Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Program Overview

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) offers a unique opportunity for skilled foreign workers to settle in Canada’s small and remote communities.

Inspired by the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), this Government of Canada initiative aims to boost economic immigration to lesser-populated areas in Ontario, Western Canada, and the three territories, paving the way for permanent residency.

Targeted Communities for RNIP:

The RNIP focuses on certain communities, which include cities with a population of up to 50,000 located at least 75 kilometers from larger metropolitan areas, or cities with up to 200,000 residents that are classified as remote. Some participating communities are:

North Bay, Ontario
Sudbury, Ontario
Timmins, Ontario
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Brandon, Manitoba
Altona/Rhineland, Manitoba
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Claresholm, Alberta
Vernon, British Columbia
West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), British Columbia

Eligibility Criteria for RNIP:

To qualify for the RNIP, candidates must:

Obtain a recommendation from a participating community.
Have either one year of work experience (1,560 hours minimum) within the past three years or a qualification from a public post-secondary institution in the recommending community.
Receive a valid job offer in a participating community, ensuring the wage meets or exceeds the minimum for that job’s NOC in the Canada Job Bank.
Demonstrate the job experience required to perform the offered job’s duties.
Have the necessary education, evidenced by a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent, supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
Meet the language proficiency requirements for the job’s NOC skill type/level:
- NOC 0 and A: CLB 6 minimum
- NOC B: CLB 5 minimum
- NOC C and D: CLB 4 minimum
Intend to reside in the community.
Prove financial stability to support themselves and their family during the transition, with minimum funds depending on family size.

Candidates legally working in Canada at the time of application are exempt from the settlement funds requirement.

The RNIP is a promising path for skilled workers seeking a new life in Canada’s rural and northern regions, contributing to the local economy and community development. Candidates working in Canada do not need to demonstrate settlement funds, making the transition smoother for those already established in the country.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)