Pilot Immigration Programs

Canada recognizes the benefits of immigration and keeps developing innovative immigration programs on both federal and provincial levels to meet the country’s current labour and demographic needs. In general, the Canadian immigration system becomes more and more community-driven, when smaller communities across the country are given an opportunity to develop their specific immigration requirements to meet their local needs.

RURAL AND NORTHERN IMMIGRATION PILOT

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is created to promote benefits of living in the smaller communities across Canada and to attract immigrants to these communities. The number of communities participating in the RNIP program is increasing steadily. Each community sets its specific eligibility requirements for future immigrants. To qualify under the RNIP, you must demonstrate that you plan to live in the selected community.

Besides the community-specific requirements, other eligibility criteria of the RNIP include:

• a job offer from an employer from one of the participating communities,
• one year of relevant work experience within the past three years or graduation from the eligible institution in the community,
• at least a high school diploma education level,
• language requirements which depend on the skill level of your job offer, and
• settlement funds.

You will also need to get a recommendation from the participating community.

Settlement funds requirement in the RNIP is one of the lowest among all the Canadian immigration programs. Funds requirement is waived if you are already living and legally working in Canada.

AGRI-FOOD PILOT

To qualify under this pilot, you need to have at least 1 year of Canadian work experience and, if you live outside of Canada, a valid job offer in the eligible occupation under the eligible industry in agri-food. If you live in Canada when you apply, you need to either meet education requirements, which is a high school diploma, or get a qualified job offer.

Job offer must be non-seasonal, permanent and for a full-time position in an eligible occupation and with a wage meeting or exceeding the median wage established by Job Bank for the offered occupation in a province where you plan to work.

Work experience must have been accumulated within the past 3 years through 1 year of full-time non-seasonal work under the LMIA-based work permit with LMIA duration of at least 12 months or through an open work permit for vulnerable workers. Experience can be in 1 or several eligible occupations with one or different employers.

Besides the above, you will also need to meet language requirements (CLB 4) and demonstrate availability of sufficient funds. If you are currently legally working in Canada – then the proof of funds requirement is waived.

Eligible industries and occupations under the Agri-food pilot:

• meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
  NOC 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale
  NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
  NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
  NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
  NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
  NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
  NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing
• greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)
  NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
  NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
  NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
  NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
• animal production, excluding aquaculture
  cattle ranching and farming (NAICS 1121);
  hog and pig farming (NAICS 1122);
  poultry and egg production (NAICS 1123);
  sheep and goat farming (NAICS 1124);
  other animal production (NAICS 1129)
  NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
  NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
  NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
  NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers

The Agri-food pilot is a cap based program with a maximum limit of applications that the IRCC intends to process each year.
As Canada continues its focus on community development, in early 2024, the IRCC announced the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, the programs which are planned to be launched in the fall of 2024.

OTHER IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS AND PATHWAYS

Canada regularly announces immigration programs and temporary immigration pathways targeting specific groups affected by political situations, disasters and humanitarian crises around the globe.

• Humanitarian and compassionate grounds
• Pathway to permanent residence – Family reunification for Ukrainian nationals
• Permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents
• Public Policy which is in effect until August 31, 2026