The RNIP program has let several skilled workers and students settle in smaller communities in Canada. Read this blog to know more about this program and its benefits.

RNIP Program All Set To Be A Permanent Immigration Pathway to Canada

Post by : Admin on Jun 15,2023

According to Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot or RNIP program may become a permanent immigration pathway soon. The program has been quite a success since its launch in the pandemic. In 2021, it welcomed around 390 permanent residents. The number tripled in 2022 and January 2023 has already witnessed 510 candidates gain Canadian permanent residence. It is expected that the program would bring more people in in the future. 

How is the RNIP Program Helpful?

The RNIP is an attempt to help specific Canadian provinces leverage the benefits of economic immigration. It is a community-driven project that also lets skilled foreign workers acquire permanent residency in Canada. The program involves five provinces such as Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Alberta. 11 communities from these provinces can participate in it. 

Addresses labour shortages in Canadian communities 

It is now easier to settle in smaller Canadian communities through the RNIP. With more immigrants arriving in the smaller communities, the local economy is improved and more jobs are created in the specific provinces. 

Fraser said, “The RNIP has provided a great opportunity for rural communities across Canada to access the talent they need to grow their economies and create jobs”

The Canadian Government wants the rural areas to remain prosperous in the coming years. Thus, it may make the RNIP a permanent immigration pathway and provide the provinces with a new generation of entrepreneurs and workers. 

Encourages skilled immigrants to settle in smaller communities 

The RNIP welcomes skilled workers who have the potential to contribute to career opportunities, population and local businesses. Consider this an opportunity for qualified candidates to establish themselves in smaller communities. The program also asks the employers to provide you with all the necessary skills required to thrive in the province. 

How can communities participate?

Communities interested in participating should: 

  • Have a maximum of 50,000 people or a population of up to 200,000 people 
  • Have a distance of at least 75km from the core of a census metropolitan area or be rendered ‘remote’ by the Statistics Canada Remoteness Index

How can candidates apply?

Candidates need to comply with specific selection criteria set by the participating communities and the federal government. You need to show at least a year of full-time or part-time work experience in the last three years to qualify for the program. Make sure your work experience is relevant to the responsibilities mentioned in the latest NOC. 

Note: If you have been self-employed or worked an unpaid job, that is not considered work experience in RNIP. 

Can International students apply without legit work experience?

Yes, you can apply without work experience for the program as an international student. However, the other selection criteria include:

  • Having a doctoral or master’s degree 
  • Completed a post-secondary course of at least two years 
  • Full-time student for two or more years 
  • Completed studies within 18 months of submitting the PR application 
  • Spending a minimum of 16 months studying in the specific community

You also do not need work experience after graduating with a higher degree. In that case, the selection criteria include: 

  • Full-time study program in the specific community 
  • Present in the community throughout the study program 
  • Obtained the degree within 18 months of applying for PR

What about the RNIP-adjusted settlement funds?

Candidates need to showcase their proof of financial stability in the RNIP program. This assures the authorities that you have sufficient resources to support yourselves and your family members. You are exempted from this only if you are already legally working in Canada. 

You can provide them with proof through investments, documents showing real property and bank account statements. The required amount of funds has changed after 23rd September and looks something like this: 

 

Number of family members 

Funds you need 

1

$2290

2

$2851

3

$3505

4

$4256

5

$4827

6

$5444

7

$6062

For an additional family member

$618

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the RNIP program in Canada?

The RNIP program stands for Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. It lets skilled foreign workers settle in smaller Canadian communities. It was a temporary attempt to fill labour shortages during the pandemic in 11 Canadian provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba. The immigration minister, however, is planning to make it permanent since it has been a huge success. 

How successful is the RNIP program? 

The RNIP was launched during the pandemic to fill the labour gaps in smaller communities in Canada. It has been immensely successful since then. Thus, the immigration minister is planning to make this a permanent immigration pathway. 

Will the RNIP program remain valid after 23rd August 2023?

Yes, according to the immigration minister, the RNIP program will extend beyond its stipulated date.

 


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