Author: Admin

NLPNP Allocation Increases for 2025

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) has secured a significant increase in its allocation for 2025. Initially, the federal government reduced the province’s nomination allocations by 50%, bringing it down to 1,050 nominations. However, recent developments indicate that Newfoundland and Labrador has successfully negotiated an increase of 1,000 nominations for its 2025 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), bringing the total to 2,525 nominations for the year.

Temporary Pause on New Applications

In response to these changes, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) has temporarily paused the acceptance of new applications for nomination and job vacancy assessments until mid-February.

During this period, the standard 25-day service processing time will be suspended. However, applications for healthcare workers and other in-demand occupations will continue to be processed on a case-by-case basis.

This pause aims to develop new tools to enhance immigration processing and better align skilled workers with businesses in the province. The increased allocation of nominations is seen as a positive step, helping to offset earlier reductions.

Reduced Allocations to Other PNPs

The federal government’s 2025 immigration plan includes a significant reduction in PNP allocations across the country. The rationale behind these cuts is to address growing concerns about housing affordability and strain on public services.

The announced 2025 provincial nominations allocations to 2024 levels:

Province / Territory	2025 Allocation	2024 Allocation
Alberta	4,875	9,750
British Columbia	4,000	8,000
Manitoba	4,750	9,540
New Brunswick	2,750	5,500
Northwest Territories	150	300
Saskatchewan	3,625	8,000
Yukon	215	430

As part of the broader immigration policy shift, the federal government has also reduced the overall number of permanent resident landings through PNPs. In 2024, Canada welcomed 485,000 new permanent residents. However, for 2025, the target has been reduced to 395,000, marking a strategic effort to balance economic growth with infrastructure and social service capacity.

While Newfoundland and Labrador successfully secured additional nominations for 2025, the overall reduction in PNP allocations across Canada signals a shift in federal immigration policy. The temporary pause in NLPNP applications reflects the province’s need to restructure its processing system while prioritizing critical sectors.

Canada has officially launched the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a new immigration pathway designed to address labor shortages in rural areas by providing skilled foreign workers with a direct route to permanent residence. This initiative follows the successful Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which ended in August 2024.

List of Eligible Communities for Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP):

The RCIP will operate in 13 rural communities across Canada, each selected for their economic needs and commitment to welcoming immigrants. These communities include:

Community	Province
Pictou County	Nova Scotia
North Bay	Ontario
Sudbury	Ontario
Timmins	Ontario
Sault Ste. Marie	Ontario
Thunder Bay	Ontario
Steinbach	Manitoba
Altona/Rhineland	Manitoba
Brandon	Manitoba
Moose Jaw	Saskatchewan
Claresholm	Alberta
West Kootenay	British Columbia
North Okanagan Shuswap	British Columbia
Peace Liard	British Columbia

Each participating community has an economic development organization working closely with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to identify job vacancies, designate employers, and recommend candidates for permanent residence.

Who Is Eligible for RCIP?

To qualify for RCIP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• – Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating communities.

– Possess relevant work experience in an eligible occupation (exceptions apply for recent graduates from a public post-secondary institution in the community).

– Meet the language requirements for their job category.

– Demonstrate an intention to reside in the community where they received their job offer.

• – Must have obtained at least a secondary school level credential.
•  
• – Need to show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family for one year.
•  
• – Must have a valid certificate of recommendation from an economic development organization at the time of application.

Unlike other immigration streams, RCIP is community-driven, meaning applicants must receive a recommendation from the community in which they plan to settle before applying for permanent residence.

**Applicants residing within Canada must have a valid temporary resident status at the time of application, and must continue to hold valid status in Canada until they receive PR.

RCIP replaces the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which concluded in 2024. RNIP was a groundbreaking initiative that facilitated immigration to smaller communities, helping to fill labor gaps and support local economic growth. Due to its success, the Canadian government decided to develop a permanent community-driven rural immigration program, leading to the launch of RCIP in 2025.

What Is an Immigration Pilot?

An immigration pilot is a temporary program introduced by the Canadian government to address specific labor or demographic challenges in targeted regions or industries. These pilots allow IRCC to test new immigration policies before deciding whether to implement them permanently. Programs like RNIP and RCIP are examples of pilots that aim to encourage newcomers to settle in areas facing economic and demographic pressures.

With RCIP, Canada continues to demonstrate its commitment to regional economic development and community-driven immigration. This initiative is expected to help rural areas attract much-needed talent while offering skilled workers a direct and supportive pathway to permanent residence.

Ontario has implemented significant changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), particularly affecting the Express Entry and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker streams. These updates, effective January 27, 2025, are designed to attract skilled professionals, especially self-employed physicians, to address labor shortages in the province.

Key Changes:

1. Inclusion of Self-Employment as Valid Experience in Express Entry Streams:

One of the most notable changes is the inclusion of self-employed work experience for physicians applying under Ontario’s Express Entry-linked streams. Previously, self-employment was not recognized in certain immigration pathways, making it difficult for independent professionals to qualify. However, as of 2025, self-employed physicians can use their work experience to apply under:

• • • – Human Capital Priorities Stream
    • – French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

This change is specifically aimed at doctors practicing in Ontario who have experience in 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

Physicians must still meet other eligibility criteria and choose to be assessed under either the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

2. Removal of Job Offer Requirement for Self-Employed Physicians in the Foreign Worker Stream:

Another key update benefits self-employed physicians applying through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. Previously, applicants needed a formal job offer to qualify, even if they were already working independently in Ontario. Under the new rules, self-employed doctors can now apply without a job offer if they meet the following conditions:

• – They are registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under an eligible license category (Independent Practice, Academic Practice, or Postgraduate Education).
• – They are eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services under Ontario’s Health Insurance Act.

This adjustment acknowledges the unique employment structure of physicians and reduces barriers for highly skilled professionals looking to settle permanently in Ontario.

Why These Changes Matter

These updates reflect Ontario’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals and addressing labor shortages, particularly in the healthcare sector. By recognizing self-employment as valid work experience and removing unnecessary hurdles, the province is making it easier for qualified candidates to obtain permanent residency and contribute to Ontario’s economy.

These changes also align with broader national trends in Canada’s immigration system, as the federal government continues to refine Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) criteria to better meet labor market demands.

The Canadian government has announced the launch of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, set to open on March 31, 2025. These new programs will replace the previous Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, which stopped accepting applications on June 17, 2024.

These initiatives aim to address Canada’s growing demand for skilled caregivers and provide an enhanced pathway to permanent residency for those contributing to the country’s caregiving sector.

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots: Expected Quota for 2025

Under the previous pilot programs, the total annual application intake for 2024 was capped at 5,500 across both streams.

According to Canada’s 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, the broader pilot category’s annual quota will see a slight reduction, dropping from 10,920 in 2024 to 10,875 in 2025. This suggests that the new Home Care Worker Pilots will likely allocate between 4,000 and 5,000 spots for applicants.

New Canada Caregiver Programs

The Home Care Worker Pilots are being relaunched with several new features aimed at enhancing the immigration experience for caregivers. These changes promise to make the application process smoother, more predictable, and offer caregivers a faster route to permanent residency. Key features include:

• Permanent Residency on Arrival: Caregivers will receive permanent resident status upon arrival in Canada, eliminating previous delays.
•  
• Flexible Employment Opportunities:
• Participants can work in various caregiving roles, including part-time or temporary positions for individuals recovering from illness or injury.
•  
• Streamlined Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must:
  • – Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4.
  • – Hold the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
  • – Possess recent and relevant work experience in caregiving.
  • – Secure a full-time job offer in Canada’s home care sector.
  •  

• These initiatives are part of Canada’s efforts to meet the evolving home care needs of its diverse population and to recognize the invaluable contributions of caregivers.

For Canadian families, these new pilots promise greater access to qualified caregivers, ensuring that loved ones receive quality home care. For caregivers, the programs offer a more straightforward and faster route to permanent residency, along with the flexibility to work in various caregiving roles upon arrival.

Application Process

While specific details about the application process for the new pilots are yet to be released, it’s anticipated that the process will be more streamlined compared to previous programs. Applicants are advised to prepare by ensuring they meet the language and education requirements and by securing a valid job offer in Canada’s home care sector. The government is expected to provide more detailed information as the launch date approaches.

On January 23, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its 3rd Express Entry draw of the year, inviting 4,000 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to apply for permanent residency. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score for this draw was set at 527, reflecting a 15-point decrease from the previous draw on January 8, 2025.

Details of the Latest Express Entry Draw #333

Here are the specifics of the January 23, 2025, draw:

• Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Number of Invitations Issued: 4,000
• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 527
• Date and Time of Round: January 23, 2025
• Tie-Breaking Rule: July 23, 2024, at 07:06:43 UTC

Canadian Experience Class Candidates

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three main programs under the Express Entry system. It targets individuals who have already gained Canadian work experience, making them highly skilled and capable of contributing to the Canadian labor market. This program is particularly beneficial for individuals who have worked in Canada temporarily and wish to transition to permanent residency.

For the January 23 draw, the IRCC invited 4,000 CEC candidates, reflecting the importance of skilled labor to Canada’s continued economic growth. The government has consistently expressed its commitment to welcoming skilled workers who can seamlessly integrate into the workforce and contribute to Canada’s prosperity.

This draw aligns with Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which emphasizes attracting skilled workers already residing in the country. The plan aims to welcome 82,890 new immigrants through the “In-Canada Focus” allocation in 2025.

Express Entry Pool and Distribution

As of January 23, 2025, the Express Entry pool contained 232,924 candidates, with the following breakdown:

• 451-500 CRS points: 67,548 candidates
• 501-600 CRS points: 24,001 candidates
• 601-1,200 CRS points: 200 candidates

The IRCC’s targeted approach aims to manage these large numbers effectively, ensuring that candidates with the highest potential for successful integration into Canadian society are invited to apply for permanent residency.

The January 23, 2025 Express Entry draw is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled, experienced workers who can contribute to its economy. As immigration targets evolve to match labor market needs, Express Entry continues to be a valuable pathway for those seeking to make Canada their permanent home.

Canada has officially announced its 2025 study permit allocations, providing a detailed provincial and territorial breakdown along with the implementation of new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirements. This update highlights the country’s strategic adjustments to balance international student intake with its economic and infrastructure capacities, such as housing, healthcare, and other services.

Study Permit Allocations: Provincial and Territorial Breakdown

The federal government has set a cap of 437,000 study permits for international students in 2025, marking a 10% reduction from the previous year. This decision follows an initial cap introduced in 2024, aiming to mitigate challenges arising from rapid population growth due to immigration.

Below is the province-by-province breakdown for 2025:

Province or territory	Expected study permits for graduate degree students	Expected study permits for remaining students requiring PAL/TAL	Total expected number of study permits to be issued to all PAL/TAL-required students
Alberta	3,887	28,773	32,660
British Columbia	20,053	33,536	53,589
Manitoba	1,224	8,797	10,021
New Brunswick	1,400	5,030	6,430
Newfoundland and Labrador	1,456	3,208	4,664
Northwest Territories	0	220	220
Nova Scotia	1,954	6,343	8,297
Nunavut	0	220	220
Ontario	21,841	94,899	116,740
Prince Edward Island	205	1,045	1,250
Quebec	19,683	53,294	72,977
Saskatchewan	1,578	7,291	8,869
Yukon	1	338	339
Total	73,282	242,994	316,276

New Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirements

A significant update for 2025 is the introduction of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement. The PAL serves as proof that a province or territory has assessed and approved the admission of an international student into its jurisdiction.

To comply with the new regulations, most study permit applicants must now submit a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL) along with their application. This requirement, which previously applied to certain categories, has been expanded to include master’s and post-doctoral students. The PAL serves to confirm that the student is included within the federal government’s international student cap.

These measures reflect Canada’s efforts to balance the benefits of international education with the need to manage resources and infrastructure effectively.

The department has confirmed that this new requirement is in effect as of January 24, 2025.

It also announced a new exemption: Exchange students will join the group that do not need to submit a PAL or TAL.

Other groups exempted from PAL or TAL requirements include:

• – Primary and secondary (kindergarten to grade 12) students;
• – Certain Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts; and
• – Existing study permit holders applying for an extension at the same designated learning institution (DLI) and at the same level of study.

The study permit application cap aligns with the federal government’s goal of decreasing the proportion of temporary residents in Canada’s population.

The Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, unveiled in October 2024, was the first to set targets for temporary resident numbers, including both new study permit holders and work permit holders under the International Mobility Program (IMP). This cap supports the 2025 target of 305,900 student arrivals.

The reduced target for international student admissions, along with stricter regulations on family open work permits and Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), aims to curb the inflow of foreign nationals under the IMP. For 2025, the IMP admission target is set at 285,750, with a further reduction to 128,700 for 2026.

Canada’s announcement to reduce Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations by 50% for 2025 has ignited widespread debate across provinces, industries, and immigrant communities. As part of the federal government’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, this reduction aims to address concerns such as population growth sustainability, housing shortages, and service capacity. However, the policy change has also raised significant questions about its implications for Canada’s economy and labor market.

Provincial nomination quota for 2025

Province	2025 Quota (Expected)	2024 Quota
Ontario	10,750	21,500
British Columbia	7,586	Around 15,100
Alberta	4,971	9,942
Manitoba	4,750	9,540
Saskatchewan	3,625	7,250
Northwestern Territories	150	300
Nova Scotia (Including Atlantic Immigration Program)	3,150	6,300
New Brunswick	2,750	5,500
Prince Edward Island	1,025	2,050
Newfoundland and Labrador	1,525	3,050

Concerns Raised

Provincial governments have expressed apprehension that the reduced quotas could exacerbate existing labor shortages and hinder economic growth. Many regions depend on the PNP to attract skilled workers tailored to their specific economic needs. The halving of allocations may limit their ability to fill critical roles in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and agriculture.

Understanding the Federal View on PNP Quotas

The federal government justifies the reduction as part of a broader strategy to manage population growth sustainably and address challenges like housing shortages and strained public services.

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan emphasizes prioritizing applicants already residing in Canada, with over 40% of anticipated permanent resident admissions in 2025 expected to come from individuals currently holding temporary resident status.

While these measures aim to ensure sustainable growth, critics argue that reducing PNP allocations disproportionately impacts provinces that rely on immigration to fuel their economies.

Ground-Level Perspectives

Businesses and community leaders have voiced concerns that the decreased PNP allocations could lead to intensified labor shortages, particularly in industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor.

Employers in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and healthcare are particularly worried about the potential shortfall in skilled labor. With an aging population and increasing demand for workers, these industries could face significant challenges in maintaining productivity and meeting service needs.

Additionally, immigrant advocacy groups worry that the reduced quotas may limit opportunities for newcomers seeking permanent residency through provincial pathways.

Canada’s decision to reduce provincial immigration quotas for 2025 highlights the delicate balance between population growth and infrastructure capacity. While the federal government’s rationale focuses on sustainability, the significant cut in PNP allocations raises critical concerns about labor shortages, economic growth, and opportunities for newcomers.

As of January 2025, Canada’s Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has updated its policy regarding the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Specifically, LMIA applications for low-wage positions will not be processed in Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher.

What Are Low-Wage LMIAs?

The low-wage stream of the TFWP is designed for employers looking to hire temporary foreign workers for positions offering wages below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage. While this program helps employers address labor shortages, it comes with stricter requirements to balance the need for foreign workers with opportunities for Canadian job seekers. Restrictions include limits on the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers an employer can hire and requirements for transition plans to reduce dependency on foreign labor.

Regions Affected by the New Policy

Under this policy, low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed in Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher. The affected CMAs, based on unemployment rates as of January 10, 2025, include:

Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)	Unemployment Rate
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador	6.0%
Saint John, New Brunswick	6.1%
Montréal, Quebec	6.2%
Oshawa, Ontario	7.5%
Toronto, Ontario	7.9%
Hamilton, Ontario	6.3%
St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario	6.2%
Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario	7.3%
Guelph, Ontario	6.2%
London, Ontario	6.4%
Windsor, Ontario	8.8%
Barrie, Ontario	6.0%
Regina, Saskatchewan	6.1%
Calgary, Alberta	7.5%
Edmonton, Alberta	6.8%

This list is updated quarterly, with the next update scheduled for April 4, 2025.

What Is a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)?

A Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is defined by Statistics Canada as an area consisting of one or more adjacent municipalities centered on a population center (core) with at least 100,000 residents, 50,000 or more of whom live in the core. CMAs are established for statistical purposes to track urbanized regions and their economic conditions.

To determine if a specific work location falls within an affected CMA, you can enter the complete postal code of the work location on the Census of Population website. The search results will indicate the corresponding CMA, allowing you to verify its status regarding LMIA processing.

Why This Policy Matters

This policy underscores Canada’s effort to balance the need for temporary foreign workers with the availability of local labor. By targeting regions with higher unemployment rates, the government aims to create more opportunities for Canadian residents while ensuring that employers in regions with genuine labor shortages can still access foreign talent where necessary.

As of January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented significant changes to the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program. These modifications affect eligibility criteria, the list of qualifying occupations, application procedures, and the context behind these changes.

Full List of Eligible Occupations

Under the new regulations, spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers are eligible for an open work permit if the principal foreign worker is employed in specific occupations categorized under the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system. The eligible TEER categories include:

• TEER 0: Management occupations.
• TEER 1: Occupations that usually require a university degree.
• TEER 2 and TEER 3: Selected occupations that typically require college diplomas or apprenticeships.

Additionally, for a spouse or partner to qualify under the new rules, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time of the SOWP application.

Prior to this update, spouses of foreign workers could be eligible for SOWPs regardless of the foreign worker’s occupation.

*TEER, which stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities, is a classification system under Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC), with TEER 0 being the highest and TEER 5 being the lowest.

List of Eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations for SOWPs

NOC group 22 – Technical Occupations Related to Natural and Applied Sciences

Occupation	NOC
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors	22313
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics	22312
Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)	22311
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians	22310
Construction estimators	22303
Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians	22302
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians	22301
Civil engineering technologists and technicians	22300
Construction inspectors	22233
Occupational health and safety specialists	22232
Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers	22231
Non-destructive testers and inspectors	22230
Information systems testing technicians	22222
User support technicians	22221
Computer network and web technicians	22220
Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology	22214
Land survey technologists and technicians	22213
Drafting technologists and technicians	22212
Industrial designers	22211
Architectural technologists and technicians	22210
Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists	22114
Conservation and fishery officers	22113
Forestry technologists and technicians	22112
Agricultural and fish products inspectors	22111
Biological technologists and technicians	22110
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians	22101
Chemical technologists and technicians	22100

NOC group 32 – Technical Occupations in Health

Occupation	NOC
Opticians	32100
Licensed practical nurses	32101
Paramedical occupations	32102
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists	32103
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians	32104
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment	32109
Denturists	32110
Dental hygienists and dental therapists	32111
Dental technologists and technicians	32112
Medical laboratory technologists	32120
Medical radiation technologists	32121
Medical sonographers	32122
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists	32123
Pharmacy technicians	32124
Other medical technologists and technicians	32129
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists	32200
Massage therapists	32201
Other practitioners of natural healing	32209

NOC group 42 – Front-Line Public Protection Services and Paraprofessional Occupations in Legal, Social, Community, Education Services

Occupation	NOC
Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces	42102
Early childhood educators and assistants	42202

NOC group 72 – Technical Trades and Transportation Officers and Controllers

Occupation	NOC
Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations	72010
Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations	72011
Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades	72012
Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades	72013
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers	72014
Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades	72020
Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews	72021
Supervisors, printing and related occupations	72022
Supervisors, railway transport operations	72023
Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators	72024
Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations	72025
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors	72100
Tool and die makers	72101
Sheet metal workers	72102
Boilermakers	72103
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters	72104
Ironworkers	72105
Welders and related machine operators	72106
Electricians (except industrial and power system)	72200
Industrial electricians	72201
Power system electricians	72202
Electrical power line and cable workers	72203
Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers	72204
Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians	72205
Plumbers	72300
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers	72301
Gas fitters	72302
Carpenters	72310
Cabinetmakers	72311
Bricklayers	72320
Insulators	72321
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics	72400
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics	72401
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics	72402
Railway carmen/women	72403
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors	72404
Machine fitters	72405
Elevator constructors and mechanics	72406
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers	72410
Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators	72411
Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics	72420
Appliance servicers and repairers	72421
Electrical mechanics	72422
Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics	72423
Other small engine and small equipment repairers	72429
Crane operators	72500
Water well drillers	72501
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors	72600
Air traffic controllers and related occupations	72601
Deck officers, water transport	72602
Engineer officers, water transport	72603
Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators	72604
Other technical trades and related occupations	72999

NOC group 82 – Supervisors in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production

Occupation	NOC
Supervisors, logging and forestry	82010
Supervisors, mining and quarrying	82020
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services	82021
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors	82030
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services	82031

NOC group 33 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services

Occupation	NOC
Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants	33100
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations	33101
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates	33102
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants	33103
Other assisting occupations in support of health services	33109

NOC group 43 – Assisting Occupations in Education and in Legal and Public Protection

Occupation	NOC
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants	43100
Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces	43204

NOC group 53 – Occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport

Occupation	NOC
Athletes	53200
Coaches	53201

NOC group 73 – General Trades

Occupation	NOC
Concrete finishers	73100
Tilesetters	73101
Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers	73102
Roofers and shinglers	73110
Glaziers	73111
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators	73112
Floor covering installers	73113
Residential and commercial installers and servicers	73200
General building maintenance workers and building superintendents	73201
Pest controllers and fumigators	73202
Other repairers and servicers	73209
Transport truck drivers	73300
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators	73301
Railway and yard locomotive engineers	73310
Railway conductors and brakemen/women	73311
Heavy equipment operators	73400
Printing press operators	73401
Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction	73402

NOC group 83 – Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production

Occupation	NOC
Underground production and development miners	83100
Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers	83101
Logging machinery operators	83110
Fishing masters and officers	83120
Fishermen/women	83121

How to find your occupation’s NOC code

To identify the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for your spouse’s or partner’s job:

1. Visit the NOC Website: Access the official NOC website.

2. Search for the Job Title: Use the search function to enter your spouse’s or partner’s job title.

3. Review Job Descriptions: Compare the job duties listed in the NOC with your spouse’s or partner’s actual job responsibilities to ensure an accurate match.

4. Note the NOC Code and TEER Category: Once identified, note the corresponding NOC code and its TEER category to confirm eligibility.

The Canadian government announced these changes to the SOWP program on January 14, 2025, with the new regulations taking effect on January 21, 2025. The primary objectives of these modifications are to:

• Align with Labor Market Needs: By restricting SOWP eligibility to spouses of workers in specific occupations, the policy aims to address labor shortages in high-demand sectors.

• Manage Temporary Resident Numbers: These changes are part of broader measures to regulate the number of temporary residents in Canada, ensuring that immigration policies align with the country’s economic and social objectives.

It’s important to note that these changes do not affect valid work permits approved under previous measures that have not expired, nor do they impact eligible renewals of such work permits.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a new Canadian immigration initiative set to launch in 2025, building upon the success of the previous Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which concluded on August 31, 2024.

The RCIP aims to attract skilled immigrants to contribute to the economic development of smaller rural communities across Canada.

Canada plans to welcome 10,920 new immigrants through pilot programs in 2025 under its Immigration Levels Plan. These include the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, Caregiver pilots, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot and the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.

Key Features of the RCIP

Eligibility Requirements:

Work Experience:

Applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the past three years, aligning with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) requirements. Certain exemptions apply for recent international graduates from eligible programs.

Language Proficiency: Minimum language benchmarks are set based on the job’s NOC TEER category, ranging from Benchmark 4 to 6.

• TEER 0/1: Benchmark 6.
• TEER 2/3: Benchmark 5.
• TEER 4/5: Benchmark 4.

Education: Applicants must have completed at least secondary school education, with foreign credentials requiring an equivalency assessment.

Intent to Reside: Candidates must demonstrate a genuine intention to live in the designated rural community.

Financial Requirements: Proof of sufficient funds is necessary, equivalent to half of the low-income cut-off for rural areas, as determined by Statistics Canada.

Employer and Community Roles

Employer Designation: Employers in participating communities must meet specific criteria, including operating a genuine business active for at least two years and committing to supporting applicants and their families with settlement services.

Economic Development Organizations: These organizations are responsible for designating priority occupations annually and ensuring that the pilot meets community economic growth needs.

The RCIP is part of Canada’s broader strategy to address labor shortages in rural areas and promote long-term community growth through strategic immigration. In 2025, Canada plans to welcome 10,920 new immigrants through various pilot programs, including the RCIP.