Employer-Driven PR Pathways
Federal and provincial programs that allow Canadian employers to support skilled foreign workers for permanent residence. A long-term solution to labour shortages — not just a temporary fix.
About Employer-Driven PNP Streams
Employer-driven PNP streams are Base PNP pathways — they operate outside the Express Entry pool and result in a direct permanent residence application submitted by the worker to IRCC after receiving a provincial nomination. They do not add CRS points to an Express Entry profile. Processing timelines vary by province and are separate from Express Entry processing times.
Federal Employer-Driven Programs
These programs are administered federally and apply across multiple provinces. Employers must be designated before supporting a candidate.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal employer-driven program for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in Atlantic Canada. Employers must be designated by IRCC before they can support a candidate. Once designated, employers recruit candidates, extend a job offer, and support the PR application.
Atlantic Skilled Worker
For skilled workers outside Canada with a non-seasonal, full-time job offer from a designated Atlantic employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Atlantic International Graduate
For graduates of a recognized Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institution who have a full-time non-seasonal job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
Atlantic High-Skilled Program
For workers currently in Atlantic Canada with a valid work permit and a non-seasonal, full-time job offer from a designated employer.
Employer Requirements
Each Atlantic province administers its own designation process. Employers with operations in multiple Atlantic provinces must be designated in each province separately.
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
NS, ON, MB, SK, AB, BC — 14 designated communities
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a community-driven federal program that offers permanent residence to skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of 14 participating rural communities across Canada. Employers in these communities must be designated before they can support a candidate.
Rural Community Immigration Pilot
Skilled foreign workers with a job offer from a designated employer in a participating rural community. Communities assess candidates and recommend them to IRCC for permanent residence.
Participating Communities
Employer Requirements
Each community manages its own designation process, job matching, and candidate recommendation. Contact the community economic development office directly to begin the employer designation process.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
NB, ON, MB, BC — 6 designated Francophone communities
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) supports the vitality of Francophone minority communities outside Quebec by offering permanent residence to French-speaking skilled workers with a job offer in a participating community. Employers must be designated through their community.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
French-speaking skilled foreign workers with a job offer from a designated employer in a participating Francophone community outside Quebec.
Participating Communities
Employer Requirements
The FCIP runs alongside the RCIP — some communities participate in both pilots. Sudbury and Timmins are designated for both RCIP and FCIP.
How Employer-Driven PNPs Work
The process varies by province but follows a consistent structure.
Employer Assessment
Asteco reviews the employer's situation, location, industry, and the candidate's profile to identify which employer-driven pathway — federal or provincial — is the best fit.
Employer Registration
Most programs require employers to register, get designated, or complete a job offer validation before the candidate can apply. Asteco guides employers through this process.
Candidate Application
The candidate submits an Expression of Interest or direct application with employer support. Asteco prepares the complete application package for both employer and candidate.
Provincial Nomination
Once the province nominates the candidate, a nomination certificate is issued. Asteco monitors the file and responds to any provincial requests.
Federal PR Application
The nominated candidate submits a permanent residence application to IRCC. Asteco prepares the complete federal PR package and tracks processing.
Employer-Driven Streams by Province
Each province operates its own PNP with different streams and requirements. Select a province to view employer-supported pathways.
Territories
Employer-driven pathways in Canada's territories — smaller programs with genuine labour shortage needs.
How Asteco Can Help
Employer-driven PNP applications are complex — each province has different registration processes, intake timelines, and eligibility requirements. Asteco manages the full process for both employers and candidates.
Disclaimer: Provincial Nominee Program streams, intake caps, eligibility requirements, and processing timelines vary by province and change frequently. Some streams open and close based on provincial labour market conditions and annual allocation limits. This page reflects general program information as of May 6, 2026. Always verify current stream availability at the provincial PNP website before advising clients or beginning any application process. This information does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
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