May 2025 - Ese Umoh Immigration – Canada Immigration Consultant

May 26, 2025

PEI invites 168 Skilled Workers and Graduates in Latest PNP Draw

Dear future neighbour,

Prince Edward Island (PEI) recently invited 168 people to apply for immigration through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The draw took place on May 15, 2025, and focused on individuals who can support the province’s job market and economy.

Who Was Invited?

The invitations went to candidates from the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams. These streams are for workers who have the skills and experience needed in PEI, especially those who are already living and working in the province.

In particular, the draw targeted:

Workers who have been living and working in PEI for at least one year
People employed in industries that the province considers important for its economic growth
International graduates from local schools like the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île

How the Process Works

PEI uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This means people who want to immigrate first fill out an online form with details about their education, work experience, and language skills. Based on this information, they get a score. Those with the highest scores are then invited to apply for a provincial nomination.

Getting nominated by PEI can make it easier and faster to become a permanent resident of Canada.

PEI regularly holds draws like this and shares updates on its immigration website. If you’re thinking about moving to Prince Edward Island, staying up to date with their schedule and requirements is a good idea.

Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

May 26, 2025

Alberta focuses on Healthcare, Tourism, and Rural Talent in Latest Draws

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) continues to be a key part of the province’s strategy to bring in skilled workers and support economic growth. In May 2025, Alberta held several targeted immigration draws, inviting candidates from priority industries where there is a strong demand for labor.

See below recent AAIP Draws and Highlights

Draw Date	Stream/Pathway	Minimum Score	Invitations Issued
May 15, 2025	Tourism and Hospitality Stream	72	33
May 13, 2025	Alberta Opportunity Stream	76	125
May 8, 2025	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Non-Express Entry	53	35
May 6, 2025	Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Aviation)	51	20
May 5, 2025	Rural Renewal Stream	68	165
May 1, 2025	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry	59	36

These results show that Alberta is not just looking for workers with high scores, but also those who bring relevant experience to priority industries.

A Competitive Landscape

The AAIP is becoming more competitive. With more than 55,000 profiles in the candidate pool, only those with strong qualifications, relevant work experience, and ties to Alberta’s labor market are being invited to apply. Additionally, Alberta’s nomination cap has been reduced to 4,875 for 2025 which is half of the 9,750 nominations available in 2024. This lower quota means the program is being more selective than in previous years.

What Applicants Should Know

If you’re considering applying through the AAIP, it’s important to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen stream. Here are some general tips:

Have relevant work experience in one of Alberta’s priority sectors.
Secure a job offer from an employer in Alberta, if required by your stream.
Meet language and education standards, which vary depending on the pathway.
Show genuine interest in living and working in Alberta, particularly in rural or under-served areas.

The AAIP is a valuable pathway for skilled workers who want to build a life in Alberta. As the program becomes more focused and competitive, you should ensure to understand the criteria and prepare strong, complete applications.

And that’s what we’re here for…

May 19, 2025

Alberta issues 35 invitations in May 8 AAIP Draw for Health Care Pathway

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

On May 8, 2025, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, extending invitations to 35 candidates under the Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry stream.

This draw targeted healthcare professionals to address the province’s ongoing labor shortages in the healthcare sector.

See below details of May 8, 2025, Alberta PNP Draw

Stream: Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry
Minimum Score Required: 53
Number of Invitations Issued: 35

This draw was part of a series of six AAIP draws held between April 29 and May 8, 2025, collectively issuing a total of 295 invitations across various streams, including

Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Aviation)
Rural Renewal Stream
Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry
Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture)
Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Construction)

See below details of 6 draws held by AAIP between April 29-May 8, 2025

Draw date	Stream or pathway	Number of invitations issued	Cut-off score
8 May, 2025	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry	35	53
6 May, 2025	Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Aviation)	20	51
5 May, 2025	Rural Renewal Stream	165	68
1 May, 2025	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry	36	59
30 April, 2025	Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture)	19	64
29 April, 2025	Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Construction)	20	67

In 2025, Alberta received an allocation of 4,875 provincial nominations from the federal government, distributed among its different streams and pathways. In contrast, the province was granted 9,750 nominations in 2024 — marking a 50% reduction in the allocation for 2025.

May 19, 2025

Prince Edward Island Updates List of Designated Employers Under Atlantic Immigration Program

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

On May 15, 2025, the Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) released a revised list of designated employers. This update brought in 20 new employers to the program while 14 previously designated ones were removed. With this revision, the total number of designated employers in the province now stands at 364.

See below additional PEI designated employers

100367 PEI Inc.
100542 PEI Inc.
9892788 Canada Inc.
ALG (PEI) Management Ltd
Blackbush Beach Resort
Cardigan Bearing And Steel Ltd.
CBI Island Health Centre Inc.
Highfield Construction Company Ltd.
Jeremy & Joel Holdings Inc.
KY Home Solutions Inc.
Larkin Bros Inc.
Majhail Construction Ltd.
Maritime Industrial Services 2022 Inc
Nabuurs Gardens Ltd.
Oyster Creek Farms Inc.
PEI Lube Limited
Precision G&T Engineering
SpryPoint Services Inc
Tethys Aquaculture Canada, Inc.
TopGum Canada Ltd.

PEI has also updated their list taking out some employers that were previously announced.

See below employers no longer on PEI AIP list

1. Island Abbey Food Science Ltd.
2. Pivot Drive Inc.
3. Silver Fox Entertainment Complex
4. Taco Boyz Inc.
5. Taco Boyz II Inc.
6. Whisperwood Villa Inc.
7. Willscott Farm Ltd.
8. Wilmac Construction Inc.
9. WM&M (1993) Ltd.
10. Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island
11. Worklinks Inc.
12. XPY Union Ltd.
13. Yumi Sushi Inc.
14. Z&C Flourish International Ltd.

Eligibility Criteria for the AIP

To qualify for the AIP, candidates must meet several conditions:

They must secure a job offer from a designated employer located in one of the Atlantic provinces.
This job offer must be endorsed by the province*.
Candidates are expected to hold at least a one-year post-secondary credential for jobs classified under NOC TEER levels 0 or 1. For roles categorized under TEER levels 2, 3, or 4, a high school diploma is the minimum requirement.
They should meet the language requirements: a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 is necessary for TEER 0–3 occupations, while TEER 4 requires a CLB of 4.
Candidates must have either a minimum of one year of work experience or hold a two-year post-secondary credential earned within an Atlantic province.
Proof of sufficient settlement funds is also required**.

The designated employer takes responsibility for submitting the job offer for endorsement by the provincial government.

The amount of settlement funds needed depends on the size of the applicant’s family.

Understanding NOC and TEER Levels

Canada uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to categorize jobs. This system assigns each occupation a TEER level based on the required Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. TEER levels range from 0 (most complex roles) to 5 (entry-level positions).

Alternative PR Options Outside Key Sectors

Currently, PEI focuses AIP participation on occupations in the healthcare, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Individuals seeking PR through other professions will need to explore different pathways, such as the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) or Express Entry.

Steps for Applying Through AIP

After confirming eligibility—meeting education, language, experience, and financial requirements—and obtaining a valid job offer from a designated employer, applicants will need to:

Have the job offer endorsed by PEI
Create a settlement plan
Submit an application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Endorsement leads to the issuance of a Certificate of Endorsement, which must be included in the PR application.

Temporary Work Permit Option

Applicants may also qualify for a special two-year work permit while their AIP PR application is under review. This permit enables them to begin working in Canada sooner.

For this, the employer must obtain a referral letter from PEI when applying for job offer endorsement. This letter must accompany the work permit application to be considered valid.

May 14, 2025

IRCC resumes CEC Express Entry Draw with Record-High CRS Score

By EUIC Admin Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

On May 13, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) finally held an Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program after a long wait of more than three months.

Another surprise was the low number of invitations issued. Only 500 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in this draw, which is a very small figure compared to past draws.

See below details of the CEC Express Entry Draw On May 13

Category/Program: Canadian Experience Class
Date and time: May 13, 2025
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 547
Number of invitations issued: 500
Rank needed: 500 or above
Tie-breaking rule: May 21, 2024

The good news is that the CEC draw has resumed. This gives a fresh chance for candidates with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency. However, the not-so-good news is that the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score jumped to 547. This is the highest CRS score seen so far in 2025, making it much harder for many candidates to qualify.

See below details of all CEC Express Entry Draw in 2025

Date	Round type	Invitations issued	CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited
May 13, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	500	547
February 5, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
January 23, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
January 8, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542

This May 13 draw marks the fourth Express Entry draw of the month. Earlier in May, IRCC held two draws focused on specific job categories—healthcare and education—as well as a draw for candidates nominated by provinces under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	Cut-off CRS score
May 13	Canadian Experience Class	500	547
May 12	Provincial Nominee Program	511	706
May 2	Healthcare and social services	500	510
May 1	Education	1,000	479
April 28	Provincial Nominee Program	421	727
April 14	Provincial Nominee Program	825	764
March 21	French language proficiency	7,500	379
March 17	Provincial Nominee Program	536	736
March 6	French language proficiency	4,500	410
March 3	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
February 19	French language proficiency	6,500	428
February 17	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
February 5	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
February 4	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
January 23	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
January 8	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
January 7	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793

See below CRS Score Distribution in the pool as of May 13

CRS score range	Number of candidates
601-1200	28
501-600	22,435
451-500	73,741
491-500	12,429
481-490	12,704
471-480	16,641
461-470	16,691
451-460	15,276
401-450	69,673
441-450	14,439
431-440	15,241
421-430	13,718
411-420	13,589
401-410	12,686
351-400	53,684
301-350	22,069
0-300	8,452
Total	250,082

So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 34,440 ITAs through the Express Entry system. While that number sounds promising overall, the high CRS score and low invitation count in the latest CEC draw show that the path to Canadian permanent residency is still highly competitive.

Need Help with Your Canadian Immigration Journey?

Whether you’re looking to:

Apply for a visitor visa
Submit a work permit or visa application
Create an Expression of Interest
Set up your Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program profile
Prepare your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply
Or just want a professional review of your self-prepared application

—we’ve got you covered!

Book a consultation today or reach out to us at info@eseumohimmigration.com. Let’s make your move to Canada smoother and stress-free!

May 13, 2025

IRCC issues 511 invitations in third Express Entry Draw of May

By EUIC Admin Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

On May 12, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the details of the third Express Entry draw for the month in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw..

In this round, 511 candidates received invitations to apply, provided they had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 706.

See below details of latest Express Entry Draw of May 12, 2025

Category/Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate: 706
Number of ITAs Issued: 511
Rank Required: 511 or above
Tie-Breaking Rule: March 4, 2025

See below summary of Express Entry Draws so far in 2025

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	Cut-off CRS score
May 12	Provincial Nominee Program	511	706
May 2	Healthcare and social services	500	510
May 1	Education	1,000	479
April 28	Provincial Nominee Program	421	727
April 14	Provincial Nominee Program	825	764
March 21	French language proficiency	7,500	379
March 17	Provincial Nominee Program	536	736
March 6	French language proficiency	4,500	410
March 3	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
February 19	French language proficiency	6,500	428
February 17	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
February 5	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
February 4	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
January 23	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
January 8	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
January 7	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793

Express Entry has served as Canada’s main system for managing applications from skilled workers, aimed at addressing the country’s labour market requirements.

See below CRS Score Distribution in the pool as at May 12

CRS score range	Number of candidates
601-1200	513
501-600	22,316
451-500	73,582
491-500	12,399
481-490	12,663
471-480	16,612
461-470	16,663
451-460	15,245
401-450	69,467
441-450	14,401
431-440	15,200
421-430	13,675
411-420	13,552
401-410	12,639
351-400	53,598
301-350	22,051
0-300	8,442
Total	249,969

Understanding How Express Entry Invitations Are Issued

Canada’s Express Entry system follows a clear, step-by-step approach when inviting individuals to apply for permanent residency.

Here’s how the process generally unfolds:

Type of Draw Chosen: First, immigration officials decide what kind of draw will take place—whether it’s open to all candidates, limited to a specific program, or focused on a particular category like job type or language skills.
Number of Invitations: A target number of candidates is set, based on current immigration goals.
Candidate Selection: Profiles in the Express Entry pool are ranked by score, and those with the highest points who meet the criteria for that draw are chosen.
Invitations Sent Out: Selected applicants receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. From there, they have 60 days to submit a complete application.

What Affects Each Draw?

A few key factors shape how each round of invitations plays out:

Immigration Goals: Canada plans to welcome close to 400,000 newcomers each year, with a large portion coming through Express Entry.
Workforce Demands: Sometimes, draws are tailored to specific industries or skill sets needed in the country.
CRS Score Thresholds: The minimum score needed to receive an ITA can vary depending on how many candidates are in the pool and the type of draw being held.

Need Help with Your Canadian Immigration Journey?

Whether you’re looking to:

Apply for a visitor visa
Submit a work permit or visa application
Create an Expression of Interest
Set up your Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program profile
Prepare your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply
Or just want a professional review of your self-prepared application

—we’ve got you covered!

Book a consultation today or reach out to us at info@eseumohimmigration.com. Let’s make your move to Canada smoother and stress-free!

May 12, 2025

BC PNP issues 94 invitations in first Skills Immigration Draw of 2025

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

On May 8, 2025, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held its first Skills Immigration draw of the year, issuing a total of 94 invitations to candidates expected to bring high economic impact to the province.

The invitations were equally divided between two groups:

47 candidates who are currently employed full-time in British Columbia, earning a minimum of $105 per hour, and who hold a job offer classified under NOC TEER 0 or 1.
47 candidates who achieved a minimum score of 150 points according to the BC PNP’s points-based assessment system.

To be considered, candidates needed to have submitted a registration before the draw date.

See below details of BC PNP latest draw

Total Number of invitations issued	Selection Criteria
94	Minimum wage of $105/hr, currently working full-time in BC for the supporting employer, and the job offer is NOC TEER 0 or 1 (47 candidates), or
	A minimum score of 150 points (47 candidates)

This draw marks the BC PNP’s first under the Skills Immigration stream in 2025, following earlier draws this year that focused solely on the entrepreneur categories. The province has stated that, due to significantly reduced nomination allocations from the federal government, only around 100 candidates will be nominated through the high-economic impact pathway this year.

BC PNP notes that future draws under this stream may evaluate candidates based on a broader range of criteria, including:

Level, field, and location of completed education;
Professional designations earned in British Columbia;
Language proficiency;
Relevant occupation and work experience;
Wage and skill level associated with the job offer;
Candidate’s intent to live and work in a specific B.C. region;
Alignment with strategic priorities addressing labor market needs or supporting pilot programs.

May 7, 2025

Sault Ste Marie announces Employers and Priority Jobs for 2025 RCIP

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Sault Ste. Marie has recently published its list of designated employers for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This program allows foreign nationals to seek Canadian permanent residency if they receive a job offer from an employer on this list and meet other eligibility requirements.

Designated Employers in Sault Ste. Marie

Some of the employers taking part in the RCIP include:

Algoma Tubes Inc (Tenaris Canada)
Child Care Algoma
China Steel Inc.
Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill
Extendicare Mapleview
F. J. Davey Home
Giovanni’s Restaurant
JD Aero Technical Inc.
Meadow Park Montessori School
Montanas
Northern Power Train
OTR Engineered Solution
Para Med
Sault Area Hospital
Sault Ste. Marie YMCA
Viacore

This list can change over time as more employers join or leave the program.

How Employers Get Designated

If a local employer works in a priority sector and wants to hire a foreign worker for a priority occupation, they can apply to become a designated employer through the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation.

About Sault Ste. Marie and the RCIP

Sault Ste. Marie is a city in Northern Ontario. For 2025, it has been given 300 spots for the RCIP pathway to permanent residency. The main goal of the RCIP is to help smaller communities grow by attracting skilled workers who can fill important jobs and settle in the area.

Who Can Apply for Sault Ste. Marie’s RCIP?

To be eligible for the RCIP in Sault Ste. Marie, applicants must:

Get a valid job offer from a designated employer in the community
Have at least one year of relevant work experience in the past three years
Show language skills by passing an approved test that matches the job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) level
Hold a Canadian educational credential or a recognized foreign equivalent
Prove they have enough money to support themselves and any family members
Receive a community recommendation, which checks if the applicant truly wants to live in Sault Ste. Marie and if the job offer is genuine

Priority Sectors and Occupations

The main sectors Sault Ste. Marie is focusing on for 2025 are:

Health
Education, law, social, community, and government services
Sales and service
Trades and transport
Manufacturing and utilities

Some of the priority occupations include mechanical and electrical engineers, pharmacy technicians, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, personal support workers, therapists, social and community service workers, early childhood educators, contractors, industrial electricians, transit operators, and machinists.

See below full list of Priority Occupations for PR in Sault Ste. Marie

Healthcare Occupations: Healthcare plays a vital role in Sault Ste. Marie’s economy, and the demand for qualified professionals in this field continues to increase as the community grows

The following occupations are eligible:

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description
32124	Pharmacy Technician	Assists pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations.
31301	Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses	Provides direct patient care, including administering treatments and monitoring health conditions.
32101	Licensed Practical Nurses	Supports patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
33102	Personal Support Worker	Assists individuals with daily living activities, often in long-term care settings.

2. Education, Law, and Social, Community, and Government Services

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description
41301	Therapists in Counseling and Related Specialized Therapies	Provides mental health support and counseling services.
42201	Social and Community Service Workers	Supports individuals and families through social programs and services.
42202	Early Childhood Educators and Assistants	Works with young children to support their development and education.

3. Sales and Services: The sales and services sector covers supervisory positions in hospitality and security, with set limits to maintain balanced hiring.

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description	Annual Cap
62020	Food Service Supervisor (Hotels and Dine-In Restaurants Only)	Oversees food service operations, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.	25 (Max 2 per employer)
62022	Guest Service Supervisor (Hotels Only)	Manages guest services in hotels, ensuring a positive guest experience.	10
62029	Security Guard Supervisor	Supervises security personnel to ensure safety and compliance.	20

4. Trades and Transport: This sector features specialized positions in engineering, construction, and transportation, highlighting the city’s focus on industrial growth and infrastructure development

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description
21301	Mechanical Engineers	Designs and develops mechanical systems and equipment.
21310	Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Designs and tests electrical and electronic systems.
22212	Drafting Technologists and Technicians	Creates technical drawings for engineering and construction projects.
22301	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Supports mechanical engineering projects with technical expertise.
22310	Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Assists in the design and maintenance of electrical systems.
72010	Contractors and Supervisors, Machining, Metal Forming, Shaping, and Erecting Trades	Oversees machining and metalworking operations.
72011	Contractors and Supervisors, Electrical Trades and Telecommunications	Supervises electrical and telecommunications projects.
72014	Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Traders, Installers, Repairers, and Servicers	Manages various construction and installation projects.
72201	Industrial Electricians	Installs and maintains electrical systems in industrial settings.
73301	Transit Operators	Operates buses or other transit vehicles.
72100	Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors	Operates machinery to produce precision parts.
72400	Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics	Installs and maintains industrial machinery.
72404	Aircraft Instruments, Electrical, and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians, and Inspectors	Maintains aircraft systems and avionics equipment.
75119	Trade Helper and Laborers	Assists skilled tradespeople in various tasks.

5. Manufacturing and Utilities: This sector features essential roles that support Sault Ste. Marie’s manufacturing industry and industrial foundation

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description
94107	Production Worker	Operates machinery and performs tasks in manufacturing and production settings.

How the RCIP Process Works

Applicants need to:

Find a job offer from a designated employer in Sault Ste. Marie
Meet all eligibility requirements, including work experience, language, and education
Get a recommendation from the community
Apply to the federal government for permanent residency through the RCIP

This program helps Sault Ste. Marie fill job shortages, supports local businesses, and encourages newcomers to settle in the community for the long term.

Other communities, such as Timmins and Thunder Bay, are also participating in the RCIP and have published their own lists of designated employers.

Need help securing a Canadian visitor visa, submitting a visa or work permit application, preparing an Expression of Interest, setting up your Express Entry or provincial nomination profile, completing your application after receiving an invitation, or reviewing your documents before submission? Book a consultation or contact us at info@eseumohimmigration.com for professional support every step of the way.

May 6, 2025

IRCC Eases IEC Work Permit Process

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Foreign nationals participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program no longer need to exit Canada to receive a new work permit, thanks to an updated policy from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As long as applicants meet certain conditions, their work permit can now be delivered by mail within Canada.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the mailed work permit:

The applicant must have been in Canada with a valid IEC permit when applying for another round of participation.
They need a valid Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and must request the permit before it expires.
Their legal status in Canada must be maintained during the entire process.

This temporary measure remains in effect until December 1, 2025.

Applicants not meeting these criteria must still leave and return to Canada—but not via the U.S. or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, due to the recent flagpoling restrictions introduced in December 2024.

Why the Change?

Previously, IEC participants had to leave and re-enter Canada to activate a second IEC work permit. While some could combine this with travel plans, others wishing to stay continuously found it inconvenient—especially after IRCC limited the flagpoling option at land borders.

This change offers a smoother transition for those seeking an extension, allowing continued stay and employment without disruption. However, applicants should apply early, as processing may take four to six weeks or longer.

About IEC

IEC enables youth from over 30 partner countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years, fostering cultural exchange and professional growth. The program includes:

Working Holiday
Young Professionals
International Co-op (Internship)

A POE Letter of Introduction is required before entering Canada to activate the work permit.

If you need help with visa applications, permit renewals, or setting up your immigration profile, contact info@eseumohimmigration.com or schedule a consultation.

May 6, 2025

Thunder Bay announces Employers for PR Pathway under RCIP

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

On May 5, 2025, Thunder Bay, Ontario, expanded its Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) by announcing a list of designated employers authorized to recruit foreign workers for permanent residency.

Newly Designated Employers in Thunder Bay

The following employers have been officially designated under the RCIP:

Designated Employers	Addresses
14786068 Canada Inc. Circle K	3 Balsam Street
1000661225 Ontario Inc. Circle K	A- 1500 James street South
Clara Industrial Services Limited	1130 Commerce Street
Golden Wok	106 May St S
Great Canadian Oil Change	1160 Memorial Ave
Guac Mexi Grill	570 Harbour Expressway, Unit 2
Inspired Cabinetry & Granite Inc	146 Gore St West
JKS Enterprises – Diamond Taxi	113 Leith Street
Kasper Bus Lines	947 Memorial Ave
Lakehead Roofing & Metal Cladding Ltd.	1190 Russell Street
Land of Spices	707 Memorial Avenue, Unit 1
Lowerys, Limited	540 Central Avenue
Mahmowenchike Family Development Centre	150 Redwood Avenue West
Maltese Grocery Ltd	301 Pearl Street
Northern Turf Equipment	710B Balmoral St
Outlaws Burgers & Fries	801 Central Ave
Scott Family Dental	276 Park Ave
Shelter House	420 George St
Shoppers Drug Mart	-681 & 1312 194 N. Court St -1312 – 572 Arthur St W
SLR Contracting Corp.	105 May St N Unit 7
Spadoni Leasing Limited	450 Sifton Ave
Thundermaple Asian Food Co	777 Memorial Ave
Village Market	336 Wardrope Ave
Wasabi Restaurant	538 Arthur St West

These employers span various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, food services, transportation, and construction, reflecting Thunder Bay’s commitment to addressing labor shortages across multiple industries.

RCIP Overview

The RCIP is an employer-driven immigration initiative designed to attract skilled foreign workers to Thunder Bay by facilitating their pathway to permanent residence. Employers within the Thunder Bay Census Metropolitan Area can apply for designation through the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC). Once designated, these employers can offer jobs to eligible foreign workers and submit recommendation applications on their behalf.

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

To be considered under the RCIP, candidates must:

Secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in Thunder Bay.
Have at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the past three years.
Demonstrate language proficiency through an approved English or French language test.
Possess a Canadian educational credential or its foreign equivalent.
Provide proof of sufficient settlement funds for themselves and any accompanying family members.

It’s important to note that the list of designated employers is subject to change as the RCIP progresses.

Thunder Bay became the second RCIP community to publish its list of approved employers. Timmins, which also takes part in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), had released its employer list the week before.

So far, seven out of the 14 RCIP communities have identified their key sectors and in-demand jobs. These include:

Claresholm
Timmins
Brandon
Sault Ste. Marie
Thunder Bay
North Okanagan-Shuswap
North Bay

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Monthly Archives: May 2025

Dear future neighbour,

Who Was Invited?

How the Process Works

Dear future neighbour,

See below recent AAIP Draws and Highlights

A Competitive Landscape

What Applicants Should Know

Dear future neighbour,

See below details of May 8, 2025, Alberta PNP Draw

See below details of 6 draws held by AAIP between April 29-May 8, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

See below additional PEI designated employers

See below employers no longer on PEI AIP list

Eligibility Criteria for the AIP

Understanding NOC and TEER Levels

Alternative PR Options Outside Key Sectors

Steps for Applying Through AIP

Temporary Work Permit Option

Dear future neighbour,

See below details of the CEC Express Entry Draw On May 13

See below details of all CEC Express Entry Draw in 2025

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

See below CRS Score Distribution in the pool as of May 13

Dear future neighbour,

See below details of latest Express Entry Draw of May 12, 2025

See below summary of Express Entry Draws so far in 2025

See below CRS Score Distribution in the pool as at May 12

Understanding How Express Entry Invitations Are Issued

What Affects Each Draw?

See below details of BC PNP latest draw

Dear future neighbour,

Designated Employers in Sault Ste. Marie

How Employers Get Designated

About Sault Ste. Marie and the RCIP

Who Can Apply for Sault Ste. Marie’s RCIP?

Priority Sectors and Occupations

See below full list of Priority Occupations for PR in Sault Ste. Marie

How the RCIP Process Works

Dear future neighbour,

Who Qualifies?

Why the Change?

About IEC

Dear future neighbour,

Newly Designated Employers in Thunder Bay

RCIP Overview

Candidate Eligibility Criteria