Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had a backlog of 901,700 applications as of July 31, 2025. This marks the third consecutive month of increasing delays in processing immigration files. The number of backlogged applications has been climbing steadily since April. After seeing three months of […]
Canada Poised to Surpass 2025 Permanent Residency Target Despite Mid-Year Declines
Canada is on track to exceed its 2025 target for new permanent residents, even as recent data highlights significant mid-year declines across several immigration categories, Maple News reports. According to newly released statistics from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country welcomed 207,650 new permanent residents in the first […]
Canada Targets Immigration Consultant Fraud with Tough New Rules
Maple News reports that Canada is preparing sweeping reforms to crack down on fraudulent immigration consultants and enhance protections for newcomers and employers. The federal government is introducing new regulations to boost oversight, enforce accountability, and ensure fair treatment for clients harmed by unethical or criminal practices in the immigration […]
Canada Jobs That Don’t Require an LMIA: Key Work Permit Exemptions Explained
Maple News reports that not all foreign workers in Canada need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to obtain a work permit. Through Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) grants LMIA-exempt permits when there’s a clear benefit to Canada, or when international agreements and special […]
Manitoba Issues 77 Invitations to Skilled Workers in Latest PNP Draw
Maple News reports that Manitoba has conducted its 17th immigration draw of the year, selecting skilled workers through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Held on August 21, the draw issued a total of 77 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to candidates under the Skilled Worker Stream. Applicants were […]
Medical Exams Now Mandatory for Express Entry PR Applicants—What You Need to Know
Beginning August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made it mandatory for all Express Entry applicants to undergo an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) as part of their permanent residence (PR) application—unless they qualify for specific exemptions. Maple News reports that this policy aims to ensure public […]
Immigrant Couple Revives Iconic Quebec Poutinerie, Wins Hearts in Rouyn-Noranda
Maple News reports that a beloved poutine institution in northern Quebec has found new life thanks to two immigrants from Benin. When Chez Morasse, a staple in the town of Rouyn-Noranda, faced the threat of closure, newcomers Carlos Sodji and Sylviane Senou stepped in—not just to save a business, but […]
Yukon Secures Additional Permanent Residence Nominations Amid Growing Demand
Maple News reports that the Government of Yukon has successfully obtained 67 additional nomination allocations for its Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), increasing its total to 282 for 2025. This is a notable rise from the 215 nominations initially allocated by the federal government, following a nationwide reduction in Provincial Nominee […]
Manitoba Prioritizes Regional and Francophone Talent in Latest Immigration Draw
Maple News reports that Manitoba has issued 77 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), as part of a targeted Expression of Interest (EOI) draw held on August 21, 2025. The draw, conducted under the Skilled Worker stream, included candidates from both the […]
Prince Edward Island Targets Skilled Workers and Graduates in August PNP Draw
In its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) draw held on August 21, 2025, Prince Edward Island issued 132 invitations to candidates seeking permanent residency, Maple News reports. All invitations were extended under the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams. Notably, no candidates were selected through the Business Work Permit […]
Are You Eligible for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate?
Maple News reports that individuals born outside Canada may already be Canadian citizens without knowing it — and an official document, the Canadian citizenship certificate, provides the legal proof of that status. The Canadian citizenship certificate is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is not a travel […]
How Healthcare Workers Are Benefiting from Lower CRS Cut-Offs in Canada’s 2025 Express Entry Draws
According to Maple News, healthcare professionals remain one of the most prioritized occupational groups under Canada’s Express Entry system in 2025. Through targeted category-based draws, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has continued to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) at significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) thresholds for healthcare workers […]
TOEFL Essentials to Become New Approved English Test for Canadian PR Applicants
According to Maple News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to expand its list of approved English language proficiency tests for permanent residency applicants. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials will soon be accepted as a valid English test option for economic immigration pathways. […]
How First-Time Home Buyers in Canada Can Use the FHSA to Build Their Future
Maple News reports that the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), introduced by the Government of Canada in 2022, offers an accessible and tax-advantaged way for new Canadians and other qualifying residents to save for their first home. Designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind, the FHSA combines key benefits of […]
Upfront Medical Exams Now Required for Express Entry PR Applicants
Maple News reports that as of August 21, 2023, new applicants for permanent residence (PR) through Canada’s Express Entry system must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application—unless they qualify for a specific exemption. Previously, applicants were required to undergo the IME only after receiving a request […]
Quebec Targets Regulated Professions in Latest Skilled Worker Draw
Maple News reports that Quebec has issued 277 invitations under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ) in its latest Arrima draw, held on August 14, 2025. The invitations were sent to candidates who qualify under Stream 3: Regulated Professions, a category that aims to attract professionals with specialized credentials and […]