Take the Sault Ste. Marie RNIP route to Canada
Sault Ste. Marie has started accepting applications under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).
Located on the banks of the St. Marys River, Sault Ste. Marie is a city in the south-central region of the province of Ontario in Canada.
Incidentally, the city was named Sault Ste. Marie, that is “Rapids of Saint Mary”, way back in 1669 when the French established a Jesuit mission there.
By Mary here is meant Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. It is ‘Sainte’ and not ‘Saint’ in keeping with gender.
Sault Ste. Marie is a good place to settle down in. A rich historical tradition on one hand, and opportunities for adventure on the other, there is indeed a lot to do in Sault Ste. Marie.
Less stress, more living. The promise that Sault Ste. Marie holds.
The newly launched Sault Ste. Marie RNIP is a pathway that can get you Canadian PR through the community.
As per a News Release by the Government of Canada in June this year, 11 communities were selected to take part in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). These include –
| Community | Province | Details of Pilot |
| Vernon | British Columbia | To be announced |
| West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), | British Columbia | To be announced |
| Thunder Bay | Ontario | From January 2, 2020. [For more details, visit the Official Website] |
| North Bay | Ontario | To be announced |
| Sault Ste. Marie | Ontario | Accepting applications. [Apply here.] |
| Timmins | Ontario | To be announced |
| Claresholm | Alberta | From January 2020 |
| Sudbury | Ontario | To be announced |
| Gretna-Rhineland-Altona-Plum Coulee | Manitoba | Accepting applications. [Apply here.] |
| Brandon | Manitoba | From December 1, 2019 |
| Moose Jaw | Saskatchewan | To be announced |
Sault Ste. Marie offers a unique combination of natural and urban amenities.
The Sault Ste. Marie RNIP is specifically designed for supporting economic development and strengthening the local businesses so that they can effectively develop and retain a skilled workforce.
The Pilot is jointly being managed by –
- The Sault Community Career Centre,
- The Sault Ste. Marie Local Immigration Partnership,
- FutureSSM, and
- The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation.
Why is a points-based system being used by Sault Ste. Marie for RNIP?
Sault Ste. Marie RNIP has a points-based system in place. Unlike the points-based eligibility for Express Entry, points to be calculated by Sault Ste. Marie Rare for prioritizing candidates.
An applicant’s score will help in determining whether the applicant and the people accompanying him to Sault Ste. Marie will be able to –
- Contribute to an existing or emerging requirement in the local economy,
- Build up strong relationships with other community members, and
- Enjoy the culture and lifestyle in Sault Ste. Marie.
Applicants that secure a higher score will be perceived to have a much better chance of integration into the local community and a greater likelihood of remaining in Sault Ste. Marie for the long term.
How many points are needed?
As of now, an applicant will have to secure a total of 70 or above for being considered on a priority basis for recommendation through Sault Ste. Marie RNIP.
How will the points be calculated?
The required 70 points will be calculated based on the criteria of –
| Criterion | Maximum Points to be Awarded |
| CRITERION 1 – Job offer | 55 |
| CRITERION 2 – Age | 6 |
| CRITERION 3 – Work experience [in one of the priority NOC groups] | 10 |
| CRITERION 4 – Study at post-secondary level in Sault Ste. Marie | 6 |
| CRITERION 5 – Already a resident of Sault Ste. Marie | 8 |
| CRITERION 6 – Personal ties to established members of the community | 10 |
| CRITERION 7 – Visit to Sault Ste. Marie | 8 |
| CRITERION 8 – Knowledge of and interest in a Sault Ste. Marie activity | 5 |
| CRITERION 9 – Spouse or common law partner: Job offer or work experience | 10 |
| CRITERION 10 – Spouse or common law partner: English/French language skills | 5 |
Which language tests are accepted for RNIP ?
For the purpose of RNIP, test results will be accepted only from the designated tests of –
| Name of Test | Language Tested |
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Accepted – CELPIP General Not accepted – CELPIP General-LS | English |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Accepted – IELTS General Training Not accepted – IELTS Academic | English |
| TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) | French |
| TCF Canada : Test de connaissance du français | French |
What is the step-by-step process for applying?
STEP 1: Ensure that you meet the federal eligibility requirements as laid down by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
STEP 2: Get a full-time permanent employment in Sault Ste. Marie.
You can either already be employed or have a valid job offer. You will have to ensure that your employer duly fills out the RNIP Offer of Employment Form. Do keep in mind that you will be required to upload this form when you apply online.
STEP 3: Find out if you match the specific Community Requirements by Sault Ste. Marie.
STEP 4: Download and fill up Form IMM 5911E.
STEP 5: Submit the form.
STEP 6: A RNIP Coordinator from Sault Ste. Marie will ask you for further documentation (copies only). To be submitted via e-mail. By documentation here is meant – resume, educational credentials, language test results, etc.
STEP 7: Your application will be reviewed by the Community Recommendation Committee. If you do meet the RNIP requirements, you will be e-mailed a nomination letter from the Community Recommendation Committee.
STEP 8: Once you have the nomination letter, you can apply directly to IRCC for Canada PR. Further review will be done by IRCC.
STEP 9: You get your Canadian PR.
STEP 10: Move to Sault Ste. Marie with your family.
Quick facts:
- The Community Recommendation Committee reviews applications every month.
- Eligible applications to be retained for 1 year.
- Job offer from a Sault Ste. Marie employer is mandatory.
Also read:
- Communities begin accepting applications for RNIP
- Claresholm to begin accepting RNIP applications from January 2020
- Brandon Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot announced