Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recorded a decrease in its application backlog for the first time in months. As of October 31, 2024, the backlog stood at approximately 1,056,100 applications—down 3.73% from the 1,097,000 recorded a month earlier on September 30. This marks a […]
IRCC Backlog Tops 1 Million Applications as Canada Plans to Scale Back Immigration in 2025
Maple News reports that the inventory of unprocessed immigration applications in Canada continues to expand, raising concerns about service delivery as the federal government signals plans to reduce immigration levels in 2025. As of September 30, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had a total of 1,097,000 applications awaiting […]
December Express Entry Forecast: How Many Invitations Are Likely Before Year-End?
Maple News reports that based on patterns from recent years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is likely to issue approximately 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system in December 2024. This estimate hinges on analysis of ITA issuance in previous years relative to Canada’s immigration targets […]
Laid Off in Canada? Here’s How to Claim Employment Insurance as a Temporary Worker
Maple News reports that workers who lose their jobs in Canada may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits—even if they hold a temporary work permit. In 2024, EI regular benefits can provide up to $668 per week to help individuals bridge the gap while looking for a new job. […]
Healthcare, Utilities Lead in Retaining Foreign Workers After Gaining Permanent Residency
Maple News reports that temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada’s healthcare and social assistance sectors are the most likely to stay in their industries after transitioning to permanent residency, according to recent data from Statistics Canada. The study analyzed the retention patterns of TFWs who became permanent residents between 2011 […]
What to Do When You’re No Longer Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
Maple News reports that recent and soon-to-be international student graduates in Canada who are ineligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or whose PGWPs are expiring, still have several alternative pathways to legally continue working in Canada. One major route to consider includes work permits tied to Free Trade Agreements […]
International Graduates from University of Waterloo Outearn Canadian Peers, Study Reveals
Maple News reports that international students graduating from the University of Waterloo are earning significantly more than their Canadian-born counterparts—both within the university and across Canada—according to a newly published study by university researchers. Using a combination of academic records, immigration data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and […]
Top Five Reasons Your Canadian Study Permit May Be Denied in 2024
Maple News reports that Canadian study permit refusals have seen an increase in 2024, as stricter immigration policies and evolving financial thresholds are impacting international students more than ever. To improve your chances of approval, it’s essential to carefully prepare your application and avoid common pitfalls that Immigration, Refugees and […]
Canada and U.S. to Modify Border Hours at Dozens of Crossings Starting January 2025
Maple News reports that beginning January 6, 2025, the operating hours at 35 land border crossings between Canada and the United States will be adjusted, according to coordinated announcements from both nations’ border services. The new hours will take effect at 12:01 a.m. local time on that date and reflect […]
British Columbia and Manitoba Issue New Invitations Through PNP Draws
Maple News reports that the provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba have issued new invitations to immigration candidates through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), continuing Canada’s regional efforts to attract skilled foreign workers in key sectors. On November 20, British Columbia conducted targeted category-based draws under its BC Provincial […]
New Brunswick Halts Several Immigration Streams as Annual Quotas Are Reached
Maple News reports that the province of New Brunswick has temporarily paused several of its immigration pathways, effective November 15, 2024, after reaching its annual allocation of candidate nominations. The impacted streams include: – The New Brunswick Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), – The New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot, […]
Explore Free Tools to Simplify Your Canadian Immigration Journey
Maple News reports that newcomers to Canada can now take advantage of a wide range of free online tools designed to support users at every step of the immigration process. Whether you’re exploring your options, preparing an application, or settling in after arrival, these resources help demystify a often complex […]
Canada or Australia? A Side-by-Side Look for International Students Eyeing Immigration
Maple News reports that Canada and Australia remain top choices for international students hoping to turn their education into a pathway to permanent residency. In 2024, both countries introduced sweeping reforms to their immigration policies, directly impacting international students. For students interested in settling long-term, Canada stands out with its […]
Canada Resumes Healthcare-Focused Express Entry Draws, Issues 3,000 Invitations
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest category-based Express Entry draw, prioritizing healthcare professionals. This marks the first healthcare-targeted draw since July, signaling a renewed push to address Canada’s ongoing labour shortages in the health sector. To […]
CRA to Host Free Tax Webinar for International Students in Canada
Maple News reports that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will host a free webinar on November 27, 2024, aimed at helping international students understand their tax obligations and uncover potential benefits they may be eligible for while studying in Canada. The 45-minute virtual session is scheduled to begin at 2:00 […]
Canada Connects: How Local Mentorship Helps Newcomers Settle and Succeed
Maple News reports that Canada’s federal government continues to enhance its newcomer support system through innovative programs designed to ease the transition for immigrants. One such initiative is ‘Canada Connects’—a community-based mentorship program that helps newcomers settle more quickly and confidently into Canadian society. Canada Connects is a collaborative effort […]