Pilot Programs

Canada had several immigration pilot programs in place to attract and retain skilled workers and entrepreneurs in specific regions of the country. However, please note that immigration policies and programs can change over time, so it’s important to consult the official website of the Government of Canada or consult with a qualified immigration professional for the most up-to-date information. Here are some pilot programs that were active as of September 2021:

1. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): This program is designed to address labour market challenges in the Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It allows designated employers in these provinces to hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates from eligible educational institutions. The AIPP requires a job offer from a designated employer and a commitment to a settlement plan.
2. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): The RNIP aims to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities in rural and northern areas of Canada. It enables designated communities to recommend eligible foreign workers for permanent residence. To be eligible, applicants must have a job offer in one of the participating communities and meet specific criteria set by the community and the federal government.
3. Agri-Food Immigration Pilot: This pilot program is designed to address labour shortages in the agri-food sector. It allows eligible employers to hire non-seasonal foreign workers for full-time, permanent positions in the meat processing, mushroom production, and greenhouse crop production industries. Applicants need a valid job offer, one year of work experience in the industry, and a high school diploma or equivalent.
4. Start-up Visa Program: The Start-up Visa Program is aimed at attracting immigrant entrepreneurs with the potential to build innovative businesses in Canada. To be eligible, applicants must secure a commitment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. They also need to meet language requirements and have enough settlement funds.
5. Yukon Community Pilot: The Yukon Community Pilot is designed to attract and retain foreign workers to the Yukon territory. It allows eligible employers in designated communities to hire foreign workers for positions that cannot be filled locally. Applicants must have a valid job offer and meet specific criteria set by the Yukon government.
6. Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot: These two pilot programs offer pathways to permanent residence for foreign nationals who have work experience in Canada as home child care providers or home support workers. Eligible candidates must have a job offer and meet specific requirements related to work experience, language proficiency, and education.
7. Caregivers Pilot Program: This pilot program aims to improve the pathways to permanent residence for caregivers who provide childcare or home support to Canadians. The program provides eligible candidates with a work permit, allowing them to come to Canada with their families and work as caregivers. After acquiring the required work experience, they can apply for permanent residence.
8. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot: The BC PNP Tech Pilot is an immigration pathway designed to attract foreign workers in the technology sector to British Columbia. The pilot provides expedited processing for eligible tech workers with a valid job offer in one of the designated tech occupations. It enables them to apply for permanent residence through the BC PNP.

    

These are just a few examples of immigration pilot programs that were in place as of September 2021. It’s essential to check the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most current information on immigration programs and policies.