Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

Canada welcomes many new faces yearly. People mostly immigrate to big cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. However, smaller towns have their perks too! Smaller towns have less job competition and lower living costs. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) offers you a way to get into these towns. 

RNIP aims to draw skilled workers to Canada's smaller spots. It helps in boosting local economies. If you want to settle in Canada permanently via RNIP, you are at the right place! In this article, we will guide you through the eligibility and application process. 

Meaning Of Rural And Northern Immigration Pilot

The RNIP is a Canadian immigration program. This program is led by communities. It offers skilled foreign workers the chance to obtain permanent residence in Canada. 

Eligibility Conditions For RNIP

To apply for permanent residence under RNIP, you must meet IRCC's criteria. The below-mentioned are some eligibility requirements. 

• Relevant work experience 

• Completion of a program from a local school

• Meeting education and language standards

• Sufficient money in your bank account

• Intention to stay in Canada for good.

Apart from this, each community also has its own requirements. These include:

• A job offer 

• Related work experience

• Good language skills

• A valid driver's license

• Community ties

• Past living in rural areas

• Visiting the community

• Evaluating your partner's fit

• Knowledge about the community

• Self-sufficient income standards

Note: Getting permanent residence takes time. Many applicants also apply for a work permit when they get a job offer and community recommendation. The community often helps with these applications. So, you can work in Canada while waiting for your PR confirmation.

Participating Communities Under RNIP

Currently, there are eleven communities taking part in the RNIP. These communities are spread across five provinces. Every community follows different rules. The communities involved are:

Once you've got your permanent residence and moved to your chosen community, they'll link you up with services to help you settle. These include ESL programs, community networking, orientation, and even loans to aid your settling process.

Applying For PR Under The Rural And Northern Immigration Pilot

Let’s take a look at the steps you must follow to apply to this program. 

1. Meet Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure you meet both the general eligibility criteria set by IRCC. You must also meet the specific requirements of the community you're interested in. 

2. Get Employment

To qualify for PR under RNIP, you need to secure full-time employment in one of the participating communities. These communities maintain lists of in-demand jobs. So, you must find employment in a role listed within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) framework. 

Your job offer must be from an employer operating in the community. It can be full-time and permanent. The employment should match or closely align with your prior work experience.

3. Job Offer Requirements

The job offer you receive must meet specific criteria. It should be from an employer operating within the community. The job offer should be full-time and non-seasonal. It should not have any set end date. The community will review the duties outlined in your job offer. It will help them ensure they align with the skill levels specified in the NOC.

4. Utilize Community Resources

Participating communities typically provide employment portals on their websites. You can browse and apply for job opportunities with employers who have completed the necessary RNIP training. Make sure that you apply with employers who are approved by the community as eligible employers. 

These portals serve as a valuable resource for connecting job seekers with suitable employment opportunities.

5. Community Approval For External Job Offers

If you secure a full-time job in the community through sources other than the community's employment portal, your employer will still need approval from the RNIP community. 

In such cases, the community will work with the employer to ensure they meet all program requirements, thus facilitating your eligibility for PR under RNIP.

6. Submit Application For Community Recommendation

Once you secure a qualifying job offer, create a candidate profile on the community's RNIP website.

• Complete the Schedule 1 – Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (IMM 5911) form and upload it to your profile.

• Your employer must fill out the "Offer of Employment to a Foreign National – RNIP" form (IMM 5984) and provide you with a copy.

• Apply for community recommendation, which involves placing your profile into a candidate pool for up to six months. If declined, you can re-apply.

7. Gather Essential Documents

• Utilize the RNIP document checklist (IMM 5987) to ensure you have all the required documents.

• Besides the checklist and forms mentioned earlier, gather documents such as generic application form (IMM 008), background/declaration (IMM 5669), additional dependents declaration (IMM 0008DEP), etc.

• Digitally complete forms to prevent errors and ensure original appearance.

• Provide supporting documents like educational background proof, work experience proof, language test results, travel documents, etc.

8.  Pay Fees Online

• The application fee is somewhat around $1,350 CAD per adult. It includes the right of permanent residence fee. 

• Dependent children incur an additional fee of $230 CAD per child.

• Pay a biometrics fee of $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD per family.

• Use a valid email address and a credit or debit card for online payment on the IRCC website.

• Print two copies of the official receipt after payment.

9. Mail Completed Application

• Place completed forms, supporting documents, and fee payment receipts in a 9” x 12” envelope.

• Include your full name, address, and postal code on the envelope.

• Affix sufficient postage and send via regular mail or courier to IRCC.

• Await Acknowledgement and Further Instructions:

• After IRCC receives your application, they'll send an acknowledgment of receipt via post or email.

• You'll receive your IRCC file number and instructions for the next steps.

10. Link Application to IRCC Account

• Create an IRCC account and link your submitted application.

• Ensure the information matches exactly with your original application.

• Receive secure emails in your IRCC account instead of postal communication.

• Becoming a permanent resident of Canada involves a thorough review by IRCC to ensure you meet their selection criteria. You might need to undergo a medical test, with clear instructions provided and authorized medical centers designated for the test.

Once your application is processed and approved, you'll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) along with instructions to obtain your visa for Canada.

Note: The COPR isn't a permanent residence itself. You officially become a permanent resident upon arrival in Canada and receiving your PR card.

While Canada offers various immigration programs allowing newcomers to choose where to settle, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) offers skilled newcomers a path to live and work in smaller communities where their skills are needed.