This RNIP immigration program is easing requirements

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot for Vernon-North Okanagan is easing some requirements to allow employers to hire more employees starting December 1.

The pilot was first introduced in February 2020, and has so far received 21 applications, of which 19 were accepted.

The RNIP program for Vernon-North Okanagan started out with conservative criteria to ensure that the community is able to manage potential demand, and is now easing some requirements to allow the community’s local economy to grow.

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What are the changes?

The most notable change that will help employers hire more employees, is the decrease of the minimum wage permitted to $23 from $25 per hour.

In addition, those who have been working, studying or living in the community for at least six months are exempt of this criteria as long as their current wage is between 18 and 22.99 dollars per hour, and they score at least 30 points in the community’s point system.

There have also been point increases for candidates who have worked or studied in the community. Those with at least six months of work experience in the community, will now receive 15 points, up from 10. Those who have studied in the community for at least two years in the last five years will receive 10 points, up from six.

Points were also increased for candidates with immediate family in the community. Candidates will receive three points, up from two, for each adult immediate family member who lives in the community for at least six months. The number of points that a candidate can get from having immediate family members is now capped at nine, up from eight.

There have also been point reductions in the community’s criteria. Applicants will now receive up to 10 points for work experience outside the community, down from a maximum of 15 points. There were also changes to points given for a candidate’s age. Only those under 25 will benefit from this change, as they will receive three points instead of two.

What is the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)?

Canada’s federal government works with small and remote communities across Canada to attract and retain foreign workers.

Vernon-North Okanagan, British Columbia, is one of 11 communities that are currently participating in the pilot.

If you wish to be considered for the RNIP, you must meet certain federal requirements as well as requirements by the community you are interested in.

The federal requirements are related to a candidate’s work experience, education, job offer, language proficiency, and whether the candidate has sufficient funds to settle in the community.

If you are interested in obtaining permanent residence in Canada through the RNIP, we invite you to complete our free assessment form below. Once you are done with the assessment form, make sure you provide additional information stating your desire to be considered for the RNIP.

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