Pilot Pragrams:

Caregivers Program:

Important Update for Caregivers Coming to Canada!

June 3, 2024 - Toronto , the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced exciting new opportunities for caregivers under the enhanced caregiver pilots. As the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot draw to a close, these new initiatives pave the way for more sustainable and supportive entry paths into Canada.
Caregivers will now receive Permanent Residence (PR) on Arrival! Eligibility to work for organizations providing temporary or part-time care to semi-independent individuals or those recovering from injuries or illnesses.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum of Level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
• Equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
• Recent and relevant work experience
• An offer for a full-time home care job

These programs are a step forward in Canada’s commitment to meet the evolving home care needs of its diverse population. Stay tuned for more details before the full launch, including how to apply!

Program Delivery Update: Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot Policy, Procedures, and Guidance Section

As of June 24, 2024, the Ministerial Instructions for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot have been amended to provide updated guidelines. These amendments, effective from June 16, 2024, are intended to streamline the process for applicants seeking permanent residence through these programs.

Key Changes Include:

• Reduction in Work Experience Requirement: The required work experience has been reduced from 12 months to 6 months for the "Gaining Experience" category. Acceptance of International Work Experience: Work experience gained outside of Canada is now accepted.
• Extended Eligibility for Work Experience: Applicants can count work experience gained up to 36 months prior to the application date. Work experience accumulated between the application submission and the achievement of the required work experience is also considered.
• Submission of Work Experience: Applicants are granted only one opportunity to submit their work experience to IRCC for evaluation concerning their permanent residence application.
• Application of Amendments: These changes are applicable to all pending applications. The policy instructions on the IRCC website are being updated to reflect these amendments. A notification banner has been added to various pages to provide an overview of the updates.

Further Updates:

Additional details will be published as they become available. Initial clarifications are provided for applicants in the "Gaining Experience" category, particularly regarding the submission of work experience before IRCC issues the occupation-restricted open work permit.

To document your Canadian work experience for immigration purposes , it’s crucial to compile and submit comprehensive evidence. Here’s a detailed guide on the documents you need:

1. Tax Documents:
• T4 Tax Information Slips: These slips show the income you earned from an employer during a fiscal year.
• Notice of Assessment (NOA): Issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) after they have processed your tax return. It outlines the amount of tax you owe or have been refunded.
• Protect Personal Information: Ensure that your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is hidden or covered when submitting these documents.
2. Reference Letters from Your Employer(s):
• Employment Period: Clearly state the start and end dates of your employment.
• Position: Specify the job title held.
• Responsibilities and Duties: Include a detailed description of your main responsibilities and duties.
• NOC Code: If known, provide the National Occupational Classification code corresponding to your job.
• Salary and Benefits: Mention your total annual salary or hourly wage and any benefits received.
• Work Hours: Document the number of hours you worked per week.
• Employer Details: Must include the employer’s name and signature, full address, telephone number, and email address if applicable.
• Business Letterhead: If your employer was a business, ensure the reference letter is printed on company letterhead and includes the name, title, and signature of your immediate supervisor or personnel officer.
3. Record of Employment (ROE):
• Mandatory Submission: An ROE is issued by employers when you stop working, showing the history of your employment with them.
4. Additional Evidence:
• Pay Stubs: These can further prove your employment through documented earnings.
• Work Contracts: Include any contractual documents that outline the terms of your employment.
• Job Offers: Official job offer letters can also support your application.

Ensure that each document is complete, accurate, and submitted in a clear format to facilitate the assessment process by immigration officials. These documents collectively will help demonstrate your Canadian work experience effectively, supporting your application for permanent residence.

When applying for permanent residence based on foreign work experience , you need to meticulously gather and submit the following documents as evidence of your employment:

1. Reference Letters from Your Employer(s):
• Employment Period: Specify the start and end dates.
• Position: State your job title.
• Responsibilities and Duties: Provide a detailed description of your main tasks.
• NOC Code: If you know your job’s National Occupational Classification code, include it.
• Compensation: Mention your total annual salary or hourly wage along with any benefits.
• Hours Worked: Document the number of hours worked per week.
• Employer Details: Include the employer’s name, signature, full address, telephone number, and email address, if applicable.
• Company Letterhead: If the employer is a business, the letter should be on company letterhead, signed by your immediate supervisor or personnel officer.
2. Proof of Payment:
• Bank Deposits: Copies of bank statements showing salary payments for the period you claim as qualifying work experience.
• Tax Statements: Any official tax documentation that correlates with your employment.
• Additional Proofs: Include at least one or more of the following:
  • Pay stubs
  • Work contracts
  • Job offers
  • Any official documents issued upon termination of employment, if applicable.
3. Additional Documentation (if required):
• Explanation Letter: If you are unable to provide a mandatory document, include a detailed explanation along with the letter.
• Notarized Statutory Declarations: These are certified legal documents attesting to your work experience.
• Written Communications: Include emails or other relevant communications between you and your employer with system-generated timestamps to further substantiate your claims.

Submission Flexibility: You have the discretion to submit these documents at any point within a 3-year period following the issuance of your occupation-restricted open work permit. Ensure all documentation is comprehensive and clearly supports your claims to facilitate a smooth assessment of your permanent residence application. This preparation is crucial in demonstrating that your work experience meets the required standards set by immigration authorities.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP):

Updated Ministerial Instructions:

Extended Recommendation Period The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) has announced amended Ministerial Instructions, now permitting participating communities to issue recommendations to candidates until July 31, 2024. It is crucial for applicants aiming for permanent residence to submit their complete applications by August 31, 2024, marking the expiration date of this pilot program.

Application Guide for the RNIP:

Prospective applicants should carefully choose the correct application guide based on the date of their initial application to the community:

• Post September 23, 2022: Applicants who sought a community recommendation on or after this date must use the latest updated online application process.
• On or Before September 22, 2022: Applicants must adhere to the instructions in Guide 0118 A.

Mandatory Online Application:

Starting September 23, 2022, all applications for the RNIP must be submitted online. Accommodations are available for those unable to apply online due to disabilities; alternative formats include paper, braille, or large print applications upon request.

Before You Apply: Understanding the RNIP

The RNIP is a community-driven initiative aimed at encouraging skilled foreign workers to live and work in smaller Canadian communities, thereby supporting economic immigration. This pilot is designed to offer a pathway to permanent residence for individuals who can contribute through their skills, education, and work experience.

Eligibility and Participating Communities

To apply through the RNIP, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria and intend to settle permanently in one of the following participating communities:

• Ontario: North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay
• Manitoba: Brandon, Altona/Rhineland
• Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw
• Alberta: Claresholm
• British Columbia: Vernon, West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson)

This pilot is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers looking to contribute to and thrive in one of Canada’s welcoming rural or northern communities. Ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time to take advantage of this unique immigration pathway.

Eligibility Requirements for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Intention to Reside in the Community

Applicants must plan to live permanently in the community where they are applying under the RNIP.

Work Experience Requirements

• General Requirement:
  Applicants must have accumulated at least one year of full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent) within the last three years. This experience should be in an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Specific Criteria:
  The work must include activities outlined in the lead statement of the relevant NOC. Applicants must have performed a substantial number of the main duties, including all essential duties, of the NOC.
  Only paid work counts towards this requirement; volunteer work and unpaid internships do not qualify.
  Work experience can be international or within Canada, provided the applicant was legally authorized to work in Canada as a temporary resident.
  
• Exemptions:
  Graduates from a Canadian public post-secondary institution in the community may be exempt from the work experience requirement. More details are available under the "International students" section.
  Self-employment does not count unless the applicant was a medical practitioner legally entitled to practice in that jurisdiction.
  Work experience gained during a period of study is eligible if it did not exceed authorized work hours.

Definition of Full-Time Work: Full-time work is defined as working at least 30 paid hours per week. Part-time work can be counted toward meeting the full-time requirement if it totals 1560 hours, equivalent to one year of full-time work.

Job Offer Requirements

• Valid Period for Submission:
  Applications received by the community from September 23, 2022, to November 15, 2022.
• Criteria for a Valid Job Offer:
  Must be from an employer that conducts business within the community.
  The job location must be within the community.
  The employer should not be:
  • A consulate.
  • Specified in paragraphs 200(3)(g.1) or (h) of the Regulations.
  • A business that forms a pool of candidates intended for transfer or contract to other businesses.
  • A business where the majority of shares (over 50%) or other ownership interests are held by the foreign national or their spouse/common-law partner, or is controlled by them.

The job must be full-time, non-seasonal, and permanent (no end date specified). The skill level of the job offer must match the NOC skill level of the applicant’s previous experience. If the experience is in NOC skill level D, the job offer must also be in the same occupation.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program:

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is designed to meet the needs of local employers and communities in Atlantic Canada by attracting newcomers to fill job vacancies. This employer-driven program does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment and focuses on three main streams, targeting skilled workers and international student graduates.

Program Details:

• Duration: Three-year pilot program
• Eligibility: Applicants must have a job offer from a designated employer and an individualized settlement plan for themselves and their family.

Employer Requirements:

• Identify candidates who meet employment needs and program criteria. Provide a job offer to the selected candidates.
• Support the integration of newcomers and their families into their new environment in Atlantic Canada.

Stream Specifics:

• Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP)
  • Language: CLB 4 in English or French
  • Education: Minimum completion of high school
  • Work Experience: One year in an occupation related to the job offer
  • Job Offer: Full-time, permanent, NOC 0, A, B, or C
  • Provincial Endorsement: Letter of Endorsement required
• Atlantic High-Skilled Program (AHSP)
  • Language: CLB 4 in English or French
  • Education: Must have ECA or Canadian credential
  • Job Offer: Full-time, 1-year contract, NOC 0, A, or B
  • Provincial Endorsement: Letter of Endorsement required
• Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP)
  • Language: CLB 4 in English or French
  • Education: Two-year post-secondary diploma obtained within 12 months before submission for PR
  • Job Offer: Full-time, 1-year contract, NOC 0, A, B, or C
  • Provincial Endorsement: Letter of Endorsement required

Temporary Work Permit Access:

• Eligibility: Candidates need a valid job offer, a letter from the province, and a commitment to apply for permanent residency within 90 days of the temporary work permit application.

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