Maple News reports that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declared his intention to resign as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. He will remain in office as Prime Minister until his successor is formally chosen by the party. In tandem with the announcement, Trudeau advised Governor General Mary Simon […]
Canada Scales Back Family Sponsorship Targets for 2025 Amid Policy Shifts
Maple News reports that Canada’s approach to family class immigration experienced significant developments throughout 2024, setting the stage for noteworthy changes in 2025. From reducing annual landing targets to expanding humanitarian pathways and overhauling work permit eligibility, the past year has reshaped the landscape for family reunification in Canada. In […]
Canada’s Immigration Backlog Drops by 4.7% Amid Processing Reforms
Maple News reports that Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made notable progress in reducing its application backlog. As of November 30, the backlog fell to 1,006,500 applications—down from 1,056,100 at the end of October. This marks an encouraging 4.7% improvement within a single month. The overall inventory […]
Manitoba Issues 276 Provincial Nomination Invitations in Latest PNP Draw
Maple News reports that the province of Manitoba has conducted its 235th draw under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), extending new opportunities for skilled workers aiming to settle permanently in Canada. The draw, held on December 27, 2024, resulted in 276 Letters of Advice to Apply (LOAs) being issued […]
Canada Caps Applications for Agri-Food Pilot Immigration Program Ahead of 2025 Closure
Maple News reports that Canada has introduced a cap on the number of new permanent residence applications under its Agri-Food Immigration Pilot for 2025. Effective immediately, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept a maximum of 1,010 applications—less than half of the previous annual limit of 2,750. The pilot […]
Canada Updates Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility: New Fields of Study and Language Rules Announced
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially released its updated list of study programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The changes, which take effect for international students applying for a study permit on or after November 1, aim to better align study-to-work pathways […]
2024 Express Entry Year in Review: Key Changes and What to Expect Next
Maple News reports that 2024 marked a transformative year for Canada’s Express Entry immigration system, with significant policy shifts, new category-based draws, and an evolving focus on priority sectors. These changes brought both new opportunities and higher competitiveness for skilled workers aiming for Canadian permanent residence. Over the course of […]
Big Shifts Ahead: What to Expect from Canada’s Express Entry in 2025
Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system is set for major adjustments in 2025, signaling a strategic reshaping of the country’s immigration priorities. Following sweeping changes introduced in 2024, the federal government is placing increased emphasis on Express Entry as its primary economic immigration pathway. According to Canada’s latest […]
Canada Expands PGWP Eligibility to Include Early Childhood and Education Programs
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has broadened the list of academic programs that qualify international students for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). The update, which came into effect on December 17, 2024, introduces a new category focused on education, particularly early childhood education and developmental services. […]
Government-Funded Services Help Newcomers Settle into Life in Canada
Maple News reports that newcomers to Canada may be eligible for a range of government-funded settlement services designed to ease their transition into Canadian life. These services are tailored to help immigrants with vital tasks such as finding housing, improving language skills, searching for employment, and building social connections in […]
Yukon Introduces New Application Intake System for Nominee Program Starting 2025
Maple News reports that the Government of Yukon is set to implement a new intake-based application model for its Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), beginning January 29, 2025. Under this revamped system, applications will only be accepted during designated intake periods, with a fixed cap on the number of submissions per […]
Canada Officially Ends Flagpoling for Most Temporary Residents
Maple News reports that as of December 23 at 11:59 p.m., the Government of Canada has officially banned the practice of flagpoling for most temporary residents. This change means that individuals in Canada on work or study permits can no longer access same-day immigration services by briefly exiting and re-entering […]
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship: How to Choose the Right Path to Reunite with Your Partner in Canada
Maple News reports that Canadian citizens and permanent residents looking to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence must choose between two categories of sponsorship: inland or outland. Both pathways support family reunification but differ in application logistics, processing locations, and eligibility nuances. Inland sponsorship is […]
Ontario Hits 2024 Provincial Nominee Cap as It Prepares for a Leaner 2025
Maple News reports that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has officially reached its full nomination quota for the year 2024. As of December 23, the province had issued all 21,500 nominations allocated by the federal government under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The OINP is now shifting focus to […]
Canada Ends Flagpoling as Immigration Policy Tightens
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially banned the practice of flagpoling as part of a broader effort to tighten border procedures and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed the change during a televised announcement on December 17, stating […]
IRCC to Eliminate Job Offer CRS Points for Express Entry Candidates Starting Spring 2025
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed a significant change coming to the Express Entry system in spring 2025: candidates will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for holding a valid job offer. Under the current Express Entry rules, candidates can boost […]