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 […]
Manitoba Launches New Rural Immigration Pilot to Boost Local Workforce
Maple News reports that the government of Manitoba has introduced a new three-year immigration pilot aimed at addressing labour shortages in the province’s rural west-central region. Announced on November 15, the West-Central Immigration Initiative is part of Manitoba’s broader strategy to attract skilled workers to underserved regions, supporting both economic […]
Rent or Buy? A Practical Guide for Newcomers Navigating Canada’s Housing Market
Maple News reports that for newcomers anchoring their lives in Canada, one of the most essential decisions early on is whether to rent or buy a home. Both options offer unique advantages and challenges, making the right choice highly personal, depending on financial readiness, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. Renting […]
Smart Savings: Top Discounts and Insider Deals for International Students in Canada
Maple News reports that international students in Canada can benefit from a wide array of discounts and cost-saving programs designed to ease their transition and stretch their budgets. From groceries to tech subscriptions, Canadian retailers and service providers are offering exclusive deals for students enrolled in educational institutions nationwide. When […]
Ontario’s Statutory Holidays in 2025: What Workers Need to Know
Maple News reports that employees in Ontario can expect nine paid statutory holidays in 2025, offering several long weekends and well-deserved breaks throughout the year. While holiday entitlements vary by province and whether an employer is federally or provincially regulated, this guide focuses specifically on Ontario’s calendar. In Canada, federally […]
IRCC to Increase Processing Fees for Temporary Resident Applications Starting December 1
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will raise application and processing fees for several temporary resident services starting December 1, 2024. The update will impact visitors, international students, and foreign workers looking to restore their status or enter Canada. According to the IRCC, the changes will […]
Canada Holds Third Express Entry Draw in a Week, Focuses on French-Speaking Candidates
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its third Express Entry draw this week, issuing 800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) specifically in a category-based selection for French-speaking candidates. Eligible applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 478 to qualify in this round. This […]
Quebec Ranked Canada’s Happiest Province, Survey Finds
According to a new national survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute, Quebec has emerged as the happiest province in Canada. Maple News reports that the majority of respondents in la belle province described themselves as either ‘very happy’ or ‘pretty happy,’ putting Quebec at the top of the rankings […]
British Columbia and Alberta Issue Fresh Invitations to PNP Candidates
Maple News reports that both British Columbia and Alberta have recently extended invitations to immigration candidates through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), reinforcing their commitment to targeted economic immigration. On November 13, British Columbia conducted two draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), issuing a total […]
Canada Revises Visitor Visa Rules: Multiple-Entry No Longer the Default
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration authorities have introduced updated guidance narrowing access to multiple-entry visitor visas. This change marks a significant shift in how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluates and approves visitor visas. Previously, multiple-entry visas were generally seen as the default option for eligible travelers visiting […]
Planning to Travel to Canada with a Criminal Record? Here’s What You Need to Know
Maple News reports that individuals who are not Canadian citizens and have been charged with or convicted of a crime may face criminal inadmissibility when attempting to enter Canada. It’s crucial for travelers with a criminal history to explore their options and prepare in advance to avoid being denied entry […]
Newcomers to Canada: Master Self-Directed Investing with This Free Webinar
Maple News reports that newcomers to Canada now have an accessible way to build financial independence through self-directed investing, thanks to a newly released educational webinar hosted by CanadaVisa in partnership with TD Bank. This insightful session is tailored specifically for recent immigrants and aims to demystify the world of […]
Banking in Canada: A Smart Start Guide for Newcomers
Maple News reports that opening a bank account is one of the first and most critical financial steps for newcomers settling in Canada. A Canadian bank account not only offers a safe place to deposit earnings but also makes it easier to pay bills, access financial tools, and manage everyday […]
Why More Skilled Workers in the U.S. Are Choosing Canada for Permanent Residency
Maple News reports that a growing number of skilled foreign workers residing in the United States are setting their sights northward, drawn by Canada’s more accessible and efficient immigration system. According to Canada’s Express Entry year-end report for 2023, the U.S. consistently ranks among the top countries of residence for […]
New PR Pathways Open to French-Speaking Temporary Residents Outside Quebec
Maple News reports that new federal immigration pilot programs are offering alternative routes to permanent residence (PR) for Francophone temporary residents currently in Quebec, particularly as key provincial streams have been paused. Quebec has recently paused two major immigration streams: the Regular Skilled Worker Program (soon to be replaced by […]
Canada Ends Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express Pathways with Immediate Effect
Maple News reports that, as of November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS), halting all new study permit applications under this fast-track option. In addition, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program has also been terminated, affecting Nigerian applicants who previously […]