West Kootenay in British Columbia accepting RNIP applications
West Kootenay accepting applications for Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot [RNIP]. Of the 11 communities participating in the Pilot, 9 have started accepting applications.
Total of 11 communities from 5 provinces – Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario – are participating in the RNIP.
Communities participating in the RNIP are:
| Community | Province | Status |
| Brandon | Manitoba | Accepting applications |
| Claresholm | Alberta | Accepting applications |
| Gretna-Rhineland-Altona-Plum Coulee | Manitoba | Accepting applications |
| Moose Jaw | Saskatchewan | To be launched |
| North Bay | Ontario | To be launched |
| Sault Ste. Marie | Ontario | Accepting applications |
| Sudbury | Ontario | Accepting applications |
| Thunder Bay | Ontario | Accepting applications |
| Timmins | Ontario | Accepting applications |
| Vernon | British Columbia | Accepting applications |
| West Kootenay [Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson] | British Columbia | Accepting applications |
West Kootenay in the province of British Columbia is a welcoming region of more than 30,000 people. Majestic mountains, abundant wildlife as well as many beautiful rivers and lakes make up the West Kootenay region.
Known collectively as the West Kootenay region, individual communities in the region participating in the RNIP are –
| Community | Province |
| Trail, Rossland and surrounding area | |
| Castlegar and area | |
| Nelson and area |
Basic step-wise process for community recommendation through West Kootenay RNIP
| STEP 1: Fulfil IRCC’s requirements for eligibility |
| Secure full-time permanent job offer in the West Kootenay region |
| Check community criteria eligibility |
| Download and complete Form IMM 5911E |
| Submit Form IMM 5911E with all required documents |
| Review of application by the Community Recommendation Committee |
| Decision of the Committee |
| Apply directly to IRCC for Canada PR |
| IRCC assesses Canada PR application submitted |
| Start with the settlement process in West Kootenay after Canadian PR received |
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-led immigration program specifically designed to bring in and retain skilled permanent residents to the rural communities in Canada.
An integral part of the West Kootenay RNIP selection process will be the assessment of the immigration candidate’s ties to the community. This is required to ensure that the candidate, along with family, are indeed prepared to live in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia after getting their Canada PR.