Rural and Northern Immigration Program: should we wait for an extension?
A popular immigration pilot with simplified requirements is set to close soon.
Canada's Rural and Northern Immigration Program offers candidates a path to permanent residency with simplified requirements. If you are willing to settle in one of 11 small towns and if your profession is in demand there, you can immigrate without a university degree, with a basic level of English and little savings.
However, the program is a pilot and is set to close in 2024. Are there any chances for extension and what should potential applicants do right now?
Program deadline
The Rural and Northern Immigration Program was launched in 2019. Like all pilot projects, it was set up for 5 years and was scheduled to close in February 2024. In 2022, the closing date was pushed back to August 2024.
However, many communities participating in the program have already announced that they will stop accepting applications from applicants in February 2024, while the processing of already submitted applications will continue until August. Moreover, most cities have also closed their applications for 2023 due to reaching the application limit.
Thus, those wishing to immigrate under this program can only apply in January 2024. And before that, they must find a job in one of the participating towns — this is the main requirement of the program.
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