Unlike other countries with crazy flip-flops over immigration, Canada knows what it wants—more skilled immigration. However, this emphasis on skilled immigration has meant that immigration has become an urban phenomenon in Canada.

As per the 2016 census, 22 percent of Canada’s population are foreign born immigrants. And, 61 percent of all immigrants reside in just metropolitan areas of the country’s three biggest cities—Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.  

Reasons for this urban preference range from for more job opportunities to easier access to quality education, healthcare, and recreation facilities. However, there was concerns over this imbalance and this was probably why the Rural and Northern pilot was introduced in Canada.

Probably the only attempt to give rural communities the power to create their own immigration programs, this pilot may end up being an unexpected beneficiary of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also Read

• More Power to Communities—Understanding Canada’s Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot Program
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot
• Community Immigration Pilot Programs—an Important Factor Impacting your Decision to Study in Canada

Will the Pandemic Push Immigration into Rural Canada?

The corona virus is extremely contagious. Yet, getting infected is certainly no death sentence. Good hygiene, social distancing, and a bit of common sense can help avoid infections while prompt and quality healthcare can and does lead to recovery.

In the Canadian context, the excessively-high density of population in the three biggest metropolitan areas of the country is a worrying factor.

While existing residents may find it impossible to move to less-crowded rural areas quickly, those planning to move to Canada may prefer the many advantages involved in choosing rural Canada.

Advantage Rural and Northern Pilot!

Moving from a crowded city to a rural area to avoid the virus is too simplistic to work. However, the Rural and Northern pilot allows skilled workers and international graduates an opportunity to boost their career even as they move to the vast expanses of rural Canada.

With communities in British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba already active in the pilot, skilled workers can quickly make the switch even as job creation has been badly hit in the urban areas.  

The eligibility requirements under the pilot program are no different than standard requirements applicable to skilled workers seeking PR in the Canada.

Work or study experience in the participating community is a must, which means a job offer in the community will be the first step to move away from crowded urban areas.

Opportunity Hidden in the Disruption

Immigrants never really considered moving into rural Canada due to limited scope for professional growth and a modern lifestyle.

The pilot can break the vicious cycle of lack of development leading to lack of talent leading to further lack of development. Instead, it can set off a virtuous cycle where more skilled workers in rural areas leads to job creation and faster development and this leads to further rural immigration.

Is a rural move a good option for you? Seeking professional immigration assistance will help you explore all available options and take an informed decision. This will definitely be preferable to taking a positive or negative decision based on limited facts and knowledge.

Fast and Reliable Canada Immigration Services. Determine Your Options Today!