This includes Peace Liard and North Okanagan-Shuswap, both in British Columbia.

Assess your eligibility for the RCIP

Pictou County, located in the central-northern part of the province of Nova Scotia, has also revealed its list of designated employers for the rural pathway.

The RCIP is a rural pathway to permanent residence (PR) for skilled foreign workers with job offers from designated employers within specific participating communities.

Here’s a look at the designated employers within each region.

What’s the significance of designated employers for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot?

The RCIP is an employer-driven immigration pilot.

That means that foreign nationals need to have a job offer from a designated employer in order to be eligible.

In addition, they need to meet other criteria:

• Work experience: Foreign nationals need at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the last year. International graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions in the region may be exempt from this work experience requirement.
• Language proficiency: Foreign nationals need to prove their English or French language proficiency. The Canadian Language Benchmark needed depends on the Training Education Experience and Responsibilities category that the job offer falls within, but is in the CLB 4-6 range.
• Educational qualifications: The foreign national must hold a Canadian secondary school education credential or equivalent foreign qualification.
• Settlement funds: The foreign national must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying members during the settlement process. The amount needed is updated annually and can be seen here.

If a foreign worker meets all the criteria and has a job offer, the employer must then get the job offer endorsed by the participating region’s local economic development organization.

If successful, the foreign worker can apply directly to the federal government for PR.

RCIP has seen great demand since its launch. There are 14 communities participating in the RCIP. Almost all the communities (with the exception of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) have launched their programs.

The post Peace Liard, North Okanagan-Shuswap, and Pictou County reveal designated employers for rural pathway to permanent residence appeared first on CIC REPORT.

Invitations were extended based on skilled work experience, scoring results, and involvement in strategic recruitment initiatives.

This is Manitoba’s 17th provincial immigration draw of the year.

Draw results

On August 21, the MPNP held a draw under the Skilled Worker Stream, which consists of two pathways:

• Skilled Worker in Manitoba; and
• Skilled Worker Overseas.

A total of 77 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued, 18 of which were sent to foreign nationals who declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code.

The score of the lowest ranked candidate in Expression of Interest Draw (EOI) #252 was 612.

Only candidates who confirmed they had been directly invited by the MPNP as part of a strategic recruitment initiative received invitations.

This draw saw the issuance of LAAs through the following strategic recruitment initiatives:

The MPNP notes that candidates who met or exceeded the cut-off score but did not receive an LAA may have been affected by the following issues:

• Reporting completion of a recognized language test but failing to enter a valid test number, or using results that had expired by the time of the draw; or
• Indicating an invitation through a strategic recruitment initiative without including a valid invitation number in their EOI.

What is a strategic recruitment initiative?

Strategic recruitment initiatives are targeted efforts led by employers or communities to assist Manitoba in identifying and inviting candidates with essential skills that are in high demand but short supply in the province.

Through these initiatives, local employers fill long-standing workforce needs while also enabling qualified foreign nationals to obtain permanent resident status.

To take part, employers are required to satisfy eligibility criteria for their vacancies and complete Manitoba’s ABC Recruitment Process.

Upon approval, they are authorized to submit information on international candidates to Manitoba’s Employer Services.

Candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements, including age, education, language skills, and work experience, as well as conditions associated with the stream they are selected for.

The post Skilled workers receive invitations in Manitoba’s latest provincial draw appeared first on CIC REPORT.

This article will cover 10 of the most frequently asked questions around IMEs for new Express Entry candidates and applicants.

What conditions do I have to meet to be exempt from doing an IME?

You may be exempt from doing an IME for your PR application if you meet all the following conditions:

• You already live in Canada;
• You previously completed an IME in the last five years; and
• Your previous IME indicated you were a low risk or no risk to public health and public safety.

What happens if I have a medical condition—can I still be approved?

Approval depends on whether your condition poses a risk to public health/safety or is likely to cause excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare or social services.

IRCC considers a condition to create excessive demand if:

• The health or social services required to treat the condition would negatively impact wait times for services in Canada, or
• The cost of treatment and management is expected to exceed the excessive demand cost threshold.

Excessive Demand Cost Threshold (2025)

For 2025, IRCC has set the threshold at $135,810 over 5 years (equivalent to $27,162 per year). This figure is used by IRCC to determine whether the anticipated cost of an applicant’s condition would place an excessive demand on Canada’s health and social services.

Some applicants may be subject to medical surveillance after landing (for example, follow-up for tuberculosis). Many medical conditions do not automatically result in refusal.

To learn more about being found medically inadmissible to Canada, visit our dedicated webpage.

Who is allowed to perform the exam? Can my family doctor do it?

No, your family doctor cannot perform the exam.

Only Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)-approved panel physicians are authorized to conduct immigration medical exams. You must choose a doctor from IRCC’s list of panel physicians.

You can find a list of certified panel physicians here.

How much does an IME cost in Canada?

Costs vary by clinic, country/region, and the necessary tests.

Typically, for a standard medical exam in Canada, costs range from CAD $ 140 – 150 for kids aged 0 – 14, and CAD $170 – 180 for those 15 – 74.

Applicants must pay all related fees out of pocket, including

• The physician’s exam fee;
• Radiology and laboratory tests; and
• Specialist consultations (if required).

Vaccinations offered at the clinic may involve additional costs. Refugees and asylum seekers may have some fees covered.

What documents should I bring to the exam?

IRCC recommends applicants bring the following documents:

• A valid identification, including a passport (recommended) or other government-issued ID (national ID card, driver’s license from certain countries, refugee documents, birth certificate for children under 18, etc.).
• Medical Report form (IMM 1017E or IMM 1020E) if IRCC has sent you one.
• Four passport-style photos if the clinic doesn’t use the eMedical system.
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if you wear them).
• Medical history and reports of previous or ongoing conditions.
• List of current medications.
• Vaccination records (optional but recommended, including COVID-19).

What happens during the medical exam?

Note that there are two kinds of IME for Canadian immigration:

• The Standard Medical Exam; and
• The Streamlined Medical Exam.

Under the Standard Medical Exam:

When you arrive, clinic staff will confirm your identity with official ID and may ask for it again if you need further tests. A photo will also be taken for IRCC’s records.

Medical history

The doctor will complete a questionnaire with you, covering past or current medical conditions and any medications you take. Be honest and thorough—missing details can delay processing.

Physical examination

You’ll have a standard physical check, which usually includes:

• Measuring height and weight;
• Checking vision and hearing;
• Listening to your heart and lungs; and
• Examining your abdomen, skin, and limb movement.

Genital and rectal exams are not required. A breast exam may be done if medically necessary, with an explanation provided beforehand.

Additional tests

Depending on your age and medical history, you may be asked to do chest X-rays, blood or urine tests, or see a specialist. These are routine and should be completed promptly to avoid delays.

Vaccinations

Bringing proof of past vaccinations is encouraged but not mandatory.

Vaccines may be offered during the exam, including COVID-19 vaccines, but taking them is voluntary.

If you provide proof of previous vaccines or receive new ones, the doctor will record the details and share them with IRCC (with your consent).

IRCC suggests always keeping copies of vaccination records for your personal files.

Under the Streamlined Medical Exam:

When you check in, staff will confirm your identity using official ID and take your photo for IRCC’s records. If you need additional tests, such as chest X-rays, you may be asked to show your ID again.

Medical history

The doctor will complete a questionnaire with you about your past and current medical conditions. IRCC advises applicants to be open and thorough about their medical history, as leaving out details can delay processing.

Additional tests

Routine screenings, such as chest X-rays or lab tests, may be required depending on your age. If results show something that needs further review, you may be referred to a specialist.

IRCC recommends that applicants make sure to complete all requested steps promptly to avoid delays in their medical exam processing.

Under both tests, you have the right to a chaperone. This means you can request a chaperone at any point during the exam. You may also pause the exam to ask questions or raise concerns if you feel uncomfortable.

Once your IME is complete

Your physician will upload the results for you to IRCC and provide you with a document attesting that you have completed a recognized medical exam with a panel physician. IRCC advises you to keep this document for your records.

How long does the IME take, and how long does it take to process?

The medical exam itself usually takes between 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how busy the clinic is and whether additional tests are needed.

Processing times vary—panel physicians normally upload results within 10 days through the eMedical system that IRCC and panel physicians use. However, IRCC’s review of your results will be tied to the overall processing of your immigration application.

Can I get a copy of my results, and does IRCC notify me after they receive them?

Panel physicians send your results directly to IRCC.

You can request a copy from the clinic when you attend the exam. IRCC will contact you in writing if further medical information is needed or if issues arise, but they don’t automatically confirm receipt of results.

Physicians generally do not inform patients once they send IME results to IRCC. The immigration department recommends regularly checking your application status through the PR portal to see when IME results are updated there.

Note that medical reports and X-rays that are part of the medical exam become IRCC’s property and will not be returned to you after the IME has been processed.

How do I attach my IME to my PR application?

Once you have completed your IME, the panel physician will give you either an

• Information printout sheet; or
• IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form.

When you apply online, you’ll need to provide one of those documents in the relevant section of the PR portal.

How long are IME results valid?

Medical exam results are generally valid for 12 months from the date of the exam. If your results expire before IRCC makes a decision, you may be asked to undergo a new exam.

The post FAQs on medical exams when applying for PR through Express Entry appeared first on CIC REPORT.

If you’re eligible, this special savings account may help make it easier to set money aside for your future home.

Read on to find helpful information to better understand the FHSA, what it is, how it works, and how it may fit into your home ownership goals as a newcomer.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. Eligibility – Who can open an FHSA and when
2. FHSA basics – What it is and how it works
3. Why consider TD – A few reasons newcomers may choose TD for their FHSA
4. FHSA vs. other plans – How it compares to a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
5. Getting started – Opening an FHSA and choosing the right account for you

1. FHSA Basics: What it is and how it works

The  First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a registered savings plan introduced by the Canadian federal government in 2022.  It is designed to help eligible Canadian residents, including newcomers, save for their first home in Canada.

You can contribute up to $8,000 per year, with a lifetime limit of $40,000. Contributions towards your FHSA may be tax-deductible. Any savings and investment growth in the account can be withdrawn tax-free when used to buy a qualifying first home.

2. Why Consider TD – A Few Reasons Newcomers May Choose TD for Their FHSA

As a newcomer settling into life in Canada, finding the right financial institution can help make a meaningful difference, especially when planning for something as important as your first home. Here are a few ways TD may support you on that journey with an FHSA:

✔ Plan your mortgage with greater clarity
While tools like the TD Mortgage Affordability Calculator can help you plan for your mortgage and down payment, an FHSA from TD can help you save for the same.  This may make it easier to select the right amount and type of mortgage based on your income, expenses, and long-term goals.

✔ Get financial advice tailored to your needs
At TD, we’re here to support newcomers in building a strong financial future. You can book a Goal Builder appointment with a personal banker to understand what steps and products may help get you closer to your home ownership goals. It’s about guidance that fits your unique situation.

✔ Choose from flexible investment options
With a TD investment services FHSA, you’re not limited to just saving in cash. You can choose from a variety of investment options that go into an FHSA, such as GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates) and mutual funds. This flexibility may help you grow your savings over time while staying within an account designed for your first home.

3. FHSA vs. Other Plans: How it compares to a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

If you’re thinking about saving for a first home, it may help to understand how the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) compares to other registered plans available in Canada. Here’s how it compares against two common options:

✔ RRSP vs. FHSA
A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is mostly used for saving for retirement. However, it may also help with buying your first home through the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP).^[1] You can withdraw up to $60,000 toward a home purchase, but you’ll need to repay that amount. The repayment period begins the second year after the withdrawal, and you have up to 15 years to repay the full amount.

However, with an FHSA, withdrawals for a qualifying first home purchase—along with any investment earnings—are not taxed and do not need to be repaid.

✔ TFSA vs. FHSA
A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) allows you the flexibility to save for a multitude of short and long-term financial goals. You can withdraw qualifying funds from the TFSA without paying tax.  This can make the TFSA a great tool to save for big-ticket items, like purchasing a home.

The FHSA is designed to support First-Time Homebuyers with useful features from both plans, offering tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals when used for a qualifying purchase. ^[2]

4. Getting Started: Opening an FHSA and Choosing the Right Account for You

To open a First Home Savings Account (FHSA), you’ll first want to speak with your bank or personal banker. You’ll need to provide some basic documentation, such as valid identification, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), proof of Canadian residency, and a completed application. Once your account is open, you can begin contributing toward your first home purchase.^[3]

There are a few types of FHSAs that TD has to offer, depending on how you’d like to manage your funds:

• Multi-Holding Account- Holds your funds in cash, GICs or Mutual Funds all within one account.
• Direct Investing Account- A self-directed investing option with access to a wider range of investments, such as mutual funds, stocks, GICs and Bonds.

Each type of plan has different features, so it’s helpful to talk with a TD personal banker to find the option that suits your needs and comfort level.

5. Eligibility: Who Can Open an FHSA and When?

To open a First Home Savings Account (FHSA), you must meet a few conditions set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This includes:

• A Canadian resident
• 18 years or older^[4]
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• A first-time home buyer^[5]

For newcomers to Canada, the FHSA may be a helpful way to begin saving for a first home. It offers tax advantages and the flexibility to invest your contributions. Once you’re eligible and feel ready, opening an FHSA could be a simple step toward reaching your homeownership goals.

Ready to bank? Learn more about TD New to Canada Banking Package today

Why Choose TD?

Over 150 years helping Canadians:

TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 150 years.

TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.

With over a thousand branches, and the ability to also serve you in more than 80 different languages, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.

TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience and has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking needs quickly and easily.

Ready to Bank?

Learn more about TD New to Canada Banking Package today.

Book an appointment to talk with a TD Personal Banking Associate about the TD New to Canada Banking Package. You can book online right away or visit the TD website to learn more.

The post Understanding the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) for New Canadians appeared first on CIC REPORT.

Prior to this change, IMEs were to be completed after a foreign national submitted their application for PR, upon request from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Some candidates will be exempt from this change if they meet all conditions detailed below, including having completed an IME in the last five years.

To be exempt, an Express Entry applicant must meet all the following conditions:

• They previously completed an IME in the last five years.
• Their previous IME indicated that they were a low risk or no risk to Canadian public health and public safety.
• They already live in Canada.

IRCC advises candidates to only complete an IME if they have received an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR.

IMEs are typically valid for 12 months from the date of the exam.

IMEs must be completed by a candidate and all of their immediate family members (spouse / common-law partner, dependent children, and the dependent children of dependent children), even including family members who are not accompanying the candidate to Canada.

Who can perform an IME?

IMEs must be performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

These physicians have access to IRCC’s eMedical program and will send a candidate’s IME results directly to IRCC on their behalf.

To find the closest panel physician to you, visit IRCC’s webpage.

How to attach your IME results to your PR application

Once you have completed your IME, the panel physician will give you either an

• Information printout sheet; or
• IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form.

When you apply online, you’ll need to provide one of those documents as proof that you have completed an IME in the Express Entry Profile Builder.

What if I have already completed an IME in the past five years?

Candidates who meet all the conditions (as detailed above) for the exemption to this new rule can use their old IME results to meet the new requirement.

Applicants who may be exempt should provide a copy of one of the following documents from their previous IME:

• Information printout sheet;
• IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report form; or
• Their IME number (unique medical identifier).

This information should be uploaded to the Express Entry Profile Builder when submitting a PR application.

If, after the application has been submitted, IRCC determines that the previous results cannot be used, the department will provide the applicant with instructions on how to complete a new medical exam.

The post New medical exam requirements for Express Entry permanent residence applications take effect appeared first on CIC REPORT.

You can lose PR status for various reasons—some unfavourable, like not meeting residency obligations or becoming inadmissible, and others more positive, such as voluntarily giving up the status after becoming a Canadian citizen.

Notably, you will still have PR status and may remain in Canada if your PR card expires, but you will need a valid PR card to return to Canada via plane, train, bus, or boat after traveling abroad.

This article will cover the various scenarios that can lead to you losing your PR status.

Failing to meet PR residency obligations

To maintain your PR status, you must accumulate a minimum of 730 days of physical presence in Canada in any five-year period.

This 730-day requirement does not necessitate continuous residence—and some of your time abroad may also qualify for inclusion.

Failure to meet this requirement may result in loss of your PR status.

You can include time spent outside of Canada toward your residency requirements if one of the following allowable reasons apply to you:

• You are employed full-time abroad by a Canadian company, organization, or by a Canadian provincial, territorial government, or federal government; or
• You are traveling with a spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and who is working full-time outside Canada for a Canadian company or government body.

In both cases, there must be an expectation to return to and resume employment in Canada.

Dependent children traveling with a parent who meet the above-mentioned criteria can also count time spent outside Canada.

Tracking your travels

IRCC recommends tracking your time in (and outside of) Canada, and even provides a downloadable travel journal where you can record

• The date you left and returned to Canada (including same-day trips);
• Countries you visited (including the US, even if less than 24 hours); and
• The reason for the travel (such as vacation, family events, or work trips).

You are not obligated to use this tool, but it can be beneficial to reference if you need to at a later date.

Becoming inadmissible to Canada

Canadian citizens are the only ones with the legal right to enter and remain in Canada.

Although permanent residents enjoy broader rights compared to temporary residents, you may still be deemed inadmissible to Canada for various reasons, including serious criminality.

But you cannot be deemed criminally inadmissible due to criminality—nor can you be found medically inadmissible to Canada.

A permanent resident who becomes inadmissible to Canada may be denied entry into Canada or subject to removal from the country.

Serious criminality

You can be considered criminally inadmissible due to serious criminality if

• You have been convicted in Canada of an offence punishable by a maximum term of at least 10 years, or you received a prison sentence exceeding six months; or
• You were convicted of, or committed, an offence outside Canada that would be punishable by 10 years or more under Canadian law.

You may be able to overcome criminal inadmissibility and return to Canada by checking if you qualify for deemed rehabilitation, or applying for criminal rehabilitation (also referred to as individual rehabilitation). To return temporarily (up to three years), you can apply for a Temporary Resident Permit if eligible.

Misrepresentation

As a permanent resident (and even as a Canadian citizen), you can also be found inadmissible due to misrepresentation.

Some examples of misrepresentation include omitting (consciously or not) important information in your application, submitting altered/false documentation, and lying about your health, employment, or educational background.

Canada takes misrepresentation very seriously. Consequences may include financial penalties, charges, removal from Canada, and a re-entry ban of up to five years.

Becoming a Canadian citizen

Once you become a Canadian citizen, your permanent resident status will no longer apply, as you will have transitioned to full citizenship.

In this case, losing PR status is not a loss, but a significant achievement.

Naturalized Citizens of Canada enjoy extensive rights, freedoms, and benefits unique to their status, including

• The right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, as well as the ability to run for public office;
• Access to all employment opportunities, including positions requiring high-level security clearance reserved for citizens;
• The ability to pass on citizenship by descent to their children born outside Canada;
• Eligibility for scholarships and grants available only to Canadian citizens;
• Protection from deportation (if you are not a dual citizen);
• Freedom from the residency obligations that apply to PRs, allowing you to live abroad indefinitely with the right to return to Canada at any time;
• The ability to apply for a Canadian passport, which offers the following:
  • Visa-free access to a significant number of countries;
  • Simplified visa application processes where visas are still required;
  • Fewer obstacles when re-entering Canada from abroad; and
  • Support from Canadian embassies and consulates during emergencies abroad.

The post Is it possible to lose my permanent resident status? appeared first on CIC REPORT.

The immigration department issued 2,500 ITAs in a draw for candidates in Express Entry’s Healthcare and social services occupation category.

To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have:

• A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470; and
• Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 8:08 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on 23 April 2025.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Today’s Express Entry draw is the fifth of the month and the second of the week. Since May of this year, IRCC has held a single draw for candidates in the Healthcare and social services category every month. Prior to this, no Healthcare and social services draws had taken place in 2025, signalling a major shift towards increased prioritization for these candidates.

Today’s category-based selection follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on 18 August, a French language proficiency draw on 8 August, and a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on 7 August.

Thus far, IRCC has issued 55,820 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025.

Express Entry draws this year have primarily focused on PNP draws, with the remainder of Express Entry ITAs dedicated to CEC candidates, candidates with French-language proficiency, and those in the Express Entry priority occupation categories:

The post Express Entry: Canada issues thousands of invitations in second largest Healthcare draw of the year appeared first on CIC REPORT.

In general, individuals working in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and select other sectors may have an advantage when applying through the AIP in 2025.

Here’s a look at the sectors being prioritized for AIP in 2025.

The AIP is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence (PR) for skilled workers and certain international graduates who wish to settle in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

To be eligible, applicants must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces, and the job offer must be endorsed by the province.

Unlike Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which require candidates to first receive a provincial nomination, eligible candidates under the AIP can apply directly to the federal government for PR. They may also qualify for a temporary work permit, allowing them to begin working for their employer while their PR application is being processed.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island was the first of the Atlantic provinces to announce an update to its AIP.

In January, the province revealed that, due to a high volume of applications and a reduced federal allocation, it would be prioritizing skilled workers in “high-demand sectors:”

• Healthcare.
• Construction.
• Manufacturing.

PEI will only accept AIP endorsement application packages for workers in these three sectors for the remainder of 2025.

Foreign nationals working in other sectors may still submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) through the PEI PNP.

Nova Scotia

In July Nova Scotia announced that it would prioritize foreign nationals currently living and working in Nova Scotia with work permits expiring in 2025.

Of these, workers in healthcare and social assistance (NAICS 62) and construction (NAICS 23) would be further prioritize.

Applications from candidates outside Canada would be prioritized if they worked in healthcare, social assistance or construction. Moreover, the province will make exceptions for employers in the AIP hiring in

• Trucking;
• Science and technology;
• Clean energy sectors; and
• Resource development.

Newfoundland and Labrador

While Newfoundland and Labrador has not paused its AIP, it has listed some in-demand occupations that are exempt from provincial labour market testing processes (such as the AIP labour market testing requirements), and will receive priority processing.

In-demand Health Care sector occupations for public and private healthcare providers:

• Physician: Family Medicine; Psychiatry; Pathology; General Internal Medicine; Radiology; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Anesthesia; Pediatric Intensivists (PICU); Neonatologists (NICU); Pathology (Hemopathology).
• Nurse Practitioner (NP).
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
• Personal Care Attendant (PCA).
• Clinical Psychologist.
• Medical Physicist.
• Radiation Therapist.
• Dosimetrist.

In-demand Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector occupations:

• Engineers and Developers.
• Software Developer.
• Biomedical Engineer.
• UI/UX Developer.
• Electrical Engineer.
• AI Developer.
• Mechanical Engineer.
• Python Developer.
• Web Developer.
• .NET Developer.
• Infrastructure Engineer.
• Technical Specialists.
• Security Specialist.
• Cloud Specialist.
• Bioinformatician.
• Computer Network Support.
• Research Associate.
• Data Analytics.
• Offshore Technician.
• ROV Operator.
• Ocean Mapping Specialist.
• Technical Writer.

In-demand aquaculture sector occupations:

• Captain (FM4 certification required).
• Farming and Feeding Manager.
• Facility Technician.
• Assistant Manager.
• Cage Site Technician.
• Site Manager (with water quality expertise).
• Area Manager.

Newfoundland and Labrador adopted an EOI model for its PNP and its AIP, effective February 19, 2025.

This means that foreign nationals cannot apply directly but must first submit an EOI and receive an invitation before being included in an AIP Endorsement application.

New Brunswick

The province announced that its AIP would be paused for the remainder of the year, starting April 4, as its allocation had been reached.

Employers will not be designated under the AIP for the rest of 2025, and no new endorsement applications will be accepted by designated employers either, after this date.

Applications submitted on or before April 4 will continue to be processed, provided they are not in the list of occupations the province announced it would stop processing as of February 20.

It’s worth noting that in June 2025, New Brunswick received an additional 1,500 spots to the NB PNP. Those interested in immigrating to the province can check individual PNP streams to see if they qualify.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The AIP is a pathway to PR in Canada for those who want to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces.

To be eligible, a foreign national needs a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada, and that job offer must be endorsed by the province.

In addition, they must either

• Meet the minimum work experience requirement; or
• Be a recent graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in the endorsing Atlantic province.

The AIP offers a number of benefits compared to other Canadian immigration pathways such as shorter processing times, individualized settlement services, and access to LMIA-exempt work permits so eligible candidates can legally work while their PR application is being processed.

Eligibility criteria

Apart from having a job offer from a designated employer, AIP has additional criteria regarding work experience, education, language proficiency and settlement funds.

Work experience

Skilled workers

Skilled workers need to have worked at least 1,560 hours in the last five years.

The work experience should be one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, TEER 3, or TEER 4.

International students

International student graduates can qualify for the AIP without meeting the work experience requirement if

• They have a two-year or longer credential from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada;
• They were a full-time student for the entire duration of their studies; and
• They lived in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months during the last two years before graduating.

Education

The educational requirements depend on the NOC TEER of the job offer

• NOC TEER 0 or 1: One-year post-secondary or higher;
• NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4: High school diploma.

Educational credentials can have been gained inside or outside Canada.

If the education was completed outside Canada, each non-Canadian credential requires an educational credential assessment (ECA).

Language proficiency

Candidates must have minimum language proficiency in English or French, depending on the NOC TEER of the job offer:

• CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 0,1,2,3.
• CLB/NCLC 4 for TEER 4.

Settlement funds

Finally, candidates need to show that they can support themselves and their family when they move to Canada.

The current funds required depend on the size of the family and can be seen here.

Foreign nationals already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit are exempt from the settlement funds requirement.

Applying through the AIP

Those interested in immigrating through the AIP must first check if they meet the eligibility criteria.

If they meet the qualifying work experience, educational requirements, language requirements, and have enough settlement funds, they can start looking for a job with a designated employer.

Each Atlantic province has a list of designated employers for its AIP published on its website.

After getting a job offer from a designated employer, foreign nationals need to get a settlement plan. These are usually facilitated with the help of the employer and are designed to help candidates settle into their new provinces.

After they have their settlement plan, the next step is getting the job offer endorsed by the province. The employer handles this process. If successful, the foreign national will receive a certificate of endorsement.

This certificate can be used when applying to the federal government to get PR through the AIP.

Those who meet the requirements for PR through this program can also apply for a temporary work permit, which allows them to work while their application is being processed.

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Apart from that, it also held draws through the Health Care Pathway under its Express Entry and non-Express Entry options.

A total of 683 invitations were issued between these three draws

Summary of draws (Aug 7 – 15)

In the week between 7 and 15 August, the AAIP held three draws.

Of the three, the biggest draw was held on August 12.

The Alberta Opportunity Stream is intended for temporary foreign workers who are currently employed full-time in Alberta and have a full-time job from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation.

Meanwhile, the AAIP also held two draws on 7 and 15 August respectively through the Dedicated Health Care Pathway.

This is pathway to permanent residence (PR) for those who have an Alberta job offer in an eligible health care occupation. There are two options to apply under this: Express Entry and non-Express Entry.

Those applying through Express Entry go through the federal government’s Express Entry process, and are subject to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) processing times.

The non-Express Entry option is only for those who do not qualify for the Alberta Express Entry stream but have a job offer in an eligible health care occupation.

Those applying through this route – if approved – will have to go through the base PNP process.

How many invitations and nominations are still to be issued through these streams?

As of 15 August, the AAIP has issued 3,251 nominations out of its 4,875 allocation, meaning the province still has 1,624 nomination spots to assign to candidates this year.

You can find more details on the nominations issued, allocated, and spots left in the table below.

As of time of writing there are 63,926 EOIs in the selection pool (across all streams and pathways).

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The immigration department issued 192 ITAs in a draw for candidates in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have:

• A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 800; and
• Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 7:17 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on 11 February 2025.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025

Today’s Express Entry draw is the fourth of the month—and features the second-highest CRS score of the year at 800 CRS points. The highest CRS score of 2025 was 802 in the first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of February.

This draw is the second PNP draw of the month and follows a French language proficiency draw on 8 August, a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on 7 August, and a PNP draw on 6 August. This is the second week of Express Entry draws in August.

Thus far, IRCC has issued 53,320 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025.

Express Entry draws this year have primarily focused on PNP draws, with the remainder of Express Entry ITAs dedicated to CEC candidates, candidates with French-language proficiency, and those in the Express Entry priority occupation categories.

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