Vernon-North Okanagan Eases RNIP Immigration Program Requirements
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot for Vernon-North Okanagan community is easing some requirements to allow employers to recruit more employees starting Dec. 1.
The pilot was first introduced in Feb. 2020 and has so far received twenty-one (21) applications, of which Nineteen (19) were accepted.
The RNIP program for Vernon-North Okanagan launched out with conservative requirements to make sure that the community is able to manage potential demands, and is now easing some criteria to allow the community’s local economy to grow.
What are the changes?
The most notable changes that will help employers recruit more employees, is the decline in the minimum wage permitted to $23 from $25 per hour.
In addition, those who have been working, living, or studying in the community for at least six months are exempted from this requirement as long as their current wage is between 18 and 22.99 dollars per hour, and they score must have at least thirty (30) points in the community’s point system.
There have also been point increases for candidates who have studied or studied in the community. Those with at least six months of work experience in the community will now get fifteen (15) points, up from ten (10). Those who have studied in the community for at least two years in the last five years will receive ten (10) points, up from six (6).
Points were also increased for candidates who have immediate family in the Vernon-North Okanagan community. Candidates will get three (3) points, up from two (2), for each adult immediate family member who resides in the community for at least six (6) months. The number of points that a candidate can obtain from having immediate family members is now restricted to nine (9), up from eight (8).
There have also been point deductions in the community’s requirements. Applicants will now receive up to ten (10) points for work experience outside the Vernon-North Okanagan community, down from a maximum of fifteen (15) points.
There were also changes to points allotted for a candidate’s age. Only those under twenty-five (25) will benefit from this change, as they will receive three points instead of two.
More about Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
The federal government of Canada collaborates with small and remote communities across Canada to attract and retain foreign skilled workers.
Vernon-North Okanagan, British Columbia, is one of Eleven (11) communities that are presently 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 level of education, job offer, work experience, language proficiency, and whether the candidate has enough funds to settle in the community.
If you are interested in getting Canadian permanent residence through the RNIP, you should community webpage for more details. You may complete the assessment form, make sure you provide the necessary information stating your desires to be considered for the RNIP.
