Federal Programs
Main immigration pathways managed by the Canadian federal government (IRCC).
Latest Express Entry draw
Provincial Nominee Program
May 11, 2026
Express Entry
Always openFederal points-based immigration system
Express Entry is Canada's primary economic immigration system. Candidates create a profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for Permanent Residence through regular draws.
Basic requirements
- ✓ At least 1 year of skilled work experience
- ✓ Proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB varies by stream)
- ✓ Educational credentials equivalent to Canadian standard
Streams / Categories
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For those who worked in Canada
TEER 0-3Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
For candidates outside Canada
TEER 0-3Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
For skilled trades workers
TEER 2-3Category-Based Selection
Francophones, STEM, Healthcare, Trade, Transport, Agri
VariaRural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
Periodic intakesImmigration to designated rural communities
The RCIP allows 14 designated rural communities across Canada to recommend foreign nationals for Permanent Residence. Each community manages its own intake schedule, priority NOC list, and sector focus. Requires a qualifying job offer from a community-designated employer and intent to settle long-term. Processing time varies by community (typically 6-12 months after recommendation).
Basic requirements
- ✓ Job offer from a designated employer in the community
- ✓ Proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 4–6)
- ✓ Intent to reside in the community after PR
Streams / Categories
North Bay
OntarioMonthly 7-day windows in 2026 (Feb 15, Mar 8, Apr 5, May 3, Jun 7, Jul 12, Aug 9...)
Sectors: Finance, IT & engineering, healthcare, construction & trades, social services, manufacturing
North Bay & Area RCIP 2026 Priority Occupation List & Intake Periods
2026-02-03
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Timmins
OntarioMonthly 5-day windows (50 apps/intake cap) — Feb 23, Mar 30, Apr 27, May 25, Jun 22...
Sectors: Education & social services, trades & transport, natural resources & mining, manufacturing
Timmins Regional RCIP — 2026 Intake Schedule
2026-05-11
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Sault Ste. Marie
OntarioMonthly intakes
Sectors: Education & social services, business & finance, trades & transport, manufacturing, IT & sciences
Sudbury
OntarioQuarterly intakes
Sectors: Mining, healthcare, education, construction
Thunder Bay
OntarioQuarterly intakes
Sectors: Healthcare, education, logistics, manufacturing
Cornwall
OntarioMonthly intakes
Sectors: Manufacturing, healthcare, services, agriculture
Moose Jaw
SaskatchewanMonthly 5-day windows in 2026 (Mar 9-13, Apr 13-17, May 11-15, Jun 15-19, Jul 13-17...)
Sectors: Manufacturing, healthcare, retail, hospitality
Moose Jaw RCIP — Intake Schedule 2026
2025-07-30
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Claresholm
Alberta3 allocations/month — ~36 spots/year distributed throughout the year
Sectors: Agriculture and livestock, oil and gas, construction
Claresholm RCIP Intake Schedule
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North Okanagan
BC5 windows in 2026: Jan 17-25, Mar 22-31, May 31-Jun 10, Sep 12-20, Nov 8-15
Sectors: Agriculture, tourism, viticulture, healthcare
North Okanagan Shuswap RCIP — 2026 Intake Schedule
2020-01-08
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West Kootenay
BCQuarterly windows
Sectors: Mining, forestry, construction, tourism
Altona / Rhineland
ManitobaPeriodic intakes
Sectors: Agriculture and livestock, manufacturing, construction
Steinbach
ManitobaPeriodic intakes
Sectors: Retail, manufacturing, construction, healthcare
Brandon
ManitobaPeriodic intakes
Sectors: Healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, education
Pictou County
Nova ScotiaPeriodic intakes
Sectors: Manufacturing, fishing, healthcare, retail
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Always openImmigration to the 4 Atlantic provinces
The AIP is a joint program between the federal government and the four Atlantic provinces (NL, NS, NB, PEI). Designated employers can sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence, with a focus on skilled workers and international graduates who wish to settle in Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotia (Apr 2026 update): introduced a 12-month validity period for EOIs, effective May 1, 2026. AIP and NSEEE paused for NOC 62020 (food service supervisors) in Nova Scotia.
Basic requirements
- ✓ Job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province
- ✓ Proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB varies by role)
- ✓ Skilled work experience (TEER 0–4)
- ✓ NS restriction: NOC 62020 (food service supervisors) — paused
- ✓ NS restriction: Accommodation & Food Services sector (NAICS 72) — paused since Apr 2024
Streams / Categories
Atlantic High-Skilled Program
TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
TEER 0-3Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
TEER 4
TEER 4Atlantic International Graduate Program
Atlantic institution graduates
TEER 0-4Start-up Visa Program
Always openFor entrepreneurs with innovative businesses
The Start-up Visa connects immigrant entrepreneurs with designated Canadian organizations (investors, accelerators, angel investors). The business must be viable and innovative, and the entrepreneur must hold a significant stake in the company.
Basic requirements
- ✓ Support from a designated organization (VC, angel investor, accelerator)
- ✓ Proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 5)
- ✓ Sufficient funds to establish in Canada
Streams / Categories
Capital de Risco (VC)
Minimum investment of C$200K
Angel Investor
Minimum investment of C$75K
Business Incubator
Accepted into a designated incubator program
Caregiver Programs
Always openFor child and adult caregivers
Caregiver programs allow foreign workers who care for children, elderly people or persons with high medical needs to become permanent residents after gaining Canadian work experience as caregivers.
Basic requirements
- ✓ Valid job offer as a caregiver
- ✓ Education equivalent to Canadian high school
- ✓ Proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 5)
Streams / Categories
Home Child Care Provider Pilot
In-home child caregivers
TEER 4Home Support Worker Pilot
In-home support for adults/seniors
TEER 4International Experience Canada (IEC)
SeasonalWorking Holiday and international experience
The IEC allows young people from partner countries to live and work in Canada temporarily. It is a popular pathway to gain Canadian work experience for Express Entry. The Working Holiday category is open and participants can work for any employer.
Basic requirements
- ✓ Citizen of an IEC partner country
- ✓ Between 18 and 35 years old (varies by country)
- ✓ Minimum funds for initial support
Streams / Categories
Working Holiday
Unrestricted work for 1-2 years
Young Professionals
Work in your field of study
TEER 0-3International Co-op
Mandatory curricular internship
Federal Internship for Newcomers Program
ClosedFederal work experience for eligible newcomers
The Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) Program offers eligible newcomers a chance to gain temporary work experience and training with Canadian federal, provincial and municipal organizations. The 2024-2025 process is now closed; new dates will be posted in February 2025.
Basic requirements
- ✓ Be a new permanent resident or recently naturalized Canadian citizen
- ✓ Have a post-secondary degree
- ✓ Available for full-time work
Streams / Categories