Maple News reports that Canada will not be accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025, as confirmed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Instead, the department will focus exclusively on processing the remaining applications submitted during the 2024 intake. The IRCC has set a […]
Canada’s Healthcare Crisis Sparks Call for Immigration Reform
Maple News reports that Canadians are increasingly concerned about the state of the country’s healthcare system, with a shortage of medical professionals pushing wait times to historic highs. According to new research, 6.5 million Canadians currently lack access to a family doctor — a problem that continues to fuel widespread […]
Newfoundland and Labrador Adopts Expression of Interest System for Provincial Immigration Programs
Maple News reports that Newfoundland and Labrador has overhauled its immigration intake process, introducing a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system that will govern applications for its two key immigration streams: the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Effective February 19, 2025, prospective immigrants are no […]
Saskatchewan Temporarily Suspends Job Offer Immigration Stream Amid Federal Cuts
Maple News reports that Saskatchewan has temporarily halted new applications for its job offer-based immigration streams under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The freeze, effective February 18, 2025, affects foreign nationals and employers seeking to submit Job Approval Forms (JAFs) — a required step in provincial nomination through employment […]
Manitoba and PEI Expand Provincial Nominee Invitations, Prioritizing Skilled Talent and Graduates
Maple News reports that the provinces of Manitoba and Prince Edward Island (PEI) have recently conducted new draws under their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), offering pathways to permanent residency for select skilled workers, international graduates, and individuals with strong ties to the provinces. Between February 14 and 21, Manitoba […]
Canada’s Maple Leaf Flag Turns 60: A Symbol of Unity and National Identity
Maple News reports that February 15 marks the 60th anniversary of Canada’s iconic red-and-white maple leaf flag — a powerful emblem of national pride and unity. Although today it’s instantly recognizable worldwide, the journey to Canada’s current national flag was shaped by decades of historical evolution and debate. Before 1965, […]
New Brunswick Halts AIP Endorsements for Select Occupations as of February 2025
Maple News reports that New Brunswick has announced a significant update to its participation in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), with immediate and upcoming changes affecting several occupations. Effective immediately, the province will no longer consider endorsement applications for 12 specific occupations under the AIP. This decision impacts both employers […]
Thinking of Leaving the U.S.? Canadian Immigration Offers a Faster Pathway for H-1B Workers
Maple News reports that an increasing number of U.S.-based H-1B visa holders are exploring Canadian immigration options as a simpler and often quicker alternative to obtaining U.S. permanent residency. Given challenges like restrictive quotas, long wait times, and country-based backlogs in America’s green card system, Canada’s more transparent and merit-based […]
IRCC Invites 6,500 Francophone Candidates in Landmark 2025 Express Entry Draw
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched its first category-based Express Entry draw of 2025 by issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to 6,500 candidates with strong French language proficiency. This marks the second-largest French language-focused draw in the program’s history. This milestone draw also introduced […]
IRCC Kicks Off 2025 French-Language Express Entry Draws with 6,500 Invitations
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 6,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its first French-language category-based Express Entry draw of 2025. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile prior to 4:41 p.m. […]
How to Extend Your Work Permit Under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Maple News reports that temporary foreign workers in Canada looking to extend their stay must follow a specific process to renew their work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). A TFWP work permit is granted for a limited time and must be renewed if the worker wishes to […]
Alberta Kicks Off 2025 With Targeted PNP Draws, New Brunswick Offers Processing Update
Maple News reports that Alberta has officially launched its 2025 immigration selections under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), inviting skilled workers through three targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. Simultaneously, New Brunswick has issued an update on its application processing following the recent reactivation of its provincial immigration pathways. […]
Canada Invites 646 Express Entry Candidates in Latest PNP-Focused Draw
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to 646 candidates under the Express Entry system’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This latest round required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750 and to have submitted their Express Entry profiles by […]
Can You Still Enter Canada with a Criminal Record? Here’s What You Need to Know
Maple News reports that having a criminal record—even from many years ago—could make you inadmissible to Canada as a foreign national. In fact, Canadian immigration law allows border officers to deny entry to anyone who is not a Canadian citizen if they are deemed “criminally inadmissible.” Criminal inadmissibility is determined […]
Canada Tightens Express Entry Rules for IEC Work Permit Holders Ahead of Schedule
Maple News reports that foreign nationals holding employer-specific work permits through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program will no longer be eligible for bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment under Express Entry if their permit was issued after December 18, 2024. This change significantly advances the federal […]
Building a Secure Retirement as a Newcomer in Ontario
Maple News reports that while retirement might feel like a distant concern for newcomers arriving in Ontario, laying the foundation for a financially secure future should begin early. The transition to a new country comes with many immediate challenges—settling in, securing employment, and adapting to a new culture. Yet, understanding […]