Federal Economic Immigration Programs

When enacted in 2015, the Express Entry Program envisioned inviting 400,000 immigrants to fill 110,000 employment spots based on the talents and skills of these new residents – talents and skills that are needed to sustain and build the Canadian economy. Every 2 weeks the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites those applicants with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores to apply for Express Entry permanent residency status.

The Atlantic Immigration Program permits employers in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador to recruit foreign skilled workers or to invite international graduates to settle in Atlantic Canada after graduation. Both categories—skilled workers and international graduates—are eligible to apply for permanent residence, along with their families.

Eleven rural and northern communities administer immigration pilot programs to attract foreign workers to resettle in these under-populated regions. To attract new workers, these communities match applicants with local job vacancies and support their resettlement within these communities. This is called the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).

Agriculture remains one of Canada’s most vital industries, and to support its vitality, Canada accepts up to 2750 applications from foreign agricultural workers seeking permanent residence through the Agri-Food Pilot program.

Child care workers who perform services in the home are needed to help sustain Canada’s economy, especially for so many single parent and two income households. In addition, Canada’s population is aging, and consequently, caregivers are needed to support the needs of an aging and disabled population. Two pilots were designed to provide a pathway to permanent residence for these categories of workers: Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot.

Another immigration stream, although quite narrow and specific, is the self-employed person category. The area of self-employment is restricted to accomplished cultural and sports figures who are willing to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.

Canada is looking for qualified immigrant entrepreneurs to grow the Canadian economy. The Start Up Visa program (SUV) matches immigrants who are bringing exciting business ideas with private sector investors within Canada. Initially Start Up Visa applicants apply for a work permit, sponsored by their Canadian investor, and later, once the business is operating, can apply for permanent residence status.