Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
The Rural & Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is for skilled workers and professionals from around the world who want to immigrate to Canada permanently and can potentially fill skilled worker shortages in smaller rural communities participating in the pilot. The RNIP is employer driven, applicants must have an offer of employment from an employer in a participating community in order to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet all of these requirements:
In the past 3 years, you must have at least 1560 hours of continuous work experience in any occupation (NOC 0, A, B, C or D) or you’re an international student who graduated from a 2+ year-long post-secondary program.
Possess a Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent. You’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a recognized organization to show your credential is valid and equal to a Canadian credential if you completed high school outside of Canada.
You have received a full-time job offer from an employer in a participating community in an NOC O, A, B, C or D level occupation
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
Language Requirement
In order to qualify for the RNIP, you must take an approved language test such as the CELPIP, IELTS,TEF or TCF and meet the minimum language requirements for the job offer based on the NOC category of the job.
The minimum language requirements for each NOC category are:
NOC 0 and A: CLB 6
NOC B: CLB 5
NOC C and D: CLB 4
Settlement Funds Requirement
RNIP candidates who are NOT already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit, must show proof of sufficient settlement funds when an application for permanent residence is made. The requirement for settlement funds increases based on the size of an applicant’s family:
| Number of family members | Required funds (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 (single applicant) | $8,722 |
| 2 | $10,858 |
| 3 | $13,348 |
| 4 | $16,206 |
| 5 | $18,380 |
| 6 | $20,731 |
| 7 or more | $23,080 |
RNIP Process
Step 1. Job Offer: An employer makes a full-time job offer to someone who is suitable for the job and meets the community specific requirements for this program.
Step 2. Community Recommendation: Submit an application to the community for recommendation. Each community has different requirements and a different procedure for the recommendation process.
Step 3. Permaenent Residence Application: If the community recommendation is approved a permanent resident application is submitted to the Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot Program.
How can a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Help?
In addition to making sure the application is complete there are three main areas where an RCIC can help.
Immigration Strategy and Option: An RCIC can advise you on the different options that are available to you to obtain permanent residence in Canada and explain the pros and cons of each option. It is important you choose the best immigration program from the start as this will likely save you time and money in the long run.
Professional Representation: If you do not have a representative assisting you then you will probably only submit the required documentation listed on the IRCC document checklist. Submitting only these documents may be enough to result in a favorable decision. However, submitting only those documents sometimes is not enough to make your case and to satisfy the visa officer you meet the requirements of the visa. Generally, it is wise to submit as much evidence as you can above and beyond the minimum required by IRCC. Your representative can assist you in preparing and submitting a strong application to IRCC by identifying the weaknesses in your application and advising you how to strengthen your application.
Submission letter: An RCIC will prepare and submit a submission letter on behalf of the applicant along with the application. The submission letter is an important part of the application which summarizes and more importantly demonstrates why you meet the requirements of the visa.
Ready to Apply for the RNIP?
We will:
Review your information and develop a strategy to apply
Prepare and submit your permanent resident visa application to the RNIP and IRCC
Act as your authorized representative to the RNIP and IRCC
Update you regularly on the status of your application.
If you want to apply for permanent residence through the RNIP we are here to help! Please contact us and one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will revert to you within 48 hours
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