaking at a press […]
Trudeau Calls Snap Election Amid Favourable Polls: What It Means for Immigration Policy
Maple News reports that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has officially called a federal election for September 20, aiming to transform his minority Liberal government into a majority. While the next election was not legally required until 2023, strong poll numbers and the country’s improving pandemic recovery appear to have […]
Canada and Newfoundland Extend Immigration Partnership Amid Plans to Boost Newcomer Intake
Maple News reports that Canada has extended its immigration agreement with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador for an additional year, allowing both levels of government more time to re-negotiate and strengthen their long-term immigration strategy. The announcement was made by Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino and Premier Andrew Furey on […]