Maple News reports that the provinces of Manitoba and Alberta have issued new invitations to candidates seeking Canadian permanent residence through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). In an immigration update spanning from February through early March, Manitoba issued a total of 111 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) under […]
Canada Expands Express Entry with New Education-Focused Category
Maple News reports that Canada has officially introduced a new education-focused category within the Express Entry system, offering a promising new immigration pathway for international educators and early childhood professionals seeking permanent residency. As of February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a dedicated category under […]
Canada to Resume Sending PR Invitations for Parents and Grandparents in 2025
Maple News reports that Canada will resume inviting individuals to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in 2025 under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). According to an announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on March 7, 2025, invitations to apply (ITAs) will be extended to […]
IRCC Invites 4,500 French-Speaking Candidates in Lowest-Scoring Express Entry Draw Since August 2024
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 4,500 French-speaking candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. The draw, held on March 6, 2025, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of just 410—the lowest cut-off in a French-language category-based draw […]
Canada’s Express Entry Surge: February 2025 Sees Record Invitations, Focus on CEC and French Speakers
Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system has gained momentum in early 2025, with a significant increase in Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in the month of February. Over 17,000 ITAs have been sent out during the first two months of the year as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada […]
New Brunswick Reopens Two Express Entry-Aligned Immigration Pathways for 2025
Maple News reports that starting March 5, 2025, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) will reopen intake for two enhanced immigration streams aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system. These streams — the Employment in New Brunswick pathway and the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream (formerly referred to as the […]
Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot Reaches Capacity, Closing Path to New Permanent Residency Applications
Maple News reports that Canada’s Agri-Food Immigration Pilot has officially closed to new applicants, marking the end of a significant pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers in the agriculture and food processing sectors. As of February 13, 2025, the pilot reached its full quota of applications for the year, […]
Canada Increases Visitor Visa Scrutiny: How to Strengthen Your Application
Maple News reports a significant rise in visitor visa refusals to Canada, with Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirming a current rejection rate of over 61% for applicants from certain countries. The increase stems from new policies aimed at reinforcing Canada’s border security and immigration integrity. For individuals planning to visit […]
Canada Extends Special Open Work Permit Policy for Iranians Until 2026
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended its special temporary public policy that allows eligible Iranian nationals in Canada to apply for open work permits and initial study permits under relaxed conditions. The extension pushes the policy’s expiration date to February 28, 2026, providing continued […]
How Newcomers Can File Their First Tax Return in Canada—And Why It Matters
Filing your first income tax return in Canada can feel daunting, especially for newcomers. But according to Maple News, understanding the basics of the Canadian tax system can help you access financial benefits and avoid penalties—whether you’ve earned income or not. If you’re considered a resident of Canada for tax […]
IRCC’s Immigration Backlog Falls Below 900,000, Continuing Downward Trend
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has made further progress in reducing its application backlog. As of January 31, 2025, the total number of backlog applications stood at 892,100—marking the second consecutive month the figure has remained under one million. This number reflects […]
Canada Issues 725 Invitations to PNP Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 725 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry draw aimed at candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The draw, held on June 10, 2025, required applicants to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score […]
The Canadian Roots of Elon Musk—and Why Some Want His Citizenship Revoked
Maple News reports that Elon Musk, the tech billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter), is a citizen of three countries: South Africa, the United States, and Canada. But his Canadian citizenship, long viewed as a footnote in his biography, is now the target of public debate. […]
Canada Revamps Express Entry Categories for 2025 With New Focus on Education and Expanded Healthcare Roles
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced sweeping updates to the Express Entry system for 2025, introducing key changes in how candidates will be selected for permanent residency through category-based draws. A major highlight of the update, revealed on February 27, 2025, is the addition […]
Mastering the Canadian Job Interview: What Newcomers Need to Know
Maple News reports that succeeding in a Canadian job interview takes more than just qualifications—it requires preparation, cultural awareness, and strong communication skills. Whether you’re launching your career in Canada or making a mid-career switch in 2025, a well-executed interview can significantly increase your chances of landing a job offer. […]
Quebec Caps International Student Admissions with New Study Permit Limits Until 2026
Maple News reports that Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) has introduced new limits on study permit applications for international students seeking admission to postsecondary institutions in the province. This move is designed to regulate the number of new international students entering Quebec’s postsecondary education system and will […]