Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its second Express Entry draw of the week, issuing 1,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with strong French language proficiency. This category-based selection draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 388. The draw highlights […]
New Federal Housing Measures Aim to Help Newcomers Afford First Homes in Canada
Maple News reports that Canada’s federal government has rolled out a series of new housing affordability initiatives that could significantly benefit newcomers to the country. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled the measures on April 11, 2024, as part of the government’s broader plan to support both […]
Budget 2024: What Canada’s New Spending Plan Means for Immigrants
Maple News reports that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has officially presented Canada’s federal Budget 2024 in Parliament, outlining the government’s financial priorities for the year ahead. While immigration was not center stage in this year’s budget, several key initiatives could indirectly benefit newcomers and shape the immigration landscape in meaningful […]
Top Questions Answered for Visitors Planning a Trip to Canada
Maple News reports that recent changes to Canadian visitor visa rules, particularly for some Mexican citizens, have prompted travelers worldwide to reevaluate their eligibility to enter Canada. To provide clarity for those planning a visit, Canada’s immigration authorities regularly address frequently asked questions that can help travelers prepare more efficiently. […]
B.C. and Manitoba Invite Over 400 Skilled Workers Through Provincial Nominee Programs
Maple News reports that British Columbia and Manitoba have issued over 400 invitations to skilled immigrants through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) during the week of April 6–12. These draws focused on attracting talent in high-demand sectors to address critical labor market needs in their respective provinces. British Columbia (B.C.) […]
Canada Welcomes 4,500 STEM Professionals in Latest Express Entry Invitation Round
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in a new category-based Express Entry draw focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations. This marks the first STEM-targeted draw of 2024 and follows a general draw that […]
Budget 2024: Newcomers to Benefit from Housing Investments and Tenant Protections
Maple News reports that newcomers to Canada can expect meaningful support from the upcoming 2024 federal budget, which will be officially tabled in Parliament on April 16. As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several Liberal Cabinet ministers have revealed, Canada’s Budget 2024 will prioritize housing affordability, infrastructure development, and tenant […]
Rents Soaring Across Canadian Cities: A 2024 Market Snapshot
Maple News reports that rental prices across Canada’s largest metropolitan areas continue to climb, presenting ongoing challenges for newcomers and residents alike. Driven by population growth, supply constraints, and increased demand in urban centers, the housing market remains high on the radar for policymakers and immigrants. In response to national […]
Snapshot of Canada’s Express Entry Pool: Key Trends from March 2024
Maple News reports that March 2024 brought a continued cadence of Express Entry draws, shedding light on how Canada’s immigration system is evolving and what newcomers can expect throughout the year. The latest developments offer a useful glimpse into the dynamics of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and the broader […]
IRCC Unveils 2024 Study Permit Allocations Across Canadian Provinces
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released the official allocation of study permits for each Canadian province and territory for 2024. This development follows the department’s announcement earlier this year introducing a national cap on study permit applications to manage the growing number of international […]
Ontario Increases 2024 PNP Allocation as Provinces Ramp Up Nominations
Maple News reports that Ontario has secured an allocation of 21,500 nominations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for 2024 — a significant increase of 5,000 over last year’s total of 16,500. This expanded quota reflects the growing role of provincial immigration strategies in meeting Canada’s broader immigration goals. This […]
More Newcomers Choosing Life Beyond Canada’s Big Cities
Maple News reports a growing trend among immigrants in Canada: more newcomers are opting to settle outside the country’s major metropolitan areas. According to a recent study by the Conference Board of Canada (CoBC), data from 2016 to 2021 reveals a shift away from large urban centers like Toronto and […]
Express Entry or PNP: Which Canadian Immigration Pathway Is Right for You in 2024?
Maple News reports that in 2024, Canada plans to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents, with over 220,000 expected to enter through either the Express Entry system or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These two immigration streams remain the leading federal and provincial pathways for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. But […]
How Long Do Canadian Permanent Residents Need to Stay in Canada?
Maple News reports that while Canadian permanent residents enjoy many of the rights and benefits of citizens, maintaining their residency status depends on meeting a specific physical presence requirement. To retain permanent residency in Canada, individuals must be physically present in the country for at least 730 days (equivalent to […]
Canada to Increase Permanent Residence Fees Starting April 30, 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement new permanent residence (PR) application fees as of 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on April 30, 2024. The increases apply across multiple immigration programs and reflect adjustments based on inflation, as mandated under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. […]
Who Can Work in Canada Without a Work Permit? Here’s What You Need to Know
Maple News reports that while most foreign nationals need a work permit to secure employment in Canada, there are specific scenarios where individuals are exempt from this requirement. Canada continues to attract global talent with its diverse economy and workforce needs — and understanding these exceptions can open up new […]