Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a community-driven program that helps smaller Canadian towns and rural areas attract skilled foreign workers. While waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed, eligible applicants can apply for a work permit to begin working and settling in the community right away.

What is the RNIP Work Permit?

The RNIP work permit is an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt work permit issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP). It allows applicants to work for the employer who offered them a job through RNIP while their permanent residence application is in progress.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if you:

• Have a community recommendation under the RNIP.
• Have a valid job offer from an employer located in one of the participating RNIP communities.
• Have submitted (or are submitting) a permanent residence application under RNIP.
• Meet admissibility requirements for Canada (medical, security, etc.).

Your employer must also meet the RNIP designation requirements in their community.

Employer Requirements

• Employers must be located in a participating RNIP community.
• They must provide a valid, full-time, non-seasonal job offer that meets program requirements.
• They must submit an offer of employment through IRCC’s Employer Portal and pay the compliance fee.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

The RNIP involves federal, provincial, and community-level requirements. Our law firm helps applicants and employers navigate the process by:

• Verifying community eligibility and recommendations.
• Preparing strong work permit and PR applications.
• Ensuring compliance with employer obligations under the IMP.