Blog

West Kootenay Publishes First Official List of Designated Employers for Rural PR Pathway Under RCIP

The West Kootenay region in southeastern British Columbia has officially released its list of designated employers under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), opening a direct pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers in smaller communities such as Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kaslo, Nakusp, Creston, and others.

Why This Matters:

Only job offers from approved employers in five key sectors qualify candidates for a community recommendation, which is required to apply for permanent residence through the RCIP. These employers must meet specific criteria and actively support the settlement of newcomers to retain their designation.

Priority Sectors Under RCIP – West Kootenay:

1. Health
2. Education, Law, Social & Community Services
3. Sales & Service
4. Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators
5. Manufacturing & Utilities

Qualified job offers within these sectors include 19 National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes such as:

• Carpenters, cooks, early childhood educators, health care aides
• Truck drivers (with ≥ 75% of duties based in the West Kootenay region)
• Heavy-duty mechanics, material handlers, painters, social workers, and office support staff
  Most roles require language proficiency (CLB 4–6).

Sample Designated Employers by Sector (as of July 23, 2025):

Health Sector:

• Ancron Medical Services (Nelson)
• CareCorp, Castleview Care Centre, Trail Association for Community Living

Education & Social Services:

• Blueberry Creek Community School, Brent Kennedy Learning Centre, Community Connections Support Services, Songbird Early Learning Centre, Silly Monkeys Childcare

Sales, Food, Hospitality:

• Boston Pizza, Kootenay Tamil Kitchen, Ashley Furniture, The Adventure Hotel, Kootenay Co-op Grocery, Ferraro Foods, Mainstreet Diner

Trades & Transport:

• A3 Plumbing, Ace Couriers, Martech Electrical Systems, Valor Painting, The Sutherland Group

Manufacturing & Utilities:

• Kalesnikoff Lumber, Spearhead, Nelson Naturals, KC Recycling, Popov Leather, Treasure Life Flour Mills

RCIP Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for permanent residency via the West Kootenay RCIP:

• Full-time, permanent job offer from a listed designated employer
• Job must fall within the priority sectors and eligible occupations
• Minimum 1,560 hours of relevant work experience in the last 3 years (or recent local graduate)
• CLB 4–6 in language proficiency, depending on the role
• Proof of education equivalency and settlement funds (if applying from outside Canada)
• Must be prepared to relocate permanently to the community if selected

Application Timeline & Limits:

• Employer designation began in June 2025
• RCIP applications opened on July 21, 2025
• Each employer may nominate:
  • Up to 3 candidates/year (if < 66 employees)
  • Up to 6 candidates/year (if ≥ 66 employees)

With the RCIP portal now accepting applications, foreign professionals across the five priority sectors have a compelling new route to Canadian permanent residence—backed by a community recommendation and employer support. Candidates must apply through public job postings and should not contact employers directly unless instructed.

Stay up to date on RCIP developments, employer lists, and application steps via the official West Kootenay RCIP portal.

Canada Invites 225 PNP Candidates for Permanent Residency

On August 6, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) through its Express Entry system. Candidates required a minimum CRS score of 739 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 6:35 a.m. UTC on April 23, 2025.

This is the first Express Entry draw for August. In July, IRCC conducted:

• July 22: Healthcare & Social Services draw
• July 21: PNP-specific draw
• July 8: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw

To date, 49,628 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry in 2025.

📊 Breakdown of Express Entry Draws in 2025

IRCC’s Express Entry draws this year reflect Canada’s evolving workforce needs:

• 14 draws for PNP nominees
• 7 draws for CEC candidates
• 3 draws for French-speaking applicants
• 3 draws for Healthcare and Social Services
• 1 draw for the Education stream

Since June 10, IRCC has consistently alternated between PNP and CEC draws every two weeks, alongside monthly healthcare-specific draws.

🇨🇦 What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s leading pathway for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency. It manages three main economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates are scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest scores are invited to apply during regular draws.

PNP nominees gain an additional 600 CRS points, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving an invitation.

🌐 How the PNP Supports Skilled Workers

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific economic needs and labour shortages.

PNP advantages include:

• Customized streams for skilled workers and entrepreneurs
• In many cases, faster processing than federal programs
• Greater opportunities to settle outside of major urban centres

Note: Quebec manages its own immigration system and is not part of the PNP.

🤝 Why Choose GTR Worldwide?

At GTR Worldwide, we specialize in Canadian immigration and settlement solutions. Our team of licensed immigration consultants (RCICs) helps individuals and families successfully navigate Express Entry, PNP, and other PR pathways.

We assist you with:

• Eligibility assessment and profile creation
• Improving your CRS score
• Securing a provincial nomination
• End-to-end application management

📞 Contact GTR Worldwide today and take the first step toward your future in Canada.

In 2025, Nova Scotia has introduced significant updates to its immigration policies, affecting both local residents and international applicants. With federal quota reductions, temporary pauses in programs, and new digital systems, staying informed is critical for anyone considering immigration to Nova Scotia this year or in the near future.

Major Reduction in Immigration Quotas

As part of the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027, Nova Scotia’s overall immigration allocation has been reduced by nearly 50%.

• The combined number of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) nominations has dropped from 6,300 in 2024 to just 3,150 in 2025.

This sharp decrease means increased competition and a stronger focus on candidates already living and working in Nova Scotia.

New Prioritization in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

The NSNP remains open, but processing is now strictly limited to specific priority groups. Nova Scotia immigration authorities are giving preference to:

• In-province applicants whose work permits expire in 2025
• Workers in high-demand sectors such as:
  • Healthcare and social assistance (NAICS 62)
  • Construction (NAICS 23)

Out-of-province and international candidates will be considered only if they belong to critical occupations, including:

• Nurses and healthcare aides
• Skilled tradespersons in construction
• Select roles in trucking, clean energy, and technology

New Online System: LaMPSS

As of May 1, 2025, Nova Scotia has launched LaMPSS (Labour Market Programs Support System), replacing the previous AIP Online portal. This marks a shift toward digital efficiency and centralized processing.

Through LaMPSS, designated employers can:

• Submit and track endorsement applications
• Manage files through a streamlined digital platform
• Maintain designation without needing to reapply

Employers must first register through the MyNS portal to access the LaMPSS system.

What This Means for 2025 Applicants

With reduced immigration allocations, a pause in AIP processing, and the introduction of a new digital system, Nova Scotia is now prioritizing strategic immigration aligned with immediate labor needs.

Whether you’re:

• A temporary foreign worker already in Nova Scotia,
• An employer looking to hire international talent,
• Or an international applicant aiming to settle on Canada’s East Coast —

It’s vital to stay current with the latest immigration changes and adjust your plans accordingly for the best chance of success.

Effective July 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an official increase in the minimum settlement fund requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This update aims to ensure that newcomers have adequate financial resources to successfully settle in Atlantic Canada.

What Are Settlement Funds and Why Are They Important?

Settlement funds are financial resources that immigration applicants must demonstrate to prove they can support themselves and their families after arriving in Canada. This requirement applies to AIP applicants who do not currently have a valid Canadian work permit.

The adjustment aligns with recent changes to Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO), reflecting the rising cost of living across Atlantic provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Updated Settlement Fund Requirements (2025)

Family Size	2025 Required Funds (CAD)	2024 Required Funds (CAD)
1	$3,815	$3,672
2	$4,750	$4,572
3	$5,840	$5,620
4	$7,090	$6,824
5	$8,042	$7,740
6	$9,070	$8,729
7	$10,098	$9,718
Each additional member	$1,028	$989

Who Needs to Show Proof of Settlement Funds?

You must show proof of funds if:

• You are applying under AIP from outside Canada
• You do not hold a valid Canadian work permit

You do not need to show proof of funds if:

• You are already living in Canada with a valid work permit
• You are employed full-time in an eligible AIP job in one of the Atlantic provinces

What Counts as Acceptable Proof of Funds?

To satisfy the settlement fund requirement, you must submit official financial documents from recognized institutions showing:

• Your name and the institution’s contact information
• Account numbers and current balance
• Six-month average balance
• Confirmation of any debts or liabilities

About the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP is an employer-driven immigration program for foreign nationals who want to live and work permanently in Atlantic Canada, including the provinces of:

• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must:

• Have a valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
• Get the offer endorsed by the province

They must also belong to one of the following categories:

• Skilled workers with relevant experience (in or outside Canada)
• Recent graduates from an Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institution

In addition, applicants need to meet criteria in:

• Education
• Language proficiency (English or French)
• Financial capacity, by proving the required settlement funds

Eligible applicants can:

• Apply for Permanent Residence (PR) through IRCC
• Apply for a temporary work permit (valid for up to two years) to begin working while their PR application is in process

Alberta continues to strengthen its workforce by welcoming skilled professionals through targeted immigration draws. In July 2025, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)—commonly known as Alberta PNP—held eight separate draws, issuing a total of 443 invitations to apply for permanent residence (PR) across multiple streams.

These draws focused on high-demand sectors critical to Alberta’s economic growth, including healthcare, construction, IT, agriculture, aviation, and law enforcement.

Alberta PNP Draws – July 2025 Summary:

Date	Stream	Minimum Score	Invitations
July 25, 2025	Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Construction)	66	39
July 17, 2025	Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway	69	22
July 16, 2025	Express Entry – Law Enforcement	49	<10
July 11, 2025	Alberta Opportunity Stream	72	269
July 9, 2025	Healthcare Pathway – Non-EE	53	32
July 8, 2025	Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Aviation)	53	20
July 4, 2025	Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Agriculture)	64	15
July 3, 2025	Healthcare Pathway – Express Entry	62	36

Why July Was a Pivotal Month for Alberta Immigration

Alberta’s proactive selection strategy in July demonstrates its commitment to meeting labor demands by targeting candidates from essential industries. These sector-specific draws offered pathways for both Express Entry and non-Express Entry applicants—with minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 49.

Targeted Occupations:

The following fields were prioritized in Alberta’s July draws:

• Construction trades and project managers
• Information technology professionals (especially developers and analysts)
• Law enforcement and public safety officers
• Healthcare workers (including Express Entry and non-EE pathways)
• Aviation maintenance and technical specialists
• Agricultural technicians and workers

Why This Is a Unique Opportunity for PR Applicants

Alberta PNP continues to stand out as a strong alternative for those with moderate CRS scores:

• Low CRS thresholds (as low as 49)
• Steady employment prospects in priority sectors
• Affordable living compared to Ontario or B.C.
• Business-friendly immigration policies
• Fast-track options for eligible Express Entry candidates

What’s Next?

If you work in any of Alberta’s targeted sectors and have an active Express Entry profile, you may soon be among the next to receive a nomination. Now is the ideal time to ensure your documents are ready and your profile is aligned with Alberta’s current needs.

---

Need Help?

GTR Worldwide offers end-to-end assistance for professionals looking to immigrate to Canada through Alberta PNP. Contact our experts today to assess your eligibility and take the next step toward Canadian permanent residency.

Provinces Demand Greater Control Over Immigration

A growing number of Canadian provincial leaders, led by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, are calling for more authority in shaping immigration policy. This development highlights a deepening divide between federal and provincial governments as labour shortages intensify across the country.

During a recent Council of the Federation meeting, Premier Doug Ford openly criticized the federal immigration minister, urging Ottawa to give provinces more influence over who gets to immigrate—and where.

“We know what’s best for our workers, our businesses, and our communities,” said Ford. “The federal government needs to stop dictating immigration policies from a distance.”

Why Provinces Are Pushing Back

Ontario, like many provinces, is facing critical labour shortages in essential sectors such as:

• Construction
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing

The Ontario government is advocating for greater autonomy in selecting immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and other targeted streams. The goal: to fast-track skilled newcomers who can immediately fill gaps in the labour market.

Other Provinces Join the Movement

Premier Ford is not alone in this push. Provincial leaders from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec have also voiced their support for more localized immigration control.

• Quebec already operates its own immigration system under a special agreement with the federal government.
• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed Ford’s sentiment, stating:
  “We need to bring in workers who can contribute right away—not just wait for federal bureaucracy.”

Together, these leaders are putting pressure on Ottawa to revise the way immigration quotas and responsibilities are shared.

Ottawa’s Response: Immigration Is Still a National Priority

The federal immigration minister has defended the centralized system, citing the importance of national-level goals such as:

• Family reunification
• Humanitarian obligations
• Economic development strategies

“While provinces play an important role, immigration is a national responsibility,” said the minister.

However, critics argue that this approach fails to recognize regional labour demands and delays the integration of workers in high-need sectors.

What This Means for the Future of Immigration

This ongoing debate could significantly reshape the Canadian immigration landscape. If provinces are granted more control, we may see:

• Customized immigration pathways tailored to specific provincial needs.
• Streamlined processing times for provincial nominees.
• Greater settlement in smaller communities actively seeking population growth.

On the flip side, experts warn that decentralization could lead to inconsistencies in immigration standards and inter-provincial competition for skilled immigrants.

Final Thoughts from GTR Worldwide

At GTR Worldwide, we believe this growing conversation between provincial and federal governments is critical to the future of Canada’s economic growth. With smarter, more targeted immigration policies, Canada can better match international talent with real labour market needs.

As this story develops, we’ll keep you informed on how it could impact your immigration journey—whether you’re an applicant, an employer, or an agency partner.

📩 Need advice on provincial immigration pathways like PNP, RNIP, or AIP?
Contact GTR Worldwide today for a free consultation.

Stay tuned for more insights and updates on Canada’s evolving immigration system.

According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, the Canadian passport has climbed to 7th place globally, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations. This performance places Canada ahead of the United States, which dropped to 10th place, offering access to just 182 countries—its lowest ranking in two decades.

Canada Rises in Global Mobility While U.S. Slips

Canada’s passport has either maintained or slightly improved its global standing in recent years, typically ranking between 8th and 9th. The 2025 results show further progress.

In contrast, the U.S. passport’s decline to 10th place marks a significant fall from its consistent top-five ranking over the past decade. With access now limited to 182 destinations, this is the weakest performance for American travelers in 20 years.

Canada’s strong showing is attributed to:

• Robust and stable diplomatic ties
• Continued expansion of visa waiver agreements
• A positive and respected international reputation

Top Passport Rankings in 2025: Asia Takes the Lead

The Henley Passport Index measures global mobility by the number of destinations accessible without a visa.

Here are the Top 5 most powerful passports in 2025:

1. Singapore – 193 destinations
2. Japan & South Korea – 190 destinations each
3. Germany, Italy, Spain – 189 destinations
4. Finland, Sweden, Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg – 188 destinations
5. Canada, Poland, Malta – 188 destinations

Canada now shares its position with Poland and Malta, underscoring its strength in international travel and access.

Why the Canadian Passport Stands Out

The Canadian passport offers exceptional travel benefits, including:

• Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area, U.K., Japan, and most of Latin America
• A secure and efficient passport renewal process
• A favorable image of Canadian travelers worldwide

Unlike the U.S., which has recently faced restrictions from countries like Brazil and proposed surcharges such as the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, Canada has avoided major diplomatic conflicts that could impact global mobility.

What This Means for Canadian Travelers

With Canada’s passport ranking among the most powerful globally, Canadian citizens enjoy:

• Greater freedom to travel for tourism, business, and education
• Fewer visa applications and entry barriers
• A global reputation of trust and cooperation

In today’s interconnected world, a strong passport is more than just a travel document—it’s a symbol of national credibility and personal freedom. Canada’s 2025 passport ranking reflects its diplomatic strength, global partnerships, and commitment to open, respectful international engagement.

For Canadian citizens, this translates to greater access, mobility, and global opportunity—outpacing even one of the world’s most recognized passports: the United States.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced updated income thresholds for Canadians wishing to sponsor their parents or grandparents under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. To be eligible, sponsors must now demonstrate a minimum annual income of $47,549 for the year 2024, reflecting an increase of approximately $3,000 from the previous requirement.

2025 PGP Sponsorship: Key Income Thresholds

To qualify for the PGP in 2025, sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three consecutive tax years prior to applying—namely 2022, 2023, and 2024. The required income depends on the total number of family members supported.

Family Size	2024	2023	2022
2 people	$47,549	$44,530	$43,082
3 people	$58,456	$54,743	$52,965
4 people	$70,972	$66,466	$64,306
5 people	$80,496	$75,384	$72,935
6 people	$90,784	$85,020	$82,259
7 people	$101,075	$94,658	$91,582
Each additional person	$10,291	$9,636	$9,324

Sponsors may meet these income levels individually or jointly with a co-signer, such as a spouse or common-law partner. Proof of income must be submitted via Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). To allow IRCC to verify this information, sponsors must select “Yes” in the CRA authorization section of the IMM 5768 form and include their Social Insurance Number (SIN).

2025 Invitations Limited to 2020 Sponsor Pool

Beginning July 28, 2025, IRCC will issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form back in 2020 and have not yet received an invitation. The department aims to issue 17,860 ITAs to meet a cap of 10,000 complete applications within approximately two weeks. No new interest forms will be accepted in 2025.

Processing Times and Undertaking Obligations

Applicants should be prepared for extended processing times:

• Outside Québec: ~24 months
• Inside Québec: ~48 months

Upon applying, sponsors must sign a formal undertaking committing to financially support their sponsored parents or grandparents for:

• 20 years (outside Québec)
• 10 years (within Québec)

About the Parents and Grandparents Program

The PGP is a vital part of Canada’s family reunification stream, allowing citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Due to consistently high demand, IRCC uses a randomized lottery system to select eligible applicants.

The last opportunity to submit an Interest to Sponsor form was in 2020, and IRCC continues to draw from that pool in 2025.

Super Visa: A Strong Alternative for Family Reunification

For those not selected in the PGP draw, the Super Visa offers a flexible and accessible solution:

• Valid for up to 5 years per entry, with multiple entries allowed over 10 years
• Recent changes now allow non-Canadian health insurance providers, reducing overall costs
• Sponsors must still meet LICO-based income requirements and secure appropriate insurance

With these changes, IRCC aims to ensure that only financially stable sponsors can reunite with their families, while managing demand effectively under national immigration targets. The updated PGP requirements reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to family unity, balanced with fiscal responsibility and program integrity.

Proposed U.S. “Visa Integrity Fee” May Impact Canadian PRs, Foreign Workers in Canada & Some Canadians

What’s Happening
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed July 4, 2025, the United States has proposed adding a non‑waivable $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” to most nonimmigrant visa applications. The surcharge would apply across common categories—tourist/business (B1/B2), students (F, M, J), and work visas (H‑1B, L‑1, O, P, and others).

Who Could Be Charged?

The fee is expected to reach beyond traditional visa applicants and may capture certain visa‑exempt travelers when they seek work authorization at the border or through U.S. filings, including:

• Canadian permanent residents applying for or using U.S. work classifications (H‑1B, L‑1, TN, etc.).
• Foreign nationals living/working in Canada who are eligible for U.S. nonimmigrant work visas.
• Some Canadian citizens entering the U.S. in employment‑based categories that trigger processing similar to a visa application, despite normal visa exemption.

Why Add This Fee?

U.S. lawmakers say the surcharge will underwrite enforcement and promote compliance with visa terms. Critics counter that it penalizes students, temporary workers, and frequent cross‑border travelers who already follow the rules.

When Would It Start?

General Effective Date: Targeted for October 2025 (start of U.S. FY2026).

Possible Early Rollout: Some reports indicate certain categories—potentially including Canadian PRs—could see the fee as early as July 18, 2025. Implementation guidance pending.

Can You Get the $250 Back?

Yes, refunds are possible—but conditional. A visa holder must:

• Enter and depart the U.S. in full compliance with visa terms;
• Maintain lawful status for the entire stay;
• Avoid overstays or violations;
• Properly file any lawful extension or change of status.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents will soon have an opportunity to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This program promotes family reunification while ensuring sponsors can meet required financial and legal obligations.

For those not selected, the Super Visa offers an alternative option, allowing long-term visits for up to 10 years.

2025 PGP Intake Highlights

• Launch Date: July 28, 2025
• Invitation Window: Approximately 2 weeks
• Total Invitations: 17,860
• Expected Applications: 10,000 complete submissions

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to randomly chosen sponsors from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool. No new submissions will be accepted in 2025.

About the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The PGP allows eligible Canadians and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. Due to high demand, a lottery system is used to select applicants randomly from the pool.

How to Apply if You’re Invited

Selected sponsors must submit a complete application through:

• The Permanent Residence Portal, or
• The Representative Portal (if using an immigration consultant or legal representative)

Required Documents:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence
• CRA income documents for the past 3 years
• Signed sponsorship undertaking and agreement
• Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate, family records)
• Valid IDs and civil status documents for the applicants

Sponsors must also meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on their family size for the past three taxation years.

Super Visa: A Strong Alternative Option

If you are not selected for the 2025 PGP intake, the Super Visa is a flexible alternative to bring parents or grandparents to Canada.

Unlike standard visitor visas (which typically allow stays of up to 6 months), the Super Visa permits:

• Multiple entries over 10 years
• Stays of up to 5 years per visit (depending on visa issuance conditions)

Super Visa Eligibility:

• Be admissible to Canada
• Obtain private health insurance from a Canadian provider
• Have a host in Canada who meets income requirements and agrees to support them financially during their stay

This intake presents a valuable opportunity for family reunification. If you’re part of the 2020 pool, keep an eye on your inbox starting July 28, 2025!