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May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025

Sault Ste Marie announces Employers and Priority Jobs for 2025 RCIP

Author By EUIC Admin Categories 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

  1. 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
May 6, 2025

IRCC Eases IEC Work Permit Process

Author By EUIC Admin Categories 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
May 6, 2025

Thunder Bay announces Employers for PR Pathway under RCIP

Author By EUIC Admin Categories 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

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

March 19, 2025
March 19, 2025

Canada Eases PGWP Rules for College Graduates

Author By EUIC Admin Categories News

Dear future neighbour,

In a major update to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, the government has removed the field-of-study restrictions for graduates of college bachelor’s programs, effective March 2025.

What’s Changed?

Before the change, international students who completed a college bachelor’s program had to ensure their course of study was connected to specific job sectors in demand to be eligible for a PGWP. Now, this requirement is no longer in place, making it easier for graduates to apply for the work permit, similar to university graduates.

Language Requirements

Along with this change, new language proficiency standards have been introduced. Graduates applying for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, will need to show proof of their language skills:

  • For university-level programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees): A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 in French.
  • For college or other non-university programs: A CLB level 5 or NCLC level 5 is required.

These new language requirements ensure graduates are ready to enter the workforce and communicate effectively in their careers.

Impact on International Students

The removal of the field-of-study restriction offers more freedom for international students in choosing programs without worrying about PGWP eligibility based on their course. However, to qualify for a PGWP, students must meet the language proficiency standards.

Students who started their programs before November 1, 2024, are not affected by these new requirements.

This update makes it easier for international students to work in Canada after graduation and provides more opportunities to gain valuable work experience.

Do you need help with securing admission into a Canadian College/University?

Do you require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application? Or help with 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

March 14, 2025
March 14, 2025

Canada Sets Target for Home Care Workers’ Residency Pathway

Author By EUIC Admin Categories News

Dear future neighbour,

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, recently announced the target for admitting 2,750 new home care workers through its new immigration program, the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP). Out of the 2,750 spots, 150 will be set aside for workers who are currently without legal status in Canada. This program aims to assist foreign home care workers in obtaining permanent residency in Canada.

Two Key Streams of the Program

There are two main categories for applying:

  1. Workers Already in Canada:
    This stream is for foreign home care workers who are already in Canada. Applications for this group will open on March 31, 2025. Workers must have a full-time job offer from a private household or an eligible organization in Canada (excluding Quebec).

  2. Workers Applying from Outside Canada:
    This stream is for workers who are outside Canada but want to apply for permanent residency. The exact date for this stream to open has not been announced.

Requirements to Apply

To be eligible for this program, applicants need to meet these basic criteria:

  • Work Experience or Training:
    Applicants must have at least six months of recent experience working as a home care worker, or they must have completed six months of training related to home care.

  • Language Skills:
    Applicants must prove their ability to speak either English or French by meeting a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.

  • Job Offer:
    A full-time job offer from a private household or an eligible organization is required. Organizations eligible to hire include home health care service providers and direct care agencies. Job offers from recruitment agencies or placement firms are not accepted.

  • Education:
    Applicants must have at least a secondary school diploma or equivalent.

  • Residency Intent:
    Applicants must intend to live in a Canadian province other than Quebec.

Special Pathway for Workers Without Legal Status

The HCWP also gives an opportunity for home care workers who are currently in Canada without legal status. A limited number of spots are available for these workers to regain legal status and apply for permanent residency.

The Future of the Program

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has expressed hope that the success of this program could lead to it becoming a permanent option for home care workers in Canada. This program is seen as an important step to regularize the status of workers who provide vital care services.

Do you 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

February 27, 2025
February 27, 2025

IRCC Introduces New Eligibility for Home Care Worker Pathways to PR

Author By EUIC Admin Categories News

Dear future neighbour,

Canada has updated more information on the eligibility criteria for its new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, set to launch on March 31, 2025. These pilots aim to provide a streamlined pathway to permanent residence (PR) for qualified home care workers.

The immigration department has stated that when the Home Care Worker Pilot (HCWP) opens, it will initially only accept applications from candidates already in Canada. Those outside of Canada will be able to apply at a later time.

What are the HCWP streams?

Foreign nationals can apply for the new HCWP through two streams:

  1. Workers in Canada stream
  2. Applicants not working in Canada stream

When the program opens in late March, only the Workers in Canada stream will accept applications. The Applicants not working in Canada stream will open later in the year.

IRCC recommends applicants for the Workers in Canada stream take an approved language test and get their education assessed through an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) ahead of the March opening.

Details on the application process for the Applicants not working in Canada stream are not yet available.

See below eligibility criteria for the HCWP:

  • Language Proficiency: Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4. ​

  • Educational Requirements: Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, as verified by an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).

  • Work Experience: Demonstrate recent and relevant work experience in the home care sector. ​

  • Job Offer: Secure a full-time job offer from in the home care sector within Canada but outside Quebec. ​

You are now able to work wherever there is a need, meaning your job offer can come from any of the following:

– Private Households

– Organizations that directly hire full-time workers to provide short-term occasional home care for those who are semi-independent of recovering from an injury or illness, for example:

– home health care service providers

– home care support service providers

– direct care agencies

– personal care services in residential settings

– pediatric home health care service providers

Eligibility criteria Details
Work experience – Six months of recent, relevant work;

OR

– A credential of at least six months of related home care training.
Language proficiency CLB 4 or higher in English or French.
Job offer Must have a job offer from either

– A private household;

OR

– An organization* that directly hires full-time home care workers to provide short-term or occasional home care.
Education Secondary school diploma.

 

Eligibility Update for Out-of-Status Workers and Previous Applicants

The eligibility criteria for the Home Care Worker Pilot (HCWP) in Canada have been updated to include out-of-status home care workers currently in the country. These individuals may now qualify to apply under the HCWP due to a public policy, though only a limited number of spots are available.

Additionally, former applicants to the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, which were closed in June 2024, may still be eligible to apply. Those who applied under the “Gaining Experience” category before June 2024 and have since accumulated sufficient eligible work experience can submit proof to IRCC to have their permanent residence (PR) application considered.

Do you need more information and guide on this program, get all you need to know on this webinar. Do you 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

January 31, 2025
January 31, 2025

Canada Unveils New Permanent Residency Pathways to Support Rural and Francophone Communities

Author By EUIC Admin Categories News, Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

On January 30, 2025, Canada unveiled two new permanent residency pathways aimed at bolstering rural communities: the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). These initiatives are designed to address labor shortages and promote economic growth in smaller and Francophone minority communities across the country.

According to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Honorable Gudie Hutchings,

When our rural and remote communities succeed, Canada succeeds—it’s as simple as that. Through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, your federal government is helping to fill jobs and drive growth in our magical, small communities, making life better for everyone who lives there.

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot seeks to provide rural communities with the tools to attract and retain skilled foreign workers. This community-driven approach allows local businesses to fill critical labor gaps by offering pathways to permanent residency for newcomers committed to living and working in these areas.

See below list of 14 participating communities in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP):

  • Pictou County, NS
  • North Bay, ON
  • Sudbury, ON
  • Timmins, ON
  • Sault Ste. Marie, ON
  • Thunder Bay, ON
  • Steinbach, MB
  • Altona/Rhineland, MB
  • Brandon, MB
  • Moose Jaw, SK
  • Claresholm, AB
  • West Kootenay, BC
  • North Okanagan Shuswap, BC
  • Peace Liard, BC

To be eligible for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), Candidates must:

•Secure a valid job offer from an approved employer in the designated community.

•Have a minimum of one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the past three years.

What qualifies as relevant work experience?

Your experience must:

•Align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) level of your job offer.

•Include the key tasks outlined in your specific NOC description.

•Cover the majority of the essential duties associated with your occupation.

Work experience requirements based on TEER level of job offer:

•TEER 0 or 1: Work experience must be from TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

•TEER 2: Work experience must come from TEER 1, 2, 3, or 4.

•TEER 3 or 4: Work experience should be in TEER 2, 3, or 4.

•TEER 5: Work experience must match the exact five-digit NOC code of the job offer.

Special Considerations for Healthcare Workers

If your work experience falls under NOC 31301 (Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses – TEER 1), you may receive a job offer in one of the following roles:

•NOC 33102 (TEER 3): Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates.

•NOC 44101 (TEER 4): Home support workers, caregivers, and related occupations.

Work Experience Exemption for International Graduates

You do not need to meet the work experience requirement if you are an international student who graduated from a public post-secondary institution in the designated community and meet the following conditions:

•For a diploma, certificate, or undergraduate program:

•Completed an eligible two-year (or longer) program.

•Studied full-time throughout the entire duration.

•Earned the credential no more than 18 months before applying for permanent residency.

•Lived in the community for at least 16 out of the last 24 months while studying.

•For a master’s degree or higher:

•Completed the degree in two years or less.

•Studied full-time for the entire program.

•Obtained the degree no more than 18 months before applying for permanent residency.

•Resided in the community for the duration of the studies.

This exemption does not apply if:

•More than half of the coursework focused on English or French language learning.

•Over 50% of the program was completed through distance learning.

•You received a scholarship or fellowship requiring you to return to your home country upon completion.

Minimum Language Requirements

The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score varies depending on the NOC TEER category of the job offer:

•TEER 0 or 1: CLB 6

•TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5

•TEER 4 or 5: CLB 4

Educational Requirements

You must have either:

•A Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or post-secondary credential from a recognized institution.

•A foreign educational credential accompanied by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved organization, which must:

•Be issued within the last five years at the time of application.

•Confirm that your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma or a recognized post-secondary credential.

– Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support both your own transition and your family’s settlement into the community, as outlined below:

Number of family members Funds you need (in Canadian dollars)
1 $7,963
2 $9,692
3 $12,069
4 $15,056
5 $17,145
6 $19,015
7 $20,884
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member, add $1,869

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot is tailored to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants settling in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec. By focusing on the economic development and demographic revitalization of these communities, the pilot aims to strengthen Canada’s linguistic diversity and support the vitality of Francophone cultures nationwide.

See below list of 6 participating communities in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP):

  • Acadian Peninsula, NB
  • Sudbury, ON
  • Timmins, ON
  • Superior East Region, ON
  • St. Pierre Jolys, MB
  • Kelowna, BC

According to Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Honourable Marc Miller:

Rural and Francophone communities are vital to Canada’s growth and cultural diversity, and we value the unique contributions that newcomers make in these places. By welcoming skilled immigrants to these areas, we are addressing labour shortages and economic needs while promoting the benefits of living in a smaller town or city. Our commitment to supporting these regions reflects our belief that each one matters. That is why we will make the RNIP a permanent program, and why we are introducing these two new pilots. We’ll continue to work closely with these communities as we work to connect businesses with the skilled workers they need to thrive.

Rural regions and Francophone communities outside Quebec have always been at the core of Canada’s cultural and economic vitality. Yet, they often face challenges like population decline and labor shortages, with most immigrants choosing larger cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. With 8,580 individuals gaining permanent residency through the RNIP by the end of 2024, the RCIP and FCIP initiatives bring new hope, supporting the growth and cultural diversity of these communities while promoting more balanced development across Canada.

Do you require assistance with your express entry or provincial nomination profile, study permit or work permit application? Are you overwhelmed with the process and need to speak to a professional immigration consultant? Schedule a consultation session or send an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com to get started today.

 

January 29, 2025
January 29, 2025

Ontario Updates Express Entry Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker Streams for Self-Employed Physicians

Author By EUIC Admin Categories Express Entry, News

Dear future neighbour,

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced amendments to its Human Capital Priorities (HCP) and French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) streams, allowing self-employed physicians to use their work experience to meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

These changes align with recent federal policy updates, making it easier for self-employed physicians to qualify for permanent residency in Canada.

Eligibility for Self-Employed Physicians

Under the new amendments, applicants can count periods of self-employment towards the work experience requirement if their experience falls under one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

•NOC 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine

•NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery

•NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians

This change is particularly significant as self-employed work experience was traditionally not considered under the Express Entry system. Now, eligible physicians can benefit from these adjustments when applying to Ontario’s Express Entry streams.

Choosing a Federal Program for Assessment

Applicants to the HCP and FSSW streams must choose one of two federal programs to be assessed against:

1.Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

2.Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The key change applies to applicants selecting the Canadian Experience Class (CEC): they can now use self-employment experience to meet the required work experience criteria if their occupation falls under one of the designated NOC codes listed above.

Restrictions on Other NOC Codes

These amendments do not apply to applicants with self-employment experience in occupations outside NOC 31100, NOC 31101, and NOC 31102. Other professions must continue to meet standard employment requirements under the existing OINP and federal Express Entry criteria.

Alignment with Federal Policy

These changes reflect recent federal updates that recognize the challenges self-employed physicians face when applying for permanent residency. In April 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a policy allowing self-employed physicians in publicly funded healthcare systems to count their experience towards Express Entry eligibility.

By implementing these amendments, Ontario aims to attract and retain more physicians, addressing labor shortages in the healthcare system while ensuring a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for qualified medical professionals.

Do you require assistance with your express entry or provincial nomination profile, study permit or work permit application? Are you overwhelmed with the process and need to speak to a professional immigration consultant? Schedule a consultation session or send an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com to get started today.

 

January 29, 2025
January 29, 2025

Ontario Updates Immigration Pathway for Self-Employed Physicians

Author By EUIC Admin Categories News, Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Ontario has introduced changes to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), allowing self-employed physicians to qualify without a traditional job offer.

Previously, applicants to this stream needed a job offer from an Ontario employer, which disqualified many physicians working as independent contractors and billing through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, recognizing the province’s ongoing need for healthcare professionals, Ontario has updated its immigration rules to accommodate these professionals.

New Eligibility Criteria for Physicians

As of January 27, 2025, self-employed physicians can now apply under this stream without a job offer if they meet the following requirements:

•They must be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under one of these certificate categories:

•Independent practice

•Academic practice

•Postgraduate education (which permits patient care)

•They must be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services under the Health Insurance Act, 1990.

This change applies specifically to physicians classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 31100, 31101, and 31102.

Alternative Pathways for Physicians

For physicians who do not qualify under this updated stream, other immigration options remain available:

•OINP Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream – Physicians can enter the federal Express Entry pool and wait for a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario.

•Federal Express Entry & Public Policy for Physicians – A federal public policy introduced on April 25, 2023, helps self-employed physicians obtain permanent residence. This policy allows physicians working under publicly funded payment models to meet federal economic immigration criteria.

What This Means for Ontario’s Healthcare Sector

Ontario’s decision to expand the eligibility criteria for self-employed physicians acknowledges the urgent demand for healthcare professionals. By easing immigration barriers, the province aims to retain and attract more doctors to support its growing population.

Do you require assistance with your express entry or provincial nomination profile, study permit or work permit application? Are you overwhelmed with the process and need to speak to a professional immigration consultant? Schedule a consultation session or send an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com to get started today.

 

January 27, 2025
January 27, 2025

Canada’s New Caregiver Program Set to Launch on March 31, 2025

Author By EUIC Admin Categories News

Dear future neighbour,

Canada’s New Caregiver Program designed to address the increasing demand for caregivers in the country named the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, is set to open on March 31, 2025.

This new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots will replace the now-terminated Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, which stopped accepting applications on June 17, 2024.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements which includes:

– a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a Canadian family

– language proficiency in English or French

– a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 which is the lowest level of English equivalent to 4 bands in writing and speaking with 4.5 in listening and 3.5 in reading for IELTS.

– at least one year of post-secondary education equivalent to Canadian standards.

New Canada Caregiver Programs: Streamlined Pathways and Improved Features

The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots have been redesigned with several improvements to make the immigration process smoother and more accessible for caregivers. These updates aim to address previous challenges while offering more opportunities for skilled workers in the caregiving sector.

Key Highlights of the New Pilots:

Simplified Pathway to Permanent Residency:

The updated programs offer a straightforward process for caregivers to obtain permanent residency, reducing unnecessary obstacles and ensuring a quicker transition for those looking to settle in Canada.

Permanent Residency Upon Arrival:

Caregivers will now be granted permanent resident status immediately upon arrival in Canada, removing delays and uncertainties that were common under earlier pilots. This change provides caregivers with greater security and stability.

Increased Employment Flexibility:

Participants will have the option to work for employers offering temporary or part-time care services, catering to individuals who are semi-independent or recovering from illness or injury. This flexibility ensures that caregivers have a broader range of employment opportunities to choose from.

These enhancements reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting caregivers while addressing labor shortages and fostering economic growth.

Furthermore, candidates who are already in Canada and have caregiving work experience may qualify for permanent residency more quickly, provided they meet the required hours of work experience.

Previous Caregiver Programs

As the new caregiver pilots get ready to launch, it’s important to recognize the programs that laid the foundation for these developments:

1.Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot: These programs closed to new applications on June 17, 2024.

2.Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP): This program stopped accepting applications in 2014.

3.Caring for Children Program: This program concluded on June 18, 2019.

4.Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program: This program also ended on June 18, 2019.

5.Interim Pathway for Caregivers: A temporary pathway that closed on October 8, 2019.

These previous programs were instrumental in shaping the current landscape for caregiver immigration in Canada.

The launching of this caregiver program highlights Canada’s commitment to addressing critical labor shortages in caregiving roles, particularly as the country’s population continues to age. By offering a clear pathway to permanent residency, the programs aim to attract skilled caregivers who can contribute to the well-being of Canadian families and communities.

Do you require assistance with your express entry or provincial nomination profile, study permit or work permit application? Are you overwhelmed with the process and need to speak to a professional immigration consultant? Schedule a consultation session or send an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com to get started today.

 

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