Immigration Pilot Programs | CanadianVisa.org

Updated: May 23rd, 2023

Over the years, Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for immigrants seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life. As a country known for its diverse culture, strong economy, and high standard of living, it is no surprise that many people are looking into Canada's immigration opportunities. The Canadian government has introduced several pilot programs to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs worldwide to address the country's labor market needs and promote economic growth.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Atlantic, Rural, Northern, Agri-Food, and Home Support Worker Pilot Programs – five of the most prominent immigration pathways in Canada. We will discuss each program's purpose, eligibility criteria, and application process. If you are considering immigrating to Canada, this guide will assist you in determining which pilot program is right for you and your family.

What Are Immigration Pilots?

Immigration pilots are temporary programs designed to address specific labor needs in Canada. These programs aim to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals who can contribute to the country's economic growth and development. Immigration pilots are often an excellent opportunity for individuals and their families to settle in Canada and eventually obtain permanent residency.

Unlike traditional immigration programs, pilots are generally more flexible and adaptive. They are designed to test new approaches and ideas to improve the immigration system. Once a pilot program has proven successful, it may be extended or transitioned into a permanent program.

Which Canada Pilot Program is Right for You?

Determining the right Canada pilot program for you depends on your skills, experience, and preferences. Each program has specific eligibility requirements and targets particular professionals or regions in Canada. The following sections will detail each pilot program, helping you make an informed decision.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) was launched in 2017 to address the labor shortages in Canada's Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. This employer-driven program aims to attract skilled workers and international graduates willing to live and work in one of these provinces.

There are three sub-programs under AIPP:

Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP) – targets skilled workers with a job offer from an Atlantic employer.
Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP) – targets workers with a job offer in an occupation that requires a high school diploma and/or job-specific training.
Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP) – targets international students who have graduated from an educational institution in one of the Atlantic provinces.

To be eligible for the AIPP, applicants need a valid job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province, meet the education and work experience requirements, show language proficiency in English or French, and demonstrate their intention to reside there. Learn how to apply to the AIPP here.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) was introduced in 2019 to support the economic development of smaller communities in Canada. This community-driven program helps participating communities to attract and retain skilled foreign workers by offering a pathway to permanent residency.

To be eligible for the RNIP, applicants must:

Have a qualifying job offer in one of the participating communities.
Meet the minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French.
Have at least one year of full-time work experience or the equivalent in part-time work experience in the three years before applying.
Meet educational requirements (a Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent).
Prove their intention to live in the participating community.

The RNIP is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers interested in living in smaller communities and contributing to their development. Learn how to become part of the Rural Canadian economy through the RNIP here.

Agri-Food Pilot Program

Launched in 2020, the Agri-Food Pilot Program addresses the labor shortages in Canada's agri-food sector, specifically in meat processing, mushroom, greenhouse production, and livestock raising industries. This program targets temporary foreign workers already in Canada and with work experience in eligible occupations within the agri-food sector.

To qualify for the Agri-Food Program, you must:

Have a valid job offer in an eligible occupation from an employer in the agri-food sector.
Meet minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French.
Have at least one year of full-time, non-seasonal work experience within the past three years in an eligible occupation.
Meet educational requirements (a Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent).

This program is ideal for foreign workers who have experience in the agri-food sector and are interested in obtaining permanent residency in Canada. Find out how you can find your way to living and working in Canada through the Agri-food pilot here.

Caregiver Pilots

If you work as a Home Support Worker (NOC 44101) or a Home Child Carer (NOC 44100), you could be eligible to get the fast track to Canada through one of the Home Caregiver pilots. They are as follows:

Home Support Worker Pilot Program

The Home Support Worker Pilot Program is designed to attract and retain foreign caregivers who can provide in-home care for seniors, people with disabilities, and children in Canada. This program offers a pathway to permanent residency for home support workers who meet specific eligibility requirements.

To qualify for the Home Support Worker Pilot Program, applicants must:

Have a valid job offer as a home support worker in Canada.
Meet minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French.
Have at least one year of full-time work experience as a home support worker within the past three years.
Complete a post-secondary education credential of at least one year in Canada or its foreign equivalent.

This pilot program is an excellent opportunity for caregivers interested in providing in-home care services in Canada and eventually obtaining permanent residency.

Home Child Caregiver Pilot Program

The Canada Home Child Caregiver Pilot Program is designed to attract and retain foreign caregivers capable of providing in-home care for children in Canadian households. Like the Home Support Worker Pilot Program, this initiative offers a pathway to permanent residency for child caregivers who meet specific eligibility requirements.

To qualify for the Canada Home Child Caregiver Pilot Program, you must:

Have a valid job offer as a child caregiver in Canada
Meet minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French
Have at least two years of full-time work experience as a child caregiver within the past five years
Complete a post-secondary education credential of at least one year in Canada or its foreign equivalent

You can learn more about what you need to qualify for the Home Caregiver pilots here. Remember, fulfilling these requirements is vital before you begin your application process.

FAQs

In this section, we will address some frequently asked questions about Canada's immigration pilot programs:

How Long Do Pilot Programs Last?

Pilot programs usually have a set duration, typically three to five years. However, successful pilots may be extended or transitioned into permanent programs.

Can I Bring my Family to a Pilot Program if I am Accepted?

Yes, most pilot programs allow applicants to include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in their application, offering them an opportunity to immigrate together.

What is the Processing Time for Pilot Program Applications?

Processing times vary depending on the pilot program and the applicant's circumstances. However, the Canadian government aims to process most applications within six months to two years. You can learn more about Canadian immigration processing times here.

Soar to New Heights with a Canada Pilot Program

Selecting the right Canada pilot program depends on your skills, experience, and preferences. Each program caters to different professional backgrounds and regions in Canada. By researching each pilot program thoroughly and understanding the eligibility requirements, you can make an informed decision and take your first step toward a new life in Canada. Whether a skilled worker, international graduate, or caregiver, Canada's immigration pilot programs offer you and your family various opportunities to build a bright future in this welcoming and prosperous country.

1. What is a skilled worker in Canada?

A skilled worker is any person who has special skills, training, qualifications and experience in a certain trade. The Canadian government uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to categorize skilled job positions for immigration purposes. Skilled jobs are divided into three types, 0, A and B:

Skill type 0: Management jobs, for example:

Restaurant managers;
Mine managers;
Advertising, marketing and public relations managers; and
Financial managers

Skill level A: Professional jobs that usually require a degree, like:

Doctors;
Architects;
Investment dealers and brokers; and
Human Resource professionals

Skill level B: Technical jobs and skilled trades that usually require a diploma or apprentice training, for example:

Chefs;
Electricians;
Medical administrative assistant; and
Sport and fitness instructors

2. How many skilled workers does Canada accept each year?

In 2016, the Economic Immigration Program accepted approximately 160,600 skilled foreign workers into the country. Canada has a growing economy that is seeking to attract a strong workforce, who will succeed in the labour market, this is why they accept so many skilled workers each year.

3. How do you qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

In order to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you must meet these minimum requirements:

Have enough work experience in the same type of job as your main NOC;
Prove that you have enough funds to support you and your family after you arrive in Canada if you do not have a job offer or you are not able to work legally in Canada; and
Have good language abilities in French or English

Note: If you have a live-in partner (married, same sex or opposite sex couple) they can apply under Express Entry as the principal applicant, (but only if they meet all requirements).

4. How does the Express Entry program accommodate skilled foreign workers?

Express Entry is a new system implemented in 2015, to help strengthen Canada’s labour market by securing long term economic growth. The program offers skilled foreign workers permanent residence, by reducing processing times to approximately six months for applicants.

Express Entry is not an immigration program, instead it is a management and selection stream.The system is connected to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), to help manage applications for permanent residence under the following economic immigration programs:

The Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
The Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC);
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC); and
A portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

It is is an electronic process, whereby applicants can provide their credentials (skills, work experience, abilities, language, and education) to the Canadian Government. They will then review and invite potential candidates to apply under the above-mentioned programs.

The best feature of the Express Entry Program is that Canadian employers have access to the Express Entry pool of prospective candidates. This provides employers with the opportunity to offer jobs to candidates, whose skills, qualifications and experience the Canadian employers need. Once a candidate receives a job offer from a Canadian employer, he or she will then be invited to apply for Permanent Residency.

5. How do you get chosen for Express Entry?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point based system used to evaluate and score candidate’s profiles in the Express Entry Pool. You are then ranked based on how many points you score. Note : that Express Entry draws’ minimum cut-off points depends on different factors each draw.

Ask us a question

Get a free e‑book when you sign up

take me to canada