Migration Overseas
Since 1998
Canada has used pilot programs to address specific labour market needs in various sectors and regions. These pilots offered pathways to permanent residence for candidates who may not fit into the standard Express Entry system. Their status differs: two are open, one is paused, one is closed and one has ended. The status of each pilot as of November 6, 2026 is shown on its card below.
The Agri-Food Pilot was designed to address the labour needs of the Canadian agri-food sector. It provided a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations such as meat processing and harvesting.
Status: Closed to new applications since May 14, 2025. IRCC has not launched a replacement as of November 6, 2026.
View Detailed InfoThe RCIP is designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities. It creates a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the participating rural communities.
Status: Open. IRCC's November 5, 2026 release says it is making the pilot permanent. Each community manages its own intake, so check with the community first.
View Detailed InfoThe FCIP focuses on increasing the number of French-speaking newcomers settling in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec, helping to ensure the vitality of these communities.
Status: Open in six Francophone minority communities.
View Detailed InfoThe Home Care Worker Immigration pilots (Child Care and Home Support) were designed to let qualified home care workers and their family members immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
Status: Intake paused until further notice since December 19, 2025. No reopening date has been announced.
View Detailed InfoThe EMPP helped skilled refugees and other displaced people immigrate to Canada through existing economic programs, combining refugee resettlement with economic immigration.
Status: Ended on December 31, 2025. No successor pathway has been announced.
View Detailed InfoNot sure which pilot program suits your profile? Our immigration experts can assess your eligibility and guide you to the right pathway.
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