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Rural and Northern Immigration

Image by OC Gonzalez

This pilot program is open to skilled foreign workers who can contribute to the economic growth of smaller communities in Canada. This permanent residency pathway is for those who want to work and live in one of the following communities: Sudbury Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Thunder Bay Ontario, Brandon Manitoba, Altona/Rhineland Manitoba, Claresholm Alberta, and Vernon British Columbia.

This is a community-driven program, meaning that the community will be the one to choose and recommend the eligible candidates.

Learn More About the Rural and Northern Immigration Programs

Program Requirements with Work Experience

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  • Must have qualifying work experience

  • Must have a continuous work experience for a period of 1 year or at least 1, 560 hours in the past 3 years

  • Work experience should be under 1 occupation (can be with different employers)

  • Work experience can be gained from inside or outside Canada

  • Work experience must include all the essential duties and most of the main duties listed in NOC

  • Meet the minimum language requirements (test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of sending your application)

  • Must have a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential

  • Show that you can support yourself and dependents (candidates already working legally in Canada are exempt)

  • Show an intent to reside in the recommending community

 

Program Requirements for International Students

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Note: No work experience is needed for international students provided you meet the following criteria:

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  • Graduated with a credential from a minimum of a two-year post-secondary program in the recommending community OR

  • Graduated with a Master’s degree or higher

  • Must have studied as a full-time student for the duration of the program or degree in the recommending community

  • Must have submitted the application for permanent residency within 18 months from the time they received the credential or degree

  • They were in the community for the length of the study OR at least 16 months of the last 24 months spent studying to get the credential

  • Meet the minimum language requirements (test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of sending your application)

  • Show that you can support yourself and dependents (candidates already working legally in Canada are exempt)

  • Show an intent to reside in the recommending community

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Each participating community has its own set of community-specific requirements that can be found on their website.

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If you are interested in residing in one of the communities mentioned above and want to learn more, please feel free to send us an email or book your consultation today!

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