Canada is considered as a heaven for skilled workers, students and families. In 2025, the Canadian government has limited the number of permanent residents to 4,65,000 from the 4,85,000 cap set for 2024. Despite this limit, four new permanent residency pathways have been launched by Canadian authorities. These programs have been introduced to fill the positions left by the aging population and fulfill specific labour shortages in various provinces.
These new programs have been designed to address specific labour shortages across the country. These are the new pathways:
Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Program
This program is designed for home care workers including child care providers and home support workers. This pilot program will replace the Home Childcare Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot program launched in June 2024. The homecare workers will get PR upon arrival. Caregivers tend to provide temporary assistance to people recovering from injury or illness.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum CLB 4 or higher in language proficiency tests
- Diploma equivalent to Canadian high school standards
- Recent and relevant work experience
- Full time home care job offer in Canada
Rural Community Immigration Pilot Program
This program is designated for newcomers who are willing to curb labour shortages and ready to live long term in rural communities of Canada.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have secondary school credentials
- Job offer must be from designated employer who meets specific conditions
- Must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (if specified for the job)
- Willing to work in small rural communities for an extended period
- Valid certificate of recommendation from an Economic development organization at the time of job application
Manitoba’s West Central Immigration Initiative Pilot
This program was launched on November 15, 2024 to attract candidates to the west central region’s labour needs. This is a three year pilot designed for interested ones who are ready to live and work in Manitoba’s web central region. Successful applicants will receive PR.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
The pilot will focus on increasing the number of French speaking people in communities outside Quebec. These newcomers will strengthen the Francophone minority communities and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
Eligibility Criteria:
- French language ability equivalent to a Niveaux de compéten (NCLC) level 5 in all language abilities.
- Must have secondary school credentials
- Job offer must be from designated employer who meets specific conditions
- Willing to work in small rural communities where they will work
