Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP) is an economic pilot program for foreign nationals who are referred by a participating community, receive a job offer within the community’s boundaries, and meet minimum requirements for education, settlement funds, and language proficiency. This is a pilot program.

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is one of the latest programs launched in June 2019 to strengthen small communities, especially rural areas.

Employers in participating communities can post job openings. Qualified foreign nationals who want to live and work in Canada can apply for these positions, and if successful, the community can recommend them to the government for permanent residency.

Due to the declining birth rate and early retirement, Canada is in urgent need of skilled workers. While many skilled immigrants have settled in the Far North, nearly 70% have settled in urban areas such as Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia, leaving a huge gap in rural communities.

The good news is that 2020 began with the opening of a five-year pilot program for immigrants to the Rural and Northern region: the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP) is a program designed to help small communities meet their economic development and labor market needs. The RNIP helps small communities attract, integrate, and retain skilled foreign workers to meet their economic development and labor market needs.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is designed to attract qualified workers who are economically established and willing to reside in the reference community. In addition, the following selection criteria must be met

Community endorsement. Must have a recommendation from the community. In some cases, local economic development organizations may be able to provide referrals.

Education. At least a high school diploma is required.
Language proficiency. This varies by occupation: CLB level 4 is required for NOC C and D occupations, CLB level 5 for NOC B occupations, and CLB level 6 for NOC 0 and A.
Work Experience. At least one year of work experience within the last three years is required.
Job Postings. Must have a permanent job offer from an employer in the host country.
Financial Capability. Applicants who are not working in Canada must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to settle in the community.

The pilot will operate in the following 11 communities

Thunder Bay (ON)
Sault Ste. Marie (ON)
Sudbury (ON)
Timmins (ON)
North Bay (ON)
Gretna - Rhineland - Altona - Plum Coulee (MB)

Brandon (MB)
Moose Jaw (SK)
Claresholm (AB)
West Kootenay (BC)
Vernon (BC)

Some communities began recommending candidates from November 1, 2019, and others from January 1, 2020. Each host community is responsible for evaluating candidates based on their selection criteria.

The candidates recommended by the communities will then send the applications for permanent residence under this pilot to the IRCC, which is the authority responsible for processing all immigration procedures.

Contact Legacy Immigration Services Today !

For more information about RNIP, please contact us.

Before submitting your application, it is advisable to seek the help of a professional and experienced advisor to ensure that it is filled out and completed accurately. Their extensive experience in dealing with many immigration issues will help you get your application accepted.

If you believe this applies to you, please contact us immediately to learn more or to schedule a consultation with an immigration expert.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program