The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot ended on August 31, 2024 and is no longer accepting new applications. This legacy guide now points readers toward the open Rural Community Immigration Pilot and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

What Was the RNIP?

RNIP was a community-driven pathway for selected rural and northern communities. IRCC continues to process applications received on or before the closure date, but new applicants should not search for a new RNIP recommendation in 2026.

2026 Alternatives

IRCC now lists the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot as open successor pathways. Both depend on participating communities, designated employers, valid job offers, language, education, work experience, and settlement-fund requirements.

Requirements

To be eligible for RNIP, you need: a qualifying full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an employer in the participating community; work experience of at least one year in the same or a related occupation within the past three years; education of at least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent; language proficiency (CLB 4-6 depending on the NOC level of the job); and sufficient settlement funds to support yourself initially.

Crucially, you must intend to live in the community that recommends you. The application includes a declaration of intent to settle, and communities take this seriously — some follow up with nominees after they arrive.

The Community Recommendation Process

Unlike PNPs where you apply to a province, RNIP involves the local community directly. After securing a job offer from an eligible employer, you contact the community's designated organization and apply for a community recommendation. The community assesses your application based on their local labour needs and your suitability as a community member. The community recommendation is required before you can apply to IRCC for PR.

What to Check Now

For new applications, verify the open pilot, community, employer designation, eligible occupation, forms, fees, and work permit option directly on Canada.ca before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move to a city after getting PR through RNIP?
As a PR, you have the right to live anywhere in Canada. However, you must genuinely intend to settle in the RNIP community when you apply. Some communities and IRCC take this seriously, and applying with false intentions could be considered misrepresentation.
How do I find employers in RNIP communities?
Each participating community's designated economic development organization maintains employer contacts and often job listings. Contact them directly — most have dedicated immigration staff who help connect eligible workers with local employers willing to participate in RNIP.
What language score do I need for RNIP?
CLB 4 for NOC TEER 3 and 4 occupations, CLB 5 for TEER 2, and CLB 6 for TEER 0 and 1. These are lower than Express Entry minimums, making RNIP accessible to workers still developing their English or French.