{"id":5207,"date":"2020-12-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-13T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/minister-mendicino-announces-increased-flexibility-in-rural-and-northern-immigration-pilot-and-welcomes-practical-nurses-2\/"},"modified":"2020-12-14T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-12-13T20:30:00","slug":"minister-mendicino-announces-increased-flexibility-in-rural-and-northern-immigration-pilot-and-welcomes-practical-nurses-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/minister-mendicino-announces-increased-flexibility-in-rural-and-northern-immigration-pilot-and-welcomes-practical-nurses-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Minister Mendicino announces increased flexibility in Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot and welcomes practical nurses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Enhanced Flexibility in Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Welcomes Practical Nurses<\/h1>\n

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ministerial Announcement on Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot<\/h2>\n

The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has introduced changes to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) to increase its flexibility. Alongside this announcement, the program welcomed its first two practical nurses to Sault Ste. Marie.<\/p>\n

Program Modifications and Benefits<\/h2>\n

Adjustments to Work Experience Requirements<\/h3>\n

The RNIP is a community-led initiative aimed at extending the advantages of economic immigration to smaller communities by providing a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers. Recent modifications now allow candidates to accumulate the required 1,560 hours of work experience over three years, even with employment gaps, rather than needing continuous employment.<\/p>\n

This shift ensures candidates aren’t disadvantaged by short employment breaks, including those caused by the pandemic. Applicants must still meet all other entry and program requirements<\/a>, including securing a recommendation from their chosen RNIP community<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Temporary Measures for Applicants<\/h3>\n

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has also introduced a temporary measure allowing RNIP applicants, whose permanent residency applications are pending, to apply for work permits without being penalized for pandemic-related processing delays.<\/p>\n

The first permanent residents under this Pilot, Alexander Nangpukin Likilasua and Brilla Mercy Kunjumon, are now serving as licensed practical nurses in Sault Ste. Marie.<\/p>\n

Notable Quotes<\/h2>\n
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\u201cNewcomers have significantly contributed to our hospitals and long-term care homes during the pandemic, accounting for a substantial proportion of our healthcare workers. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is essential in delivering skilled workers to communities like Sault Ste. Marie. We’re committed to ensuring immigration benefits reach every corner of Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2013 The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\u201cStrong rural economies benefit all Canadians. Our government supports rural growth through investments in broadband, infrastructure, and immigration. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot will foster job creation and enhance Canada’s competitive edge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2013 The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P., Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Key Facts<\/h2>\n