THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot program is now accepting employer applications.
The program, according to a release issued on Thursday by the CEDC, is designed to help improve workforce attraction and retention through a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled workers.
"The Thunder Bay CEDC is excited to host another immigration pilot program, building on the success of previous initiatives in attracting and retaining skilled workers in our community. Programs like this play a vital role in strengthening our local workforce,” said Jamie Taylor, CEO, Thunder Bay CEDC, in the release.
“This year we will see a more targeted approach and will support employers across five key sectors, including business, finance and administration, health occupations, education, law, social, community and government services, sales and service, as well as trades, transport, equipment operators, and related occupations."
The big change is that the new program is employer-driven.
Candidates do not apply to the CEDC, but instead participation is restricted to employers working within the five approved sectors. Only designated employers will be able to work with the CEDC to recommend candidates for permanent residence through the pilot program.
Applications will be reviewed by the CEDC on a first-come, first-served basis and confirmation of designation will be issued. Approved employers will be listed as a designated employer on the CEDC site, which allows them to assess candidates based on program eligibility and to submit application forms to the CEDC for review.
If approved, a recommendation certificate is issued to the candidate, who then notifies the employer. The certificate can then be used to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.
Candidates for the program should reach out to their employer, and only employers willing to participate can initiate the process contacting the CEDC.
More information and resources can be found through the IRCC website.
