North Bay unveils RNIP immigration stream

Another Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) stream went live on October 21.

North Bay, Ontario, is now the eleventh Canadian community to unveil the RNIP program criteria.

There are twelve participating communities in the pilot.

The only community that has not launched its program is Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

North Bay is a city of more than 50,000 people. It is a three-hours’ drive north of Toronto.

It has a diversified economy that includes strong health, mining, and tourism sectors.

Education is also an important element as North Bay is the site of several post-secondary institutions.

The RNIP is a new initiative of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to partner with communities outside of Canada’s main population centres to attract immigrants who will best contribute to each community.

There are requirements that that apply to all communities and people immigrating to them.

Among these are that candidates have the following eligibility criteria:

at least one year of work experience in the last three years, except for some international students and graduates;
minimum levels of English or French;
at least a high school diploma;
the means to support themselves and their immediate family members; and
a full-time, permanent, job offer in the participating community.

The job offer must be at the same skill level, either one level above or one level below the National Occupational Classification (NOC) that matches the candidates’ work experience.

How, then, will a person get a community recommendation from North Bay, which will entitle them to apply for Canadian permanent residence?

The stronger the knowledge of one of Canada’s official languages, the better.

Experience living in rural or northern communities helps too.

Family or friendship ties with someone already living in North Bay are also beneficial.

A person who has already lived or is currently living in North Bay will gain further points.

If someone studied at a post-secondary institution in North Bay, this experience will work in their favour.

Having an occupation that North Bay considers to be in demand will also enhance one’s application.

North Bay has more information on applying to the RNIP on its webpage.

Find out if you are eligible for Canadian immigration