Maple News reports that Canada has introduced key changes to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), a program tailored to help rural communities attract and retain skilled foreign workers. According to an announcement made on December 14 by Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, these adjustments are aimed at boosting participation and easing the path to permanent residency for newcomers.
Under the updated RNIP rules, applicants are no longer required to accumulate their one year of eligible work experience in an unbroken time frame. Instead, the experience can now be obtained within any period over the past three years prior to application—even if it includes gaps in employment. This change will apply retroactively to both current applicants and future ones, making the program more accessible.
In addition, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary measure to support applicants facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those awaiting decisions on their permanent residency under the RNIP can now apply for a work permit without being penalized for long processing times. This measure ensures that individuals can continue to work in Canada and contribute to their communities, even as their applications are being processed.
Despite these updates, applicants must still meet all RNIP eligibility criteria and admissibility conditions to qualify for permanent residency. The program remains a targeted effort to address labor shortages in rural areas by connecting employers with skilled immigrants who wish to settle beyond large urban centers.
The RNIP currently includes 11 participating communities across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. These communities have the autonomy to set additional criteria that reflect their unique labor market demands. Participating towns include Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, North Bay, Thunder Bay, and others.
Minister Mendicino emphasized the importance of the program, noting that immigration is vital to sustaining and growing local economies. “The RNIP, and similar pilot programs, are ensuring we bring the workers we need to the places that need them the most,” he said. “We’re working to make sure the benefits of immigration are felt in every corner of our country.”
The announcement coincides with the arrival of the first permanent residents admitted through the RNIP. Alexander Nangpukin Likilasua and Brilla Mercy Kunjumon, two licensed practical nurses, are now working in Sault Ste. Marie, contributing to Canada’s healthcare system during a critical time.
Minister Mendicino highlighted the essential role of newcomers in healthcare, especially during the pandemic. Immigrants account for one in four licensed practical nurses in Canada, and represent nearly 36% of the country’s pharmacists and family physicians, 39% of all dentists, and 35% of nurse aides and related workers.
These latest enhancements to the RNIP underline Canada’s commitment to inclusive immigration policies—supporting both communities in need and the skilled newcomers who choose to call Canada home.