Canada Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
Immigration Company in Scarborough, Toronto
What is the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program?
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) was announced in January 2019 and its purpose is to address the labour market needs of smaller communities in Canada. It provides a pathway to Permanent Residence for skilled foreign workers and international students and their accompanying family members who want to work and live in one of these participating communities:
- North Bay, ON
- Sudbury, ON
- Timmins, ON
- Sault Ste. Marie, ON
- Thunder Bay, ON
- Brandon, MB
- Altona/Rhineland, MB
- Moose Jaw, SK
- Claresholm, AB
- Vernon, BC
- West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC
How does the Program Work?
In general, the applicant must satisfy two sets of criteria, one from the federal government (IRCC) and requirements specific to the participating communities which can be found on their websites by clicking above.
The applicant must approach employers in the participating communities in order to find an eligible job. Once the applicant acquires a valid job offer they can then apply for an endorsement (community recommendation), which the process and requirements will vary depending on the participating communities. If the endorsement is approved the applicant can apply for Permanent Residence. The applicant can also apply for a 1-year Work Permit in the meantime while the Permanent Residence application is being processed.
What are the requirements of Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program?
The following are the IRCC eligibility requirements.
- Work Experience: Minimum 12 months continuous work experience (part-time/full-time) in the same occupation (International students exempted)
- Job Offer: Full-time permanent non seasonal meeting or exceeding the prevailing wage under the NOC
- Education: Canadian secondary diploma (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree or foreign equivalent
- Language: Minimum language requirements depending on the NOC of the job offer from the participating communities
- Settlement Funds: Have enough money to support themselves and family dependents, more information can be found here.
- Community-specific requirements: Will vary depending on the criteria established by the participating communities