Canada’s immigration system is known for its flexibility and inclusivity. There are various immigration pathways that cater to different needs, backgrounds, and professional skills. A Pilot Immigration Program can specifically address emerging needs in certain regions or sectors of the economy and offers a more targeted approach to attracting new immigrants who can contribute to Canada’s growth and development. Pilot Immigration Programs are temporary initiatives developed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and they serve as a test case for more permanent policies or programs. Once a Pilot Immigration Program demonstrates its effectiveness, it can either be expanded, integrated into the broader immigration system, or discontinued if it proves to be ineffective.
Key Pilot Programs in Canada’s Immigration System
1. Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is an innovative program that facilitates the immigration of skilled refugees and other displaced individuals. Refugees often possess valuable skills and experience. This pilot immigration program seeks to bridge the gap between humanitarian objectives and labour market needs.
This Pilot Immigration Program is designed to help skilled refugees who can fill labour shortages in various sectors.
Who can apply?
- Refugees or displaced persons. Apply through:
- The federal EMPP is under either the job offer stream or no job offer stream, with the latter stream opening again on January 1, 2025 and capped at 150 applicants.
- The regional EMPP is under either the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
2. Agri-Food Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot Immigration Program addresses labour shortages in the agriculture and food processing sectors. This immigration program provides a route to permanent residency for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations.
Who can apply?
- Individuals with a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Language proficiency of Canadian Level Benchmarks (CLB) 4.
- Relevant work experience.
- Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
- Settlement funds (minimum $14,690 for yourself but this amount goes up for each additional family member).
- Individuals applying in Canada must maintain temporary resident status and either meet the job offer requirement or the education requirement.
Upcoming Immigration Pilot Programs
The Agri-Food Pilot Immigration Program is crucial for addressing labour shortages and provides an essential pathway for skilled workers.
1. Rural Community Immigration and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots
These pilots will help boost the economic growth of eligible rural and French-speaking communities where there are labour shortages. The pilots allow participating communities to recommend skilled foreign workers for permanent residency based on their local needs.
Who can apply?
- Individuals with a job offer from an eligible community.
- Language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability.
- Further details will be made available once these pilots open.
2. Enhanced Caregiver Pilots
Based on the success of previous caregiver pilots, new caregiver pilots are set to launch very soon. They will allow foreign caregivers to gain permanent residency upon arrival in Canada. These pilots ensure stability for qualified caregivers as in addition to home care, they will be able to work in organizations that provide temporary or part-time care.
Who can apply?
- Individuals with recent and relevant work experience.
- Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
- Have a minimum of level 4 based on the CLB.
- Have a job offer for a full-time home care job.
- Further details will be made available once these pilots open.
These upcoming Pilot Immigration Programs aim to attract skilled workers to enhance community and economic growth.
Pros
As a refugee or displaced person, if you are applying through the EMPP, you may not be required to meet all eligibility requirements applicable to the AIP.
Refugees and displaced persons may also be able to apply for a loan if applying through a regional EMPP to cover settlement funds.
Some pilots offer a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Cons
Immigration pilots have very specific requirements (e.g. particular work experience) in order to be eligible to apply through them. Our consultations provide you with the best course of action so you can make an informed decision.
Immigration pilot programs have caps and only accept a certain number of applications. The pilots fill up quickly once they open. We can ensure your application is ready and completed accurately and in a timely manner.
