There’s good news for doctors seeking permanent residency (PR) in Canada. The immigration minister, Sean Fraser, signed a temporary public policy to ease the requirements doctors need to fulfill to attain the PR. The exemptions became effective on 25th April 2023. The validity remains unless anything otherwise is mentioned by the minister.
Are you a foreign national doctor providing publicly-funded medical services in Canada? Then the temporary policy frees you of specific obligations that may have created an obstacle in your PR journey. In other words, the exemptions make it easier for international physicians to become permanent residents in Canada.
Why are the Exemptions Important?
The purpose of these exemptions is to enhance the eligibility criteria for self-employed foreign national physicians. The Canadian Government wants more candidates to qualify for the Express Entry system. And to do so, the physicians had to show their experience of continuous work in Canada for a minimum of a year after they have issued their PR visa.
Not all physicians and doctors are able to do so due to their nature of work arrangements. But, that also doesn’t mean they aren’t qualified enough to become permanent residents here.
Similarly, several physicians here work as independent contractors. They provide publicly financed medical services under a fee-for-service model. The nature of their work is redeemed ineligible to qualify for the Express Entry system.
Thus, the new exemptions focus on helping these candidates meet the FSWP and CEC eligibility criteria and enter the Express Entry pool efficiently. Foreign national physicians also get a better chance at receiving ITAs for PR with these new exemptions.
What are the Changes in Eligibility Criteria for Foreign National Physicians?
In specific occupations, the physician doesn’t need to show their continuous employment for a year at least according to the new temporary public policy. But, only a healthcare organization, government entity, province or territorial government or a government-appointed body can make the job offer.
Prior to the new policy, independent contractors were considered self-employed and hence not eligible for Express Entry. Thanks to the exemptions, now they can also qualify and become permanent residents of Canada.
Which Occupations are Eligible for Exemptions?
NOC 2021
NOC 2016
NOC 31100 - Specialist in clinical and laboratory medicine NOC 31101 - Specialist in surgery NOC 31102 - General practitioner and family physician
NOC 3111 - Specialist physician
NOC 3112 - General practitioner
Final Thoughts,
All in all, the Canadian Government has brought forth exemptions to fix the healthcare shortage in Canada. Now foreign national physicians who work as independent contractors or are self-employed can claim CRS points for their work experience. Also, the physicians do not need to show continuous employment for a year to attain the PR.
Whether you want to immigrate to Canada as a healthcare professional, a caregiver or a skilled worker in any niche, licensed consultants can make things simpler for you. At Onkar Immigration, we have highly trained and licensed immigration consultants to equip you with all the knowledge and guidance you need to live your Canadian dream.
According to Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot or RNIP program may become a permanent immigration pathway soon. The program has been quite a success since its launch in the pandemic. In 2021, it welcomed around 390 permanent residents. The number tripled in 2022 and January 2023 has already witnessed 510 candidates gain Canadian permanent residence. It is expected that the program would bring more people in in the future.
How is the RNIP Program Helpful?
The RNIP is an attempt to help specific Canadian provinces leverage the benefits of economic immigration. It is a community-driven project that also lets skilled foreign workers acquire permanent residency in Canada. The program involves five provinces such as Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Alberta. 11 communities from these provinces can participate in it.
Addresses labour shortages in Canadian communities
It is now easier to settle in smaller Canadian communities through the RNIP. With more immigrants arriving in the smaller communities, the local economy is improved and more jobs are created in the specific provinces.
Fraser said, “The RNIP has provided a great opportunity for rural communities across Canada to access the talent they need to grow their economies and create jobs”
The Canadian Government wants the rural areas to remain prosperous in the coming years. Thus, it may make the RNIP a permanent immigration pathway and provide the provinces with a new generation of entrepreneurs and workers.
Encourages skilled immigrants to settle in smaller communities
The RNIP welcomes skilled workers who have the potential to contribute to career opportunities, population and local businesses. Consider this an opportunity for qualified candidates to establish themselves in smaller communities. The program also asks the employers to provide you with all the necessary skills required to thrive in the province.
How can communities participate?
Communities interested in participating should:
Have a maximum of 50,000 people or a population of up to 200,000 people
Have a distance of at least 75km from the core of a census metropolitan area or be rendered ‘remote’ by the Statistics Canada Remoteness Index
How can candidates apply?
Candidates need to comply with specific selection criteria set by the participating communities and the federal government. You need to show at least a year of full-time or part-time work experience in the last three years to qualify for the program. Make sure your work experience is relevant to the responsibilities mentioned in the latest NOC.
Note: If you have been self-employed or worked an unpaid job, that is not considered work experience in RNIP.
Can International students apply without legit work experience?
Yes, you can apply without work experience for the program as an international student. However, the other selection criteria include:
Having a doctoral or master’s degree
Completed a post-secondary course of at least two years
Full-time student for two or more years
Completed studies within 18 months of submitting the PR application
Spending a minimum of 16 months studying in the specific community
You also do not need work experience after graduating with a higher degree. In that case, the selection criteria include:
Full-time study program in the specific community
Present in the community throughout the study program
Obtained the degree within 18 months of applying for PR
What about the RNIP-adjusted settlement funds?
Candidates need to showcase their proof of financial stability in the RNIP program. This assures the authorities that you have sufficient resources to support yourselves and your family members. You are exempted from this only if you are already legally working in Canada.
You can provide them with proof through investments, documents showing real property and bank account statements. The required amount of funds has changed after 23rd September and looks something like this:
Number of family members
Funds you need
1
$2290
2
$2851
3
$3505
4
$4256
5
$4827
6
$5444
7
$6062
For an additional family member
$618
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RNIP program in Canada?
The RNIP program stands for Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. It lets skilled foreign workers settle in smaller Canadian communities. It was a temporary attempt to fill labour shortages during the pandemic in 11 Canadian provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba. The immigration minister, however, is planning to make it permanent since it has been a huge success.
How successful is the RNIP program?
The RNIP was launched during the pandemic to fill the labour gaps in smaller communities in Canada. It has been immensely successful since then. Thus, the immigration minister is planning to make this a permanent immigration pathway.
Will the RNIP program remain valid after 23rd August 2023?
Yes, according to the immigration minister, the RNIP program will extend beyond its stipulated date.
The Pearson Test of English or PTE is now an approved English proficiency test. IRCC announced on 12th May that Pearson Canada Inc. has renamed their English language test as PTE core. The update is applicable to all economic permanent residency programs such as Express Entry categories, Agri-Food Pilot, PNPs, RNIP and more. Though approved and launched, there is still no definite date when IRCC will accept PTE scores.
The English proficiency test is an integral part of the Canadian immigration process. Initially, the interested candidates had to submit test results from IELTS and CELPIP, approved English-language tests. With the new update, now you can submit PTE test results as well.
Impact of PTE Core Test on Study Permit Applications
A language proficiency test is mandatory for enrollment in a DLI. PTE tests are legit in some DLIs for general study permit applications.
In the case of non-SDS applications, you need to submit your DLI enrollment proof to IRCC. Also, attach the language test results as a supporting document.
PTE Score Requirements for Immigration in Canada
IRCC has set some Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB levels for immigrants.
Here are the general CLB requirements:
CLB Levels
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
10
8.0
7.5
8.5
7.5
9
7.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
8
6.5
6.5
7.5
6.5
7
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
6
5.0
5.5
5.5
5.5
5
4.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
4
3.5
4.0
4.5
4.0
Possible PTE CLB levels:
CLB Levels
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
10
84
76
89
76
9
66
66
84
66
8
56
56
76
56
7
46
46
46
46
6
29
36
36
36
5
18-20
29
29
29
4
15-18
18-20
23
18-20
Minimum Language Requirement for FSWP
A CLB level of 7 is mandatory for FSWP or Federal Skilled Worker Program on all four aspects. In the case of IELTS, however, each module must have a band score of 6 to qualify for FSWP. The required PTE score is supposed to be around 46 after comparing all scores.
Let’s say you got an 8 in IELTS listening and a 7 in the other modules. So, that is equivalent to a PTE score of 84 in listening and 66 in others.
The required CLB for Canadian Experience Class is level 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations. The mandatory IELTS scores are 6 in every module whereas the PTE score is expected to be 46 in each module. If you want to apply for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs, the required CLB level is 5, the IELTS score is 4 in reading and 5 in rest and possible PTE scores are 15=18 in reading and 29 in others.
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilotis yet another economic immigration program meant to bridge the vacancies in the labour force. Skilled workers can use this program to work in some of the most in-demand occupations in New Brunswick. The NBCWP also lets specific employers help immigrants adjust and contribute to the community.
Our immigration consultants are here to guide you through the entire NBCWP application process.
Get in touch if you are interested.
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot | What Is It?
The Government of New Brunswick brought forth the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot. This lets GNB choose the most skilled individuals to economically establish themselves in New Brunswick.
All in all, the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilotserves two main purposes:
Keep track of and meet immigration demands
Deliver the best potential results for the province
Unlike most immigration programs in Canada, the NBCWP also has something important in store for employers.
It allows employers to equip immigrants with everything necessary for them to contribute to the community. It may include on-job-training, language support, etc.
Which Employers Can Participate in the NBCWP?
Here are the employers who can take part in this five-year pilot program:
Cooke Aquaculture
McCain Foods.
Groupe Westco
Imperial Manufacturing
Groupe Savoie Inc.
J.D. Irving Ltd.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Employers?
The employers should:
Reflect on their human resource strategy for hiring skilled international workers and improving on-the-job capabilities
Help students willing to pursue their secondary education equivalency in Canada
Show firm settlement plans for transportation and housing
Convey up to 200 hours of language instructions
What are the stages of approval for the Immigration Program?
You can apply for the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilotthrough an online application if:
You meet all eligibility criteria
You have the support of your employer in New Brunswick
The support is in the form of a signed Employer Information form
Apply to IRCC for a T13 work permit and PR visa
You can apply to the IRCC if GNB nominated you for the pilot program. Your spouse and other dependents should meet all statutory requirements to get through the criminal, security and medical admissions process.
Wrapping Up,
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilotbrings good news for both immigrants and employers. Though it has no intention of reuniting families, the NBCWP certainly addresses labour shortages in the province.
At Onkar Immigration, we have certified immigration consultants to guide you through the application process. Our team will equip you with all the necessary information required to get through the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program hassle-free.
The healthcare system in Canada is one of the key reasons why people decide to immigrate here. Once they become permanent residents in Canada, they have several questions about healthcare in Canada. Don’t worry; this blog has got you covered. Read on to clarify all your doubts regarding the Canadian healthcare system.
Is healthcare in Canada free?
All Canadian citizens and permanent residents pay their taxes every year. These taxes fund healthcare in Canada. It is mostly free for all Canadians though medications are an exception. You have to pay for prescription drugs and certain treatments.
When can I be eligible for public health care?
You need a health card to gain access to the benefits of public health care after becoming a permanent resident in Canada. It also provides you with certain financial coverage for specific emergency health services.
You may not be able to enjoy the benefits of public healthcare in Canada immediately after getting permanent resident status. Some provinces may take three months to process the healthcare benefits of newly landed permanent residents in Canada.
Province-wise waiting time for public health insurance coverage:
British Columbia- Two months
Ontario- No waiting period
Alberta- Three months
Nunavut- Three months
Manitoba- Up to three months
Nova Scotia- Three months
Prince Edward Island- Three months
Northwest Territories- Three months
Saskatchewan - Three months
Quebec- Up to three months
New Brunswick- Three months
Yukon- Three months
Newfoundland and Labrador- No waiting period
How to get the Health Card? When does it arrive?
The health card lets the medical professional know that you are registered with public healthcare in Canada. The application process for a health card varies from province to province.
For instance, let’s say you are a permanent resident of Edmonton. That means you have to follow the rules specific to Edmonton while applying for the health card.
Talk to our certified immigration consultants to learn the application processing rules of Edmonton and Alberta.
We will guide you through the entire application process efficiently.
Do I need both public and private health insurance?
The benefits of private health insurance are:
The waiting period is almost negligible if you apply for private health insurance.
Also, private health insurance provides coverage even during the waiting period.
Private health insurance provides coverage for needs that are not usually handled by public insurance. The needs may include dental checkups or visit to a medical specialist.
What if I need to visit a hospital or doctor for an emergency? What documents do I need if I just walk in?
You should visit the nearest hospital in case of a medical emergency. Bring your personal ID and health cards to the hospital. Also, an employee at the clinic will further guide you after assessing the severity of your condition.
How do I find a family doctor?
Family doctors are also known as family physicians or general practitioners. Several Canadians visit them because of appointment flexibility and patient-centric care. You can, however, visit the nearest hospital as well in case of emergencies.
You don’t have to wait in long queues to consult with a family doctor. Also, they provide advanced and consistent care experience to all patients.
Family doctors often decide on their own who they want to accept as patients. So, finding a reliable family doctor can be tedious. You can get recommendations from friends and family to find a reliable one easily.
You can try looking for family doctors online. For instance, if you are in Edmonton, you can search for “family doctors near Edmonton”. You can then call the clinic and book your appointment accordingly.
Here are some links that can help you find a family doctor:
Healthcare systems vary from province to province in Canada. Why don’t you give us a call and learn everything you need to know about healthcare in Canada? Our professional immigration consultants not only help you attain your permanent residence but also equip you with everything about healthcare in Canada.
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