• Posted 30-Jul-2025

RINP - Canada Study Program - Quick PR

Start your Canadian journey with a purpose – study, stay, and settle.

Canada is known worldwide for its top-tier education, strong economy, high quality of life, and welcoming immigration policies. For international students looking to study and gain Permanent Residency (PR), the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a golden opportunity.

This pilot is community-driven, designed to help smaller cities and rural areas attract skilled workers and international graduates who wish to live and work long-term in Canada.

Why Plan PR While Choosing Your Study Program?
Many international students arrive in Canada focusing only on education—but the smart move is to plan your Permanent Residency goals before you apply to a college or university. By selecting a study program eligible under RNIP and settling in a participating community, you open a faster, smoother PR pathway for yourself.

What is the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)?
The RNIP is a federal immigration initiative launched by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to support the economic development of smaller communities in Canada. These communities are authorized to recommend skilled workers and graduates for Permanent Residency based on local labor market needs.

RNIP Eligibility Highlights

To apply under the RNIP stream, you generally need to:

Get a job offer in an eligible community (NOC 2021: TEER 0–5 categories accepted)

Have at least 1 year of continuous work experience

(Not required for international graduates who completed studies in the RNIP community)

Graduate from a public post-secondary institution in the same community (for international students)

Meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 4–6 depending on NOC)

Show proof of funds to support yourself and any dependents

Intend to live in the recommending community

RNIP Participating Communities 
Some communities that welcome international graduates and skilled workers under RNIP include:

• West Kootenay, BC (Castlegar, Nelson, Trail, Rossland)
• North Bay, Ontario
• Sudbury, Ontario
• Timmins, Ontario
• Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
• Thunder Bay, Ontario
• Brandon, Manitoba
• Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
• Claresholm, Alberta
• Vernon, BC

Popular Colleges Offering RNIP-Eligible Programs
Several public colleges and universities are located in RNIP communities and offer post-secondary programs that make students eligible for PR under RNIP:

Selkirk College – Castlegar, BC

Okanagan College – Vernon, BC

Canadore College – North Bay, ON

Cambrian College – Sudbury, ON

Northern College – Timmins, ON

Sault College & Algoma University – Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Lakehead University – Thunder Bay, ON

Assiniboine Community College – Brandon, MB

Lethbridge College – Claresholm, AB

Nipissing University – North Bay, ON

RNIP Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Choose a DLI (Designated Learning Institution) in an RNIP community

Apply for a Study Permit with help from Sia Immigration

Complete your program and find a job in the same community

Apply for a community recommendation under RNIP

Submit your PR application to IRCC after receiving the recommendation

Why Choose Sia Immigration?
At Sia Immigration, we guide you through the entire Canada journey – from selecting the right college + PR-friendly program to ensuring smooth visa filing, job search support, and PR application assistance after your graduation. Our goal is not just getting you to Canada but keeping you in Canada permanently.