Home » Immigrate To Canada » Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

🇫🇷 Français

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) officially ended on August 31, 2024. IRCC is no longer accepting new RNIP applications. IRCC continues to process applications received on or before August 31, 2024. The RNIP has been replaced by the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), which launched on January 30, 2025.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is Canada’s community-driven program, under which the small and remote communities invite immigrants as per their local job requirements, for promoting their community, retaining foreign workers, and local settlement services. These 11 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

For Existing RNIP Applicants

If you submitted a RNIP permanent residence application on or before August 31, 2024, your application will continue to be processed by IRCC. If eligible, you may still apply for a work permit so you can work in Canada while your PR application is processed. Applicants should stay in contact with both their recommending community and IRCC for status updates.

Replacement Program: Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) launched on January 30, 2025 and replaces the RNIP. The RCIP is a community-driven economic immigration program that provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers through a recommendation from a designated local Economic Development Organization (EDO). Unlike nationwide programs, success under the RCIP depends on a community recommendation. No Express Entry profile or CRS score is required.

RCIP Key Facts (2026)

The following information applies to the RCIP, which replaced the RNIP:

  • 14 designated communities across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC, and Nova Scotia
  • Core eligibility: a job offer from a designated employer, 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years, language test, education credential, and proof of funds
  • Language minimums by NOC TEER: CLB 6 (TEER 0/1), CLB 5 (TEER 2/3), CLB 4 (TEER 4/5)
  • Community recommendation from a designated Economic Development Organization (EDO) is required
  • Applicants must commit to living and working in the recommending rural community
  • A community recommendation is valid for 6 months – applicants must apply for PR within that window

If you’re looking to immigrate to your preferred community through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, connect with our trusted and authorized Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant today.