Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot aims to attract new skilled workers to smaller communities.
This five-year federal initiative is intended to support smaller communities facing aging populations and labor shortages, which often struggle to attract and retain immigrants.
It is a community-driven program designed to distribute the benefits of immigration more evenly.
To participate in the pilot, communities must meet the following criteria:
- Have a population of 50,000 or fewer and be located at least 75 km from the core of a Census Metropolitan Area, OR
- Have a population of up to 200,000 and be considered remote from larger cities according to the Statistics Canada Remoteness Index.
Steps to Permanent Residence
To apply for permanent residence through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, candidates need to follow these steps:
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet both the federal government’s eligibility criteria and the specific requirements of the participating community.
- Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from an employer located in one of the participating communities.
- Apply for Community Recommendation: Submit your application to the community for their recommendation once you have a job offer.
- Apply for Permanent Residence: With a community recommendation, proceed to apply for permanent residence.
RNIP Participating Communities
| Community | Community website |
| North Bay, ON | https://northbayrnip.ca/ |
| Sudbury, ON | http://www.investsudbury.ca/how-can-we-help/immigration-options/ |
| Timmins, ON | http://www.timminsedc.com/residents/immigrate-to-timmins/?utm_source=timminstoday.com&utm_campaign=timminstoday.com&utm_medium=referral |
| Sault Ste. Marie, ON | https://welcometossm.com/rnip/ |
| Thunder Bay, ON | https://www.gotothunderbay.ca/en/immigration/rural-northern-immigration.aspx?_mid_=12159 |
| Brandon, MB | http://www.economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/ |
| Altona/Rhineland, MB | https://www.seedrpga.com/immigration-pilot |
| Moose Jaw, SK | http://www.moosejawrnip.ca/ |
| Claresholm, AB | http://www.claresholm.ca/rural-northern-immigration-pilot |
| Vernon, BC | http://www.rnip-vernon.ca/ |
| West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC | http://www.wk-rnip.ca/ |
Federal Government Eligibility Requirements
Work Experience Requirements:
- Must have accumulated one year (1,560 hours) of full or part-time work experience within the last three years.
- Experience can be non-continuous and in different occupations with various employers.
- Work must include the majority of essential duties listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Unpaid and self-employed work does not qualify.
International Student Exemption:
- Scenario 1: Graduated from a minimum two-year post-secondary program in the recommending community, studied full-time for the entire program, obtained the credential within 18 months before applying for permanent residence, and spent at least 16 of the last 24 months in the community while studying.
- Scenario 2: Graduated with a master’s degree or higher, studied full-time for the entire program in the recommending community, obtained the degree within 18 months before applying for permanent residence, and resided in the community throughout the study period.
Language Requirements:
- Must meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level based on the job’s NOC category:
- TEER 0 and 1: CLB/NCLC 6
- TEER 2 and 3: CLB/NCLC 5
- TEER 4 and 5: CLB/NCLC 4
Educational Requirements:
- Must have a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential with an accredited Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
Settlement Funds:
- Must provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and family members while settling in the community.
- Those already legally working in Canada are exempt.
| Number of family members | Funds required (CAD) |
| 1 | $2,367 |
| 2 | $2,947 |
| 3 | $3,623 |
| 4 | $4,399 |
| 5 | $4,989 |
| 6 | $5,627 |
| 7 or more | $6,265 |
Intention to Reside:
- Must demonstrate an intention to live in the community.
Additional Insights:
- The pilot’s structure encourages regional economic growth and diversification by bringing skilled workers to areas that might not traditionally attract immigrants.
- By focusing on community recommendations, the program ensures that immigrants are a good fit for local needs and that communities are invested in the newcomers’ success.
- The exemption for international students highlights Canada’s commitment to retaining talent educated within the country, fostering a seamless transition from student to resident.
- Settlement funds are a crucial aspect, as they prevent financial strain on both the newcomer and the local community, promoting a more sustainable settlement process.
In conclusion, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot offers a well-rounded approach to address specific regional needs through targeted immigration, balancing federal criteria with local community involvement to create thriving, diverse communities.
FAQs
What is the work experience requirement for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot? Candidates must have one year (1,560 hours) of work experience in the past three years, which can be non-continuous and in various occupations.
Are international students exempt from the work experience requirement? Yes, international students may be exempt if they graduated from a qualifying program in the recommending community and meet specific conditions related to the duration and timing of their studies.
What are the language proficiency requirements? Language requirements vary by job category, with minimum CLB/NCLC levels ranging from 4 to 6 depending on the job’s NOC category.
What educational qualifications are needed? Candidates must have a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential with an accredited ECA report.
How much money do I need to demonstrate for settlement funds? The required funds vary based on family size, starting at $2,367 for a single person and increasing with additional family members.
Do I need to live in the community that recommends me? Yes, candidates must show an intention to reside in the recommending community to participate in the pilot.