For those who aren’t familiar, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot creates a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the participating communities.
Participating communities include:
North Bay, Ontario
Sudbury, Ontario
Timmins, Ontario
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Brandon, Manitoba
Altona/Rhineland, Manitoba
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Claresholm, Alberta
Vernon, British Columbia
West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), British Columbia
About the Process
There are 4 steps to applying for permanent residence under this pilot:
Check that you meet both IRCC eligibility requirements and community-specific requirements.
Find an eligible job with an employer in one of the participating communities.
Once you have a job offer, submit your application for recommendation to the community.
If a community recommends you, apply for permanent residence.
Keep in mind that each community will also have its own:
additional eligibility requirements
job search process
community recommendation application process
Now, Why are we Talking About this Program?
There has been an update! The Honourable Sean Fraser announced the expansion of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot in the 11 participating communities, increasing the benefits of immigration in the 11 participating communities!
This fall, we will see several improvements implemented to support communities, employers, and candidates. Below are some of the improvements we will see:
expanding the geographic boundaries of the following participating communities, so more employers are able to participate: North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Thunder Bay, Moose Jaw, West Kootenay, and Vernon.
Extending the range of job offers available to candidates with specific work experience will help fill health care and trade labour market needs.
allowing communities to participate for a more extended period, until August 2024, when the pilot comes to an end.
helping community partners provide more significant support to candidates and employers.
reducing the amount of settlement funds participants are required to have.
strengthening program integrity.
How Great is That?!
These improvements, based on the recommendations of IRCC's community partners, take another step toward satisfying their needs and encouraging growth in smaller and rural towns across the country. The RNIP's increased geographic borders will assist more employers in satisfying critical labour market needs.
Wondering which pathway would be right for you? Book our General Consultation with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants!
This consultation is great for those who dream of coming to Canada but aren't quite sure which pathway to take.