Canada is known for its inclusive and diverse society, actively supports immigration, and delivers various pathways to permanent residency (PR). While some people are familiar with the well-known Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), there are lesser-known yet valid routes to achieving Canadian PR status.
Here are the top 5 unpopular pathways to PR
1. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-centric initiative aimed at extending the advantages of economic immigration to smaller towns and regions. It offers a route to permanent residency for skilled foreign workers who aspire to both work and reside in one of the participating communities. Additionally, each community may have its own specific requirements for eligibility, job search, and recommendation application.
To apply for permanent residence under this pilot program, follow these steps:
Ensure you meet IRCC and community-specific eligibility criteria.
Secure a qualifying job with an employer in a participating community.
Submit your application for community recommendation once you have a job offer.
If recommended by the community, proceed to apply for permanent residence.
2. Permanent residence under the Agri-Food Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot addresses the labor needs of the Canadian agri-food sector. It provides a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations to a maximum limit of 2,750 applications each year.
To be eligible, you need Canadian work experience in eligible industries and occupations, a full-time non-seasonal job offer, settlement funds, temporary resident status (if already in Canada), and the ability to meet language and educational requirements. This pilot is an excellent option for those with relevant experience in the agri-food sector.
Eligible industries
Industries are classified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and the eligible industries under the pilot are:
Eligible occupations
Occupations are classified by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, and the eligible occupations for each eligible industry are:
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must
have eligible work experience of at least 1 year of cumulative, non-seasonal full-time work in the past 3 years (at least 1,560 hours)
have an eligible job offer
meet or pass the language requirements in English or French.
meet or pass the educational requirements
have maintained your temporary resident status (if already in Canada)
prove you have enough money to settle in Canada (if applicable)
3. Francophone Mobility Program
The Francophone mobility work permit streamlines the process for Canadian employers to hire employees without requiring a labor market impact assessment, provided they satisfy specific criteria and intend to reside and work outside of Quebec.
Eligibility Criteria for All Applicants
Applicants must fulfill specific requirements based on their location at the time of work permit application. However, regardless of your application location or the type of work permit you seek, you must meet the following conditions:
Demonstrate to an immigration officer that you intend to leave Canada upon the expiration of your work permit.
Provide evidence of having sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and for your return to your home country.
Comply with all Canadian laws and possess a clean criminal record (you may be required to submit a police clearance certificate).
Pose no threat to Canada's national security.
Be in good health and undergo a medical examination if necessary.
Do not plan to work for an employer listed as "ineligible" on the registry of non-compliant employers.
Do not intend to work for an employer engaged in activities such as striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages on a regular basis.
Provide any additional documents requested by the immigration officer to establish your eligibility for entry into the country.
4. Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) merges refugee resettlement with economic immigration, offering a route that facilitates skilled refugees' immigration to Canada through established economic programs while providing employers with access to a fresh pool of qualified candidates to fill job vacancies.
The EMPP (Economic Mobility Pathways Project) application has three main eligibility requirements:
Refugee or Displaced Person: To qualify, you need to prove your refugee or displaced status, which can be demonstrated through specific documents, including RSD from the UN Refugee Agency, registration with the UN Refugee Agency or UNRWA, temporary protected status, or a referral letter from a trusted partner if you lack these documents. You must be outside Canada when applying.
Application Criteria: Depending on your application method (Federal EMPP or regional EMPP), you must meet specific criteria related to work experience, education, and language skills. Additionally, if you need financial assistance, a low-interest loan may be available through Windmill Microlending.
Admissibility: You must meet Canada's admissibility requirements to be eligible for the EMPP.
5. Permanent Residence for Caregivers
As a caregiver, you have the option to come to Canada and become a permanent resident or work temporarily. To be eligible for this program, caregivers must maintain valid temporary resident status by extending their work permits before expiration. Those who applied for a new work permit before their current one expired can enjoy "maintained status" while awaiting a decision.
Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot: If you meet the eligibility criteria and hold a job offer in either the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence. These pilot programs grant you an open work permit for temporary employment in Canada. This permit:
Specifies a particular occupation for your work.
Doesn't require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Enables you to accumulate the necessary work experience for potential permanent residency.
Live-in Caregiver Program: The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP), although closed to new applicants, still offers a route to PR for those with at least 2 years of LCP work experience. Eligibility extends to those already working in Canada with an LCP work permit or those approved based on an LMIA submitted before November 30, 2014.
Want to explore your options?
While these pathways to Canadian PR might not be as well-known as some others, they offer legitimate opportunities for various groups of individuals.
Now, the immigration process can be complex, and professional guidance can greatly enhance your chances of getting approval. Schedule a consultation with our consultants to get assistance with your immigration journey.