Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP)
- E.D: Employer-driven
- E.O.I: Expression of Interest
- P.S: Point System
- S.D: Sponsor-driven
- Permanent Resident
- Closed
- |
- Pilot
These pilot programs came into effect on September 1, 2019, and ended on August 31, 2024 and received the total of 2,750 applications per year.
GSB
FSB
SUMMARY
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-driven program. It’s designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the participating communities.
Participating communities attract new immigrants and match them with local job vacancies, connecting applicants to established members of the community and local settlement services.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
ّFSA
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be met if you are applying to Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
1- Support from a participating community
You must get a recommendation from a designated community economic development organization.
The communities participating in the pilot are:
- North Bay, ON (➨nbdcc.ca)
- Sudbury, ON (➨investsudbury.ca)
- Timmins, ON (➨timminsedc.com)
- Sault Ste. Marie, ON (➨welcometosmm.com)
- Thunder Bay, ON (➨gotothunderbay.ca)
- Brandon, MB (➨economicdevelopmentbrandon.com)
- Altona/Rhineland, MB (➨seedrpga.com)
- Moose Jaw, SK (➨mjchamber.com)
- Claresholm, AB (➨claresholm.ca)
- Vernon, BC (➨futuresbc.com)
- West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC (➨futures.bc.ca)
They decide who to recommend based on
- your intent to live in the community
- your job offer in the community and the economic needs of the community
- your work experience and skill set
- your ties to the community
2- Job Offer from an employer in a participating community
Your job offer must be at the same skill level, one level above or one level below the NOC (➨Appendix 1) that applies to your work experience. However, if your experience is in TEER 5, then the job you’re being offered must be in the same occupation.
Job offers are not eligible from a business where more than 50% is owned (or controlled directly or indirectly) by the foreign national or their spouse / common-law partner.
- TEER 0 or 1 job offer: work experience in TEER 0 or 1, 2 or 3
- TEER 2 or 3 job offer: work experience in TEER 1, 2, 3 or 4
- TEER 4 job offer: work experience in TEER 2, 3 or 4
- TEER 5 job offer: work experience in TEER 5 (same occupation)
Health care exception: If your work experience is in NOC 31301 (Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses – TEER 1), you can have a job offer in one of the following occupation categories:
- NOC 33102 (TEER 3): Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates or
- NOC 44101 (TEER 4): Home support workers
3- Work Experience
You need one (1) year of paid work experience or equivalent part-time in the past three (3) years. Self-employment doesn’t count under this program. Your work experience must meet the NOC TEER category provided in your job offer.
You’re exempt from the work experience criteria above if you’re a full-time international student who graduated no more than 18 months before submission of your application with:
- a credential from a post-secondary program of 2 years or more and you were in the community for at least 16 months of the last 24 months of study, OR
- a master’s degree or a PhD and you were in the community for the entirety of your studies
The following programs of study are not acceptable:
- Distance learning for more than half the program
- English or French for more than half the program
- Scholarship or fellowship that requires you to return to your home country
4- Language Ability
If your job offer is for an occupation with with TEER 0 or 1 jobs, you must have taken an approved test results taken within the past two (2) years and have obtained a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark CLB 6 in all for abilities in English or French (➨Appendix 5).
If your job offer is for an occupation with TEER 2 or 3 jobs, you must have taken an approved test results taken within the past two (2) years and have obtained a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark CLB 5 in all for abilities in English or French (➨Appendix 5).
If your job offer is for an occupation with TEER 4 or 5 jobs, you must have taken an approved test results taken within the past two (2) years and have obtained a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark CLB 4 in all for abilities in English or French (➨Appendix 5).
5- Education
You must have one of the following from a high school or a post-secondary institution:
- Canadian educational credential (certificate, diploma, or degree); or
- equivalent foreign credential
The candidates with a foreign education must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report (➨Appendix 3) for their foreign education.
The ECA Report must not be more than five (5) years old prior to the date of application.
6- Settlement Funds
Unless you’re already working legally in Canada when you apply, you must prove you have enough money to support yourself and any family members while you get settled in your community. The funds must be not less than 12.5% 0f Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off table (LICO) for rural areas (➨Appendix 2).
7- Ineligibility
You are not eligible to apply under the Rural and Northern Immigration Program if you are a refugee claimant in Canada, a failed refugee claimant, had a removal order, are prohibited from entering or being in Canada, do not have status in Canada or are living illegally in your country of residence.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
FMRA
COMMUNITY-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
In addition to having a genuine full time job offer from an approved employer and meeting the federal government’s eligibility criteria, you must also meet the community recommendation criteria. Some communities use a point based grid and the candidate must reach a minimum score to meet the criteria and some of them rank the candidates based on some factors and recommend the top-ranking candidates.
List of Participation 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
North Bay, ON
In addition to federal criteria candidates will be assessed based on a number of community specific factors and the top-ranking candidates will be considered for recommendation.
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-NB)
Community Criteria: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-NB-Criteria) (➨Page)
Sudbury, ON
In addition to federal criteria candidates will be assessed based on a number of community specific factors and the top-ranking candidates will be considered for recommendation.
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Sudbury)
Timmins, ON
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Timmins)
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
In addition to federal criteria, you need to obtain a minimum total score of 70 points to be considered for recommendation.
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-SSM)
Thunder Bay, ON
In addition to federal criteria, you must meet the community specific criteria. The maximum points you can potentially achieve is 86.You need to obtain 50% of the points or a minimum total score of 43 points to be considered for recommendation.
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-TB)
Brandon, MB
In addition to federal criteria candidates will be assessed based on a number of community specific factors and the top-ranking candidates will be considered for recommendation.
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Brandon)
Altona/Rhineland, MB
In addition to federal criteria candidates will be assessed based on a number of community specific factors and the top-ranking candidates will be considered for recommendation.
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Altona)
Moose Jaw, SK
In addition to federal criteria, you must meet the community specific criteria. The maximum points you can potentially achieve is 88.You need to obtain 50% of the points or a minimum total score of 44 points to be considered for recommendation.
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-MJ)
Community Criteria: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-MJ-Criteria) (➨Page)
Claresholm, AB
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Claresholm)
Vernon, BC
In addition to federal criteria candidates will be assessed based on a number of community specific factors and the top-ranking candidates will be considered for recommendation.
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Vernon)
West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC
In addition to federal criteria, you need to obtain a minimum total score of 26 points to be considered for recommendation.
Guide: (➨immilib.com/RNIP-WK)
WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE?
Step 1: Apply for Job and recommendation by a participating community
The process of applying for a job offer and a recommendation by community (Designated Economic Development Organization) may differ slightly based on the community procedures. Below you can find the procedure for each participating community:
North Bay, ON
Apply for Jobs
The first step is to apply to job postings at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-NB-Jobs) and find a job in North Bay. Please note the North Bay Area will not assist candidates with their job search.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the Timmins RNIP for a community Recommendation (➨immilib.com/RNIP-NB-Apply). North Bay RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements) and Community Recommendation Criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-NB-Criteria), assigning points as applicable. If you are found eligible, you will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview to confirm your intent to reside in the community.
If you are accepted, you will receive a North Bay RNIP recommendation.
Sudbury, ON
Apply for Jobs
The first step is to apply to job postings and find a job in Sudbury. Please note the Sudbury will not assist candidates with their job search.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the Sudbury RNIP for a community Recommendation (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Sudbury-Apply). Sudbury RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements) and Community Recommendation Criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Sudbury-Criteria), assigning points as applicable. If you are found eligible, you will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview to confirm your intent to reside in the community.
If you are accepted, you will receive a Sudbury RNIP recommendation.
Timmins, ON
Apply for Jobs
The first step is to apply to job postings at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Timmins-Jobs) and find a job in Timmins. Please note the City of Timmins will not assist candidates with their job search.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the Timmins RNIP for a community Recommendation. Timmins RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements) and Community Recommendation Criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Timmins-Criteria), assigning points as applicable. If you are found eligible, you will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview to confirm your intent to reside in the community.
If you are accepted, you will receive a Timmins RNIP recommendation.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Apply for Jobs
The first step is to apply to job postings at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-SSM-Jobs) and find a job in Sault Ste. Marie. Please note the City of Sault Ste. Marie will not assist candidates with their job search
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the Sault Ste. Marie RNIP for a community Recommendation (➨immilib.com/RNIP-SSM-Apply).. Sault Ste. Marie RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements) and Community Recommendation Criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-SSM-Criteria), assigning points as applicable. If you are found eligible, you will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview to confirm your intent to reside in the community.
If you are accepted, you will receive a Sault Ste. Marie RNIP recommendation.
Thunder Bay, ON
Apply for Jobs
The first step is to apply to job postings at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-TB-Jobs) and find a job in Thunder Bay. Please note the City of Thunder Bay will not assist candidates with their job search.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the Thunder Bay RNIP for a community Recommendation. Thunder Bay RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements) and Community Recommendation Criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-TB-Criteria) , assigning points as applicable. If you are found eligible, you will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview to confirm your intent to reside in the community.
If you are accepted, you will receive a Thunder Bay RNIP recommendation.
Brandon, MB
Create Profile
The first step is to create an online candidate profile at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Brandon-Apply). You will be asked to upload any relevant documents such as your resume, Language test results, educational credential assessments, job letters, etc.
Apply for Jobs
Then you apply for jobs located within the Brandon RNIP boundaries (Brandon and a 55 km radius of Brandon). All jobs posted at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Brandon-Jobs) are confirmed as eligible for the Brandon RNIP.
When applying for a job, you must submit your complete resume in English. Supplying a cover letter along with your resume is highly recommended.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the Brandon RNIP for a community Recommendation. Brandon RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements) and Community Recommendation prioritization criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Brandon-Criteria), assigning points as applicable. The top-ranking candidates will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview (through a form of video conferencing) to confirm the applicant’s intent to reside in the community.
Altona/Rhineland, MB
Create Profile
The first step is to create an online candidate profile at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Altona-Apply) . You will be asked to upload any relevant documents such as your resume, Language test results, educational credential assessments, job letters, etc.
Apply for Jobs
Then you apply for jobs located within the Altona/Rhineland RNIP boundaries. All jobs posted at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Altona-Jobs) are confirmed as eligible for the Altona/Rhineland RNIP. The community is limiting candidates to a maximum of 3 active job applications at a time.
When applying for a job, you must submit your complete resume in English. Supplying a cover letter along with your resume is highly recommended.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the Altona/Rhineland RNIP for a community Recommendation. Altona/Rhineland RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements) and Community Recommendation prioritization criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Altona-Criteria) , assigning points as applicable. The top-ranking candidates will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview (through a form of video conferencing) to confirm the applicant’s intent to reside in the community.
Moose Jaw, SK
Create Profile
The first step is to create an online candidate profile at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-MJ-Apply) . You will be asked to upload any relevant documents such as your resume, Language test results, educational credential assessments, job letters, etc.
Apply for Jobs
Then you apply for jobs located within the Moose Jaw RNIP boundaries. All jobs posted at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-MJ-Jobs) are confirmed as eligible for the Moose Jaw RNIP. The community is limiting candidates to a maximum of 3 active job applications at a time.
When applying for a job, you must submit your complete resume in English. Supplying a cover letter along with your resume is highly recommended.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to Moos Jaw RNIP for a community Recommendation. Moose Jaw RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements) and Community Recommendation prioritization criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-MJ-Criteria), assigning points as applicable. The top-ranking candidates will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview (through a form of video conferencing) to confirm the applicant’s intent to reside in the community.
Claresholm, AB
Create Profile
The first step is to create an online candidate profile at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Claresholm-Apply) . You will be asked to upload any relevant documents such as your resume, Language test results, educational credential assessments, job letters, etc.
Apply for Jobs
Then you apply for jobs located within the Claresholm RNIP boundaries. All jobs posted at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Claresholm-Jobs) are confirmed as eligible for the Claresholm RNIP. The community is limiting candidates to a maximum of 3 active job applications at a time.
When applying for a job, you must submit your complete resume in English. Supplying a cover letter along with your resume is highly recommended.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the Claresholm RNIP for a community Recommendation. Claresholm RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements). The candidates will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview (through a form of video conferencing) to confirm the applicant’s intent to reside in the community.
Vernon, BC
Create Profile
The first step is to create an online candidate profile at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Vernon-Apply). You will be asked to upload any relevant documents such as your resume, Language test results, educational credential assessments, job letters, etc.
Apply for Jobs
Then you apply for jobs located within Vernon RNIP boundaries. All jobs posted at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Vernon-Jobs) are confirmed as eligible for the Vernon RNIP.
When applying for a job, you must submit your complete resume in English. Supplying a cover letter along with your resume is highly recommended.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the Vernon RNIP for a community Recommendation. Vernon RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements)and Community Recommendation prioritization criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-Vernon-Criteria) , assigning points as applicable. The top-ranking candidates will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview (through a form of video conferencing) to confirm the applicant’s intent to reside in the community.
West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC
Apply for Jobs
The first step is to apply to job postings at (➨immilib.com/RNIP-WK-Jobs) and find a job in West Kootenay. Please note the City of West Kootenay will not assist candidates with their job search.
Your submission undergoes the employer screening process when invited to do so by the employer and if accepted you will receive a qualifying job offer (signed RNIP Offer of Employment) from employer.
Apply for Community Recommendation
Upon receiving the qualifying job offer, you must apply to the West Kootenay RNIP for a community Recommendation (➨immilib.com/RNIP-WK-Apply). West Kootenay RNIP will then review your Community Recommendation application against federal mandatory eligibility criteria (Minimum Requirements) and Community Recommendation Criteria (Community-Specific Requirements) (➨immilib.com/RNIP-WK-Criteria) , assigning points as applicable. If you are found eligible, you will undergo further assessment including an applicant interview to confirm your intent to reside in the community.
If you are accepted, you will receive a West Kootenay RNIP recommendation.
Step 2: Apply for Permanent Residence
If you are recommended by any of the above designated economic development organization of the participating community, a community recommendation is issued to you. You must then submit a copy of this completed and approved form with your online permanent residence application within six (6) months.
Optional Step: Apply for a Temporary Work Permit
Once you have submitted a complete application for permanent residence under RNIP program, you will become eligible to apply for a 1-year work permit (➨Page).
| Permanent Residence Application | |
| Apply Online (PR Portal) | |
| immilib.com/RNIP-Apply | |
| Official Program Guide: | |
| immilib.com/RNIP-Guide | |
| IRCC Application Fees: | |
| Main applicant: | $950 |
| Spouse: | $950 |
| Each child: | $260 |
| RPRF main applicant: | $575 |
| RPRF spouse: | $575 |
| Biometrics: | $85 |
| (per person if applicable) | |
| Processing Time: | |
| immilib.com/FED-PT | |
| Document Checklist: | |
| Contact: | |
|
1-888-242-2100 (in Canada) 1-613-944-4000 (outside Canada) Web Form: Visa Office: |
|
Step 3: Biometrics
During processing, you will be asked to submit your biometrics.
You and any member of your family between 14 and 79 years old need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for permanent residence application you submit, even if you gave your biometrics in the past, and they’re still valid. You will be contacted to give your biometrics and you will have 30 days from the date on the letter to do it.
If you apply for permanent residence and are in Canada, you may qualify for an exemption from having to give your biometrics.
In order to give biometrics you need to go to an official biometrics collection service point. You must give your biometrics in person.
Before you go, check the location’s website for its services and fees at (➨immilib.com/Biometrics). Depending on the location, you may need to make an appointment.
Step 4: Medical and Background Checks
Medical Check:
Instructions on how to get the medical exam done will be sent to you upon completion of selection based on the program’s eligibility criteria. You and your dependents must go for the medical exam within 30 days of receiving these instructions. Only an approved panel physician (➨immilib.com/PP) can do a complete medical exam for immigration reasons.
Once the exam is done, the physician will send the results to IRCC and will give you a document confirming that a medical exam is done.
Background Check:
Background check is a required procedure to verify your criminal and/or security background to ensure you are admissible to Canada. Criminality and Security together are background checks. Criminality check is performed by RCMP (Police Service of Canada), and Security by CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) and CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency).
Step 5: Landing in Canada
If your application is approved, you will be asked to pay your right of permanent residence fee if you haven’t already done so. You will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and if you are from a country that requires a visa you will also be issued a permanent resident visa.
You will only become a Permanent Resident of Canada when you cross a Canadian port of entry. This is referred to as ‘landing in Canada’ (➨Page).
You must land in Canada before the expiry date, which appears on your Canada Immigration Visa. Usually, the expiry date is one (1) year from the time medical examinations were completed. As this is not always the case, be sure to verify the expiry date as soon as the Canada Immigration Visa is received.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
FWSYTA
WELCOME TO CANADA!
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