Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Immigrate to Canada's Friendly Small Towns and Thrive

Canada’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a community-driven program designed to bring skilled foreign workers to smaller communities across the country. The goal is to promote long-term economic growth by helping rural areas attract and retain global talent.

If you are looking for an opportunity to build a life in one of Canada’s welcoming smaller communities, RNIP is the perfect pathway to permanent residence.

Participating Communities

The RNIP includes 11 designated communities across Canada:

Ontario

North Bay

Sudbury

Timmins

Sault Ste. Marie

Thunder Bay

Manitoba

Brandon

Altona/Rhineland

Saskatchewan

Moose Jaw

Alberta

Claresholm

British Columbia

Vernon

West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson)

Each community tailors its program to meet local economic needs, connecting newcomers to employment, housing, and settlement support services.

 RNIP Candidate Eligibility

To qualify under RNIP, you must meet both federal criteria and community-specific requirements.

Federal Eligibility Criteria:

 Community Recommendation
You must be recommended by one of the participating communities.

 Work Experience OR Education in Community

1 year (1,560 hours) of paid work in the past 3 years

OR you must be a recent graduate from a public post-secondary institution in the recommending community

 Job Offer
A full-time, permanent job offer in one of the designated communities

 Language Requirements
CLB 4 to 6, depending on job’s NOC TEER category

 Educational Requirements
At least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (ECA required if educated outside Canada)

 Settlement Funds
Must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family

 Intent to Reside
You must plan to live permanently in the community

 Community Recommendation

The local economic development office in each participating community provides the recommendation based on:

Job offer relevance

Your experience and skills

Your ties to the community

Your intention to settle there long-term

This personalized recommendation is central to your success in the RNIP process.

 Work Experience Requirements

To meet the work experience requirement, you must:

Accumulate 1,560 paid hours in the last 3 years (in one NOC occupation)

Gain this experience in Canada or abroad (excluding self-employment)

Perform the majority of main duties and all essential duties listed in your NOC

International graduates may be exempt

 Work Experience Exemption for International Graduates:

You may qualify without work experience if you:

Graduated from a 2+ year post-secondary program, or

Completed a master’s or PhD in the recommending community, and

Studied full-time, lived in the community, and completed the program recently

 Education Requirements

To qualify, you must have:

A Canadian high school diploma, or

An equivalent foreign credential (ECA required, less than 5 years old)

 Job Offer Criteria

Your job offer must:

Be genuine, full-time, and permanent

Be in the same or closely related NOC TEER level as your experience

Offer wages that meet or exceed Canada Job Bank’s minimum for your NOC

Come from a business complying with Canadian labor laws

 Language Requirements

Your required CLB score depends on your job offer's NOC TEER category:

Submit test results from an IRCC-approved language testing organization. Results must be less than 2 years old.

 Proof of Settlement Funds

You must prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family:

Acceptable proofs include:

Bank statements

Real property or investments

Guaranteed payment documents (bank drafts, certified cheques, etc.)

 Why Choose RNIP?

 Live in safe, friendly, and affordable small towns

 Find meaningful work that matches your skills

 Lower language and education thresholds than many other programs

 Be part of a supportive local community

 Direct pathway to Canadian permanent residency

 How to Apply for RNIP

Secure a job offer from a designated employer in an RNIP community

Apply for a community recommendation

Once recommended, submit your PR application to IRCC

If needed, apply for a temporary work permit while your PR is processed

 Our immigration consultants are here to guide you through each step. From job search to document collection and application submission — we’ve got your back.

 Start Your Canadian Journey with RNIP

Interested in building a secure future in one of Canada’s rural gems? The RNIP could be your perfect pathway to permanent residency and a fulfilling life.

 Contact us now to explore job opportunities, check your eligibility, and begin your RNIP journey today!