Healthcare Recruitment Assistance Pilot

The PEI Office of Immigration recognizes the importance of providing a skilled workforce within the healthcare sector and to fill vacancies from local talent and international recruitment.  Specifically, long term/continuing care homes are facing staff shortages and have had challenges filling positions through domestic recruitment.  We have established a $100,000 fund to assist employers in the long-term health care sector fill vacancies through international recruitment activities. This initiative will be a pilot program that will be evaluated in 90 days or upon depletion of the fund.   

Who is eligible for funding under the Pilot?

Employers may apply to receive reimbursement of certain expenses related to the recruitment of international candidates under the following conditions:

• Prince Edward Island employers must demonstrate their staffing model has vacancies in NOC 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies and patient service workers) and receive provincial approval to participate;
• Employers are responsible to meet the federal employer compliance requirements for immigration and are responsible to cover the associated costs;
• Employers are responsible to arrange housing for workers recruited and arrange settlement services with local organizations;
• Employers are responsible to ensure they have participated in diversity, inclusion training;
• Employers who utilize a third party (recruiter, consultant, agent) require provincial approval and must ensure a contract is in place that outlines fee structure, identifies staffing model and expectations and complies with all federal -provincial legislation.

What activities and costs are supported?

Approved employers can seek financial support under this program for international recruitment and professional services cost associated with temporary (Temporary Foreign Worker) and/or permanent (Atlantic Immigration or Provincial Nominee) immigration pathways.  Workers being recruited cannot already be employed in Prince Edward Island or have an existing job offer in Prince Edward Island.
Under this Pilot, employers that identify candidates who meet their requirements and criteria for applicable immigration programs may apply to receive reimbursement of certain expenses related to the recruitment of international candidates.   Eligible expenses/activities may include:

• Preparation and submission of candidate’s PEI PNP or AIP application.
• Preparation and submission of candidate’s work permit application to IRCC.
• Preparation and submission of candidate’s permanent residence application to IRCC.

What level of assistance is available? 

In cases where a company is using a third-party recruitment agency for international recruitment efforts a maximum of either $2,000 or $5,000 from this fund (per worker) to reimburse for fees incurred from a third-party recruitment agency may be reimbursed.

• Option A - A maximum of $2,000 in fees per worker will be reimbursed for international candidates recruited from within Canada (outside of PEI)
• Option B - A maximum of $5,000 in fees per worker will be reimbursed for international candidates recruited from outside of Canada

Conditions include:

• Fees paid must be related to international recruitment/immigration of workers in long term care facilities, specifically NOC 33102 - Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
• Employer must provide the service contract with the recruiter, invoice, accepted job offer for the new worker, and proof of payment to support reimbursement
• Fees must be paid to a PEI recruitment/immigration agency meeting the following conditions:
  • Have existing commercial office space in PEI
  • Have been in continuous and active operation in PEI for at least 5 years
  • Must have previous experience in labour recruitment for PEI companies
  • Must employ a staff member who is:
    • A lawyer in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society; 
    • A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
  • Workers being recruited cannot already be employed or have an existing job offer in Prince Edward Island. 

How do I apply?

Employers who may be interested in this program must reach out to one of our Employer Outreach Officers prior to entering an agreement with a PEI recruitment/immigration agency so that our office can assess eligibility.  Further instructions with regards to the application process will be given at that time.

What do I need to apply?

To complete the application, be prepared to provide detailed information and supporting documents including:

• Service contract with the qualifying PEI recruitment/immigration agency
• Accepted job offer for the new worker under NOC 33102 - Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
• Invoice from qualifying PEI recruitment/immigration agency
• Proof of payment to support reimbursement