Rural and Northern Immigration Program: should we wait for an extension?

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.

Possibility of extension

It is not known for sure at this time whether the pilot program will be extended beyond August 2024.

Earlier this year, former Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser expressed his hope for an extension of the pilot as authorities in participating communities talk about the program's success and the need for more immigrants.

"From my perspective the Rural and Northern Immigration Program has been an enormous success," Fraser said at the time. "The only critical feedback I've received is that the communities that benefit from the program would like to bring more people in through the program."

Fraser said he would like to see the program continue in some form, but the details need to be worked out.

What to expect and what to do

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There are already examples of extending pilot programs in Canada. For example, the Atlantic Immigration Program, also launched as a pilot, has become permanent, but with minor changes in eligibility requirements. And the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, launched in 2020 for 3 years, has been extended to May 2025.

There is a possibility that Canada will follow the same path with the Rural and Northern Immigration Program. If extended, the terms of the program may change, or the program may close for some time and then reopen.

What is left for those who would like to immigrate under the program to rural and northern areas:

• prepare for immigration now: look for a job, have your educational credentials evaluated, take a language test, to be able to apply in January 2024;
• wait for updates on whether the program will be extended and act as appropriate: apply for the program after it is extended or choose another program if it is closed.

Either way, we are here to help you. Our regulated immigration consultants can assess your chances of permanent residency in Canada, find the right programs for you, and help you with the paperwork and proper application.

Book an initial consultation to get closer to your Canadian dream.