Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

PLEASE NOTE: We are currently processing applications from the waitlist that were received in full in
early May 2023 (as of November 7th, 2023). We thank you for your patience.
APPLICATION STAGES ANNOUNCEMENT – November 7th, 2023
Due to the limited number of recommendations for 2023/2024 and the high number of applications already received, Stage 2 will not be implemented. Applications will continue to be received and processed under the criteria of Stage 1.
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting an application in full does not guarantee that the application will be presented to the Committee due to volume nor does it guarantee approval once presented.
*Non-priority applications that have already been received in full and locked in to the waitlist as of May 14th 2023 will remain on the waitlist and continue to be processed in first come, first served order.
APPLICATION STAGES
Stage 1 – Accepting applications October 1st, 2023
As of October 1st 2023 the RNIP North Okanagan Shuswap program will accept applications from:
- the expanded priority NOC codes listed on the -Priority Sectors- page
- all applications from non-priority NOC codes
- all applications from NAICS 722512, 44711 & 44719 (Fast Food & Gas Stations)
Stage 2 – ONLY IF NECESSARY
The Committee will determine if Stage 2 is necessary based on the amount of applications received during Stage 1. In this case, the RNIP North Okanagan Shuswap program will accept applications from:
- the expanded priority NOC codes listed on the -Priority Sectors- page
- all applications from non-priority NOC codes
- all applications from NAICS 722512, 44711 & 44719 (Fast Food & Gas Stations)
Thank you for your interest in the North Okanagan Shuswap Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) project.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-driven program. It’s designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the pilot’s participating North Okanagan and Shuswap communities.
This region was recognized as an area that could benefit from this pilot. Community Futures has entered into a partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to offer this pilot in the North Okanagan and Shuswap areas.
The community will use this pilot to strengthen our local economy and support the development of our workforce. The 11 communities across the country participating in a pilot are each adapting the program to their needs and economic development goals.
For more information on the benefits of immigration, please go to Immigration Matters.
To learn more about this program, please click on the two buttons below:

‘Be proud of who you are’:
Event celebrates RNIP families
More than 130 people come together to share in RNIP success as pilot winds down in 2024…

RNIP Success Stories
Newcomer Housing
Are you a newcomer to our Community looking for housing? Click the link below to learn about the North Okanagan Shuswap Cultural Homestay Program:
NOTICE: On November 16 2022, the Government of Canada is switched to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
This means that:
- the current NOC 2016 skill type and skill level structure (NOC 0, A, B, C and D) will be replaced with a 6-category system representing the training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) needed to work in an occupation
- 4-digit occupation codes will become 5-digit codes
- the eligibility criteria when using use NOC will be updated. To learn more, visit this IRCC page.
About the Pilot
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-led immigration program designed to bring skilled permanent residents to rural communities. The goal of the pilot is to spread the benefits of economic immigration to communities outside of large metropolitan centres. The North Okanagan/Shuswap region has partnered with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to develop a program that works best for our community by prioritizing skilled immigrants who intend to make this region their home. For more information, please go to the IRCC’s website.