Skilled worker immigration stream to rural communities - RNIP

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a unique and innovative PR program designed to spread the benefits of immigration to smaller communities. The goal of the program is to create a pathway to permanent residency for skilled foreign workers who are interested in living and working in one of the participating communities. The RNIP program is community-driven and offers the opportunity for eligible individuals to live and work in a supportive and welcoming environment.

 

To participate in the RNIP program, there are four main steps that you need to follow:

  1. Meet IRCC eligibility requirements and community specific requirements
  2. Find an eligible job with an employer in one of the participating communities
  3. Once you have a job offer, submit your application for recommendation to the community
  4. Once you are recommended, you can apply for permanent residency.

 

Work experience

The eligibility requirements for the RNIP program include having work experience. To be eligible, you need to have at least 1 year of work experience (at least 1,560 hours) in the past 3 years. You can calculate your work experience by counting the hours worked in both part-time and full-time jobs and the hours can be in different occupations and with different employers. However, the hours must be over a period of at least 12 months and can be inside or outside of Canada.

 

International Students exempt from work experience

International students who have graduated from a 2-year or longer post-secondary program are exempt from the work experience requirements if they meet certain criteria. For example, they must have received the credential no more than 18 months before their application for permanent residency and have been in the community for at least 16 of the last 24 months spent studying.

In terms of educational requirements, you must have either a Canadian educational credential, such as a high school diploma or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or an equivalent educational credential assessment (ECA).

 

Sufficient funds

Another important requirement for the RNIP program is to have sufficient settlement funds to support you and your family once you have arrived in Canada. If you are already working in Canada on a valid work permit, you do not need to show that you have enough money.

 

Ties in to the community and interest to stay

Additionally, you must also intend to live in the community. In the West Kootenays, candidates are required to score at least 26 points on the community criteria form, which takes into account factors such as family ties to the region, work experience, language skills, and more. However, if you have a job offer for a priority occupation, you are exempt from meeting the 26 points on the community criteria form.

 

Employers

In order to immigrate through this program you must have either a job at a business in the community or an accepted job offer. Once you have that, you can go ahead and submit your application for recommendation to the community.

Employers must also meet certain criteria to participate in the RNIP program, such as having operated a business with a $200,000 investment in the community and offering a minimum wage of $22 per hour.

 

Where is the RNIP being offered? 

The RNIP program is currently accepting applications for the following communities:

North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Brandon, Altona/Rhineland, Moose Jaw, Claresholm, Vernon, and West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson).

Each community has its own website where you can learn more about their specific criteria and requirements.

In conclusion, the RNIP program is a valuable opportunity for not only skilled foreign workers but also international students to live and work and immigrate to a supportive and welcoming community. By following the four steps and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can take advantage of this unique opportunity to live and work in Canada.

 

Do you plan on studying in Canada?

Make sure you start the process early so that you have plenty of time to gather all the required documents. And if you have any questions about program options and locations, don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance. 

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