Communities need more time to initiate the RNIP intake process

Were you anxiously waiting to apply for Canadian Permanent residence through the Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP)? Your wait is expected to be stretched a little longer. The five communities that were set to initiate the process in January this year are facing a delay in processing applications.

Following are the five communities that planned to begin RNIP in January:

Claresholm, Alberta
Vernon, British Columbia
West Kootenay, British Columbia
Timmins, Ontario
North Bay, Ontario

Outline of Rural and Northern Immigration Program:

It is a community-driven program which is especially designed for helping the communities attract proficient immigrants. Due to low birth rates, growing retirement rates and youth migration, the small communities face huge labour shortage. So, this five-year initiative will address the labour market needs of the communities. And, it will act as an alternative immigration option for candidates who fail to secure permanent residence through the Express Entry system.

Requirements to be met by a community for RNIP:

In order to participate in the pilot program, the community must meet the following conditions:

There should be a population of 50,000 people or less in the community.
It should be located in British Columbia, Manitoba, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Yukon and Northwest Territories.
An economic development plan is mandatory.
Abundant number of job opportunities should be there.
A local economic development organization is needed.

For now, the Rural and Northern Immigration program is active in the communities of Ontario and Manitoba. Sault Ste. Marie, Brandon and Altona/Rhineland are the communities that have already launched the program. Applicants will have to keep a little patience for the commencement of intake process by the rest of the communities. The process is expected to begin taking applications next month. The RNIP provides a good option for candidates who want to immigrate to Canada and settle in the countryside. This initiative will certainly help to stimulate economic growth in the rural areas and attract skilled workers.