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 […]
Working in Canada Without a Work Permit: Who Qualifies as a Business Visitor?
Maple News reports that not all foreign nationals require a work permit to legally work in Canada. In select cases, individuals may engage in certain business activities without the need for a permit if they qualify as ‘business visitors’. These individuals do not formally enter the Canadian labour market and […]
Victoria Tops List of Canada’s Most Livable Cities for Newcomers in 2024
Maple News reports that Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, has been ranked the most livable city in Canada for newcomers in 2024. The finding comes from a recent annual report by The Globe and Mail, which evaluates cities across several criteria including affordability, employment opportunities, health care access, climate, […]
Canada to Eliminate LMIA Job Offer Points from Express Entry CRS by Spring 2025
Maple News reports that the Government of Canada will eliminate Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the Express Entry system. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the upcoming change in a televised interview on December 17, confirming it will take […]
Canada Extends Deadline on Reforming Citizenship by Descent Rules
Maple News reports that the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has granted the federal government an additional three months to revise Canada’s first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent. The new deadline is set for March 19, 2025. The FGL, currently part of the Canadian Citizenship Act, restricts citizenship transmission […]
Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, and P.E.I. Issue New Invitations in Latest Provincial Immigration Rounds
Maple News reports that four Canadian provinces—Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island—have recently issued new invitations through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), offering pathways toward permanent residency for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and other in-demand candidates. In Alberta, between November 29 and December 17, the province conducted an active […]
Canada Overhauls International Student and Work Permit Rules in 2024: A Year in Review
Maple News reports that Canada has introduced sweeping reforms to its international student and post-graduation immigration policies in 2024, marking a significant shift in the landscape for aspiring international students and recent graduates. These changes are part of Canada’s broader push to better align temporary resident programs and manage population […]
Concordia University Unveils New Migration Research Institute to Support Immigrant Integration
Maple News reports that Concordia University in Montreal has launched the Institute for Research on Migration and Society (IRMS), a new academic hub dedicated to studying immigration and improving outcomes for newcomers across Canada. The institute aims to produce rigorous, evidence-based research on migration patterns, integration challenges, and policy impacts. […]
How to Get an Open Work Permit for Your Spouse During Canada’s Sponsorship Process
Maple News reports that sponsored spouses or partners of Canadian permanent residents or citizens may be eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their permanent residence application is being processed. This permit allows foreign nationals to work for almost any employer in Canada, offering financial stability and […]
Canada Drops Extra CRS Points for LMIA-Based Job Offers in Express Entry Overhaul
Maple News reports that Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced a major policy shift affecting Express Entry candidates. As of December 17, job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will no longer grant additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a move that could significantly […]
Newcomers Play Crucial Role in Tackling Canada’s Top Challenges: Healthcare and Housing
Maple News reports that newcomers to Canada are increasingly contributing to solving two of the country’s most pressing issues: healthcare and housing affordability. According to a recent survey by the Angus Reid Forum, healthcare and housing affordability emerged as the top two concerns for Canadians nationwide. Interestingly, the data revealed […]
Canada Reopens International Experience Canada (IEC) Pool for 2025 Applicants
Maple News reports that the International Experience Canada (IEC) program has officially reopened its application pool for the 2025 season, offering young citizens from select countries the chance to live and work in Canada on a temporary basis. The IEC is a youth mobility initiative that operates under Canada’s international […]
IRCC Extends Open Work Permit Policy for TR to PR Pathway Applicants Until 2026
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended its public policy allowing applicants in the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway to access longer-duration open work permits (OWPs) while their permanent residency applications are under review. This extension will remain in effect until […]
How Samsung’s SmartStarts Program Helps Newcomers Launch Their Careers in Canada
According to Maple News, newcomers to Canada now have a new digital ally to support their job search and career development — Samsung’s SmartStarts program. Tailored specifically for immigrants and recent arrivals, this initiative offers technology-driven tools and exclusive services to help ease the transition into the Canadian job market. […]