The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) for the Vernon-North Okanagan has updated its community criteria effective December 1, 2020. The criteria have been enhanced to support employers to hire more employees.

The three-year pilot began accepting applications in February 2020, with a maximum applicant limit of 100 per year. Since then, a total of 21 applications have been received and 19 forwarded to the federal government as recommended.

The changes include reduction of the minimum wage permitted to $23 from $25 dollars per hour, broadening the exemptions criteria, reducing the points for candidates with family in the community, and increasing points for working or studying in the community. Points have also changed for each age category.

This criteria does not apply to individuals who have been working, studying or living in the community for a minimum period of 6 months provided their current wage is between 18 and 22.99 dollars per hour, and they score at least 30 points on point system.

Individuals who have a minimum of six months of work experience will now get 15 points, instead of 10. Individuals who have studied in the community for two years will get 10 points, previously it was 6.

Individuals who have family will get 3 points, previously it was 2, for each adult immediate family member who lives in the community for at least six months. The total points an individual can get from having family members living in the community is now 9, previously it was 8.

There have also been point reductions in the community’s criteria. Applicants will now receive up to 10 points for work experience outside the community, instead of 15 points. There were also changes to points given for a candidate’s age. Only those under 25 will benefit from this change, as they will receive three points instead of two.

Do you need more information about RNIP? Call us today and we will guide you through the entire process at JM Immigration +1 416 904 3815 / info@onecanadavisa.com

Read more