Atlantic immigration pilot (AIPP)

It's 2019 now! Almost 7 months have passed since we landed in Canada. Funny how time flies. We are still in touch with many of our friends in the US. The landscape in the US is getting more slippery for folks on visa like H1-B, L1-B with the immigration rules changing frequently. When we immigrated last year, we had enough points to get thru the Federal stream and didn't have to check out other avenues. But last week, a US friend called me and told me that he didn't have enough points. So I got to researching a solution to help him.

Living in Halifax for the last 7 months was really good. Although Halifax is the biggest city on the east coast of Canada, it hasn't really had too many big employers. It thrives on small businesses. The government has made some strides in the last few years though to build up infrastructure to attract new employers. The housing market in Toronto and Vancouver is getting saturated and the cost of living has only been going up in those cities. It therefore isn't a surprise that a lot of people are moving to the east coast. That is why, the east coast Atlantic provinces - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, New Foundland and Labrador & Prince Edward Island have partnered to come up with the Atlantic immigration pilot program i.e. AIPP. The goal being to attract immigrants to these provinces and grow the economy. Employers will hire foreign workers for positions that they haven't been able to fill locally.

Note that not all employers are part of the pilot. So, when you interview with the employer, ask them specifically if they are one of the designated employers in AIPP. There are 3 streams within this pilot - Highly skilled, intermediate skilled and international graduate. You can read thru the detailed requirements of these streams in the link given below. In a nutshell, you need a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an employer, participating in the AIPP program for at least 1 year.

Some tips -

1. Look at the job requirements in detail and apply for jobs that have a close match.

2. Write a great cover letter that clearly states your need of participating in AIPP and how your relevant experience makes you a suitable candidate. That will incline the recruiter to contact you. I got thru Federal stream of Express entry and got a job in Halifax from the US. Writing a detailed cover letter helped me get a good response from my employer.

3. You will need to research the designated employers for AIPP as there isn't a site dedicated for job searches. Go thru the list below and then look up for jobs for that employer.  But if you find the right job then perhaps you would be over the biggest hurdle!

Other requirements 

• You need to give a language test like IELTS, CELPIP and the results should not be more than 2 years old.
• You need to prove that you have the funds to support yourself/family (if applicable) in Canada.
• For the highly skilled/intermediate skilled streams you need to have work experience. Check out the detailed requirements in the links.

How does this work?

1. You have to get a job offer from an employer participating in the AIPP program. You can also apply for a temporary work permit if your employer wants you to start immediately.
2. Figure out your settlement plan with the help of several agencies. It works even if you are outside of Canada.Give a copy of the plan to your employer.
3. Your employer then needs to get the endorsement from the province with your job offer and settlement plan. The employer should handle this part.
4. Once you have the endorsement, you can submit your express entry profile for permanent residence. The online express entry application will have the steps for you to submit details. After this, it will follow the same steps of the express entry process. 
1. Note that if you have applied for a temporary work permit then you have to submit permanent residence application within 90 days.
2. If you are a highly skilled worker (NOC A, B or 0) then your spouse can also apply for an open work permit.
3. Best thing about this is that you don't have strict requirements for points like other streams. The gist is that if you have a job offer from an Atlantic employer and you satisfy other requirements like funds, language and education then you should get thru.

Disclaimer- This information is just based on a research that I did for a friend.  I would encourage you to look at the links on the official site below. 

Useful Links 

1. Atlantic immigration pilot -
1. Follow the links for each of the streams to find out eligibility for each.
2. Designated employers in AIPP
3. Settlement plan 

Express entry - 2018 - 2020 plans

Earlier this week on 1st November 2018, the immigration minister announced the plans for the next few years. The targets are to invite 310,000 new permanent residents in 2018, 330,000 in 2019 and 340,000 in 2020. Note that this covers all streams and not just the economic express entry program.

What are the PR targets specifically for Express entry program?

1. 2018 year - 177500 primary applicants and 86000 family members.
2. 2019 year - 191600 primary applicants and 88500 family members.
3. 2020 year - 195800 primary applicants and 91000 family members.

Overall thoughts

1. This is more than enough time to prepare yourself for your application.  It is very encouraging to see transparency from CIC. You have way more free resources (including my blog) for preparation.
2. 32% of invites in each year in 2018 and 2019 are for provincial nomination and Atlantic immigration programs. These programs are best suited for folks who are already working in Canada i.e. on work permits and have been staying in a province for 1-2 years.  So if you haven't evaluated your Express entry score, please do so now. Take advantage of the favorable plans. In 2020, 36% of invites is for provincial nomination program and Atlantic immigration program.
3. Almost 42% of invites each year is reserved for federal skilled workers i.e. skilled applicants residing outside Canada, skilled trades and Canadian experience class.
4. Interestingly,  the percentage of invites for caregivers is declining. From 17000 in 2018 the number of invites in 2020 is supposed to decline to 5000.

How about Canada's neighbor - USA?

It is an interesting time in November 2018 where the H1B visa regulations are getting very tough, especially for techies. It seems like Canada is milking the situation and is attracting the talent. As someone who was exactly on H1B until a few months ago, it has been a great move. Perhaps a blessing in disguise. If you were to move outside the US then Canada would definitely be the 1st choice. It is perhaps the easiest move and you have handy benefits due to your presence in US. With immigration rules changing in the US and the system perhaps getting more complex, you have favorable conditions for Express entry. Those familiar with the employment categories of green card backlog - There are around 600K people (including dependents) as of November 2018, who are awaiting green cards and will takes several years or even decades to get it. The increased numbers for Canadian program is a good sign that they are scouting talent from their neighbor. DO NOT wait until the last year!

Recommendations for less experienced people

You just need 1 year of skilled experience (1560 hours) in your primary NOC to apply.  Keep tabs on express entry draws and calculate your score. You have time to consider different options to improve your score!

You might want to read below -
1. Get started with express entry today!

Passport validity - Express entry

When we applied for Canadian express entry,  our passports had validity for multiple years and we didn't have to think about it. However when many people, whose passports were expiring in the next few months, asked us about the same, we had thought of writing up this post.

Importance of Passport

Even outside of Express entry,  this is a very important document that should be kept carefully. It is one's identity and so make sure that each of your immediate family members has one. For Express entry,  you submit your latest passport (i.e. if you have renewed your passport in the past) and don't have to submit old/canceled passport(s).

Express entry pre-requisites 

When you give IELTS exam, your test results has the passport number that you supply.  If you have requested a new passport after your exam, we recommend mentioning that in the letter of explanation and uploading the old passport (page with your picture with name and date of birth) when you submit your application post-ITA.

What complications can arise?

If your name has changed (i.e. first, middle and/or last name) or marital status or spouse name has changed then you need to get an affidavit and mention the same in thd letter of explanation.  This is important because the visa officer would want to ensure that you are indeed the same person. It is a very common scenario. Many nations have passports issued for 10 years and so it could be quite possible that your name/marital status/spouse name has changed.

Where is my passport number required?

1. When you create express entry profile. 
2. Post getting the invite to apply- 

• Security clearance - Most countries put in the passport number in the final police clearance certificate.  It has a validity of just 6 months. 
• Medical exam - The clinic that will do your exam will ask your passport number and it will have the same in your report. Like security, this is also important because health care is free. They would want to ensure that you are indeed the person that underwent the test.
• Travel history - When your travel history is verified, there is a background check done. Your latest passport number will be very useful.

3. Once you get the golden email

If you are from one of the countries that need a visa to enter Canada then you would have to send your passport to get a one-time stamp. If you have changed passports then you will have to explain the same. Send both passports and if there a change in the demographic page i.e. name, dob, marital status then you would have to submit an affidavit for the same. The visa officer might choose to contact you for clarification. 

You get a document called CoPR i.e. confirmation of permanent residence for every family member. This is a very important document that is needed for 1st time landing.

Landing 

If you renew your passport after you get the CoPR and your old passport then make sure that your carry the old passport too because it has the "one-time entry " stamp.

Final take

The express entry process has an official SLA of 6 months. You get usually couple of months to land in Canada.  Sometimes you could have delays further than 6 months. To avoid any questions from visa officials and backforth, please ensure that all family members have a passport that at least has a year's validity. This can save you a lot of headaches!

You might also be interested-

• Common mistakes you can make!

NOCs - Education

In 2017, 3% of the invites went to university professors and lecturers. Under the several 100 NOCs for the express entry program, it might be hard to find the ones for this industry. In 2018, some provinces such as British Columbia have reported shortages for teachers and that is why the NOC such as 4011 are considered as a "high-demand" occupation.

If you work at a university or college

• Lecturer/Professor - 4011
• You teach undergraduate or graduate school 
• Bachelors or Masters degrees
• College or vocational instructor - 4021
• Educational counselor - 4033
• Educational policy researchers, consultants, program officers - 4166
•  Faculty administrators and registrars - 0421
•  Registrars - Manage registration activities and academic records
• Faculty administrators - Manage the operations of vocational schools specializing in trades, technology, business or other vocational subjects. Includes deans as well
• Administrative officers - 1221
• Implement administrative procedures, establish work priorities, conduct analyses of administrative operations and co-ordinate acquisition of administrative services such as office space, supplies and security services

If you work in secondary or elementary school

• Early childhood educators - 4214
• Conduct programs for children until 12 years
• Secondary school teacher - 4031
• Elementary school or kindergarten teachers - 4032
• Educational counselor - 4033
• Educational policy researchers, consultants, program officers - 4166
• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants - 4413
• Support teachers & students 
• School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education - 4413
• Administrative officers - 1221
• Implement administrative procedures, establish work priorities, conduct analyses of administrative operations and co-ordinate acquisition of administrative services such as office space, supplies and security services
• Government managers - 0413
• Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the development and administration of elementary, secondary and post-secondary education policies and programs. 

Senior management for educational institutions

• Senior managers - 0014
• plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through middle managers, membership and other organizations or institutions that deliver health, education, social or community services.
• Government managers - education policy development and program administration - 0413

Conclusion - It might seem that a lot of the job duties might overlap. Read the job duties closely and not the titles. So the advice is that select the NOC that represents the majority of your duties. Let you letter reflect the truth. IRCC would want that else everyone would have the same proof of work. Hope this helps you find your NOC.

Next steps
1. Found your NOC? Get started with Express entry today!

2015 - 2017 Express entry results

The IRCC issues a report annually on the express entry program. One of the questions that is commonly asked is if their profession is in demand in Canada. That's why we thought of looking at these reports to analyze the profiles that were awarded permanent residency. This information can help you look at patterns and help you prepare for your own journey.

What were the overall trends for the last 3 years?

The Express entry program has gained popularity over the last 3 years i.e. from 2015 until now. In 2015, 35K people applied and 16K PRs (total persons) were issued  In 2017, 109K people applied ultimately 93K PRs (total persons) were issued. There were 30 draws in 2017 and were conducted every fortnight approximately. Each application could have multiple people. That's why total persons number includes every person that got a PR. The online process is really great and partly the reason for the popularity. Personally,  it is also the reason that we were inclined to apply. The number of active profiles have increased every year (60042 in 2015, 58328 in 2016 and 71087 in 2017). This tells you that program has gained popularity

What was the demographic of the profiles that were accepted?

People from different countries in North America i.e. USA and Canada,  Asia and Africa have been granted PR. This program has seen at least double the numbers from almost every country. 73%- 76% of PRs have been granted to profiles of applicants residing in India,  Canada and USA.  As expected,  the number of applicants from USA has increased by 6.5 times! (902 PRs were granted in 2016 and 5820 PRs were granted in 2017)

What were the streams under which PRs were granted?

• 2016 statistics -
• 23% of permanent residents that were admitted came from PNP program.
• Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and British Columbia were top PNP programs that admitted entry.
• Remaining 77% came from other programs (Federal skilled worker, Federal skilled trades)
• 2017 statistics -
• 20% of permanent residents that were admitted came from PNP program.
• Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and British Columbia were top PNP programs that admitted entry.
• Interestingly the number of folks thru PNP doubled up than in 2016.
• 26% of permanent residents that were admitted came from Canadian experience class
• Remaining 54% came from other programs (Federal skilled worker, Federal skilled trades)
• The number of folks admitted thru these programs has doubled.
• Only 15% of invites went to candidates who had arranged employment.
• Effectively 59% of invites were issued to folks outside Canada without arranged employment.

Which were the top NOCs i.e. job codes were invited to apply for permanent residency?

This is one of the indicators of the demand in Canada. These were the NOCs that received the highest number of invites in 2016 and 2017. The top NOCs accounted for 36% of the invites in both years. Note that remaining 64% of invites were given to other NOCs. So, as you can see that almost every profession has a chance.

• Computer analysts and developers (2171, 2173 and 2174) - 15% of the invites in 2016, 2017
• Cooks and food supervisors (6322 and 6311) - 3% & 7% for 2016, 2017
• University professors and lecturers (4011) - 3% for 2016, 2017
• Financial industry (1111, 1112) - 4% for 2016, 2017
• Administrative assistants (1241) - ~ 1.5% in 2016, 2017
• Professionals in advertising, marketing & public relations (1123) - 2% in 2016, 2017
• Graphic designers & Illustrators (5241) - ~2% in 2016, 2017
• Retail sale supervisors (6211) - ~2% in 2016, 2017
• Management consulting (1122) - ~ 1% in 2016, 2017

What were the education profiles of folks who got an invite?

• 2017 statistics -
• Canadian education - Only 35% of invites were issued to folks with Canadian education
• About 3% of invites were made to French speakers
• 2016 statistics - 
• Canadian education - Only 10.5% of invites were issued to folks with Canadian education
• About 3% of invites were made to French speakers

What is the final recommendation?

Express entry program has gained momentum in the last 3 years. Year on year, the number of people admitted via this program has increased. A variety of professions have been admitted in this program. Diversity is one of the goals of the program with. International education certainly is embraced. Hope this gives you the confidence to start your own journey!

Next steps -

• Get started with express entry today.
• Understand the stages of express entry.
• Cost of immigrating to Canada.