Applicants

Welcome and thank you for your interest in coming to the West Kootenay region. Please review the information below and follow the steps carefully. 

For all community-based questions, please direct them to contact us. For all other questions regarding the pilot, please go to IRCC’s website.

PLEASE NOTE: The candidate is responsible for finding a full time job in the community. The West Kootenay RNIP team will not assist with job search for candidates

If you are having difficulty opening any government forms please use this guide:

Help Centre – I can’t open my application form in PDF format. What can I do?

Application Process

1. Ensure that you meet the federal eligibility requirements

Ensure that you meet the federal eligibility requirements

2. Find Full time employment in the Community

To search for a job in the region:

For full time employment requirements please visit: IRCC website

You must have the RNIP Offer of Employment Form filled out and signed by your employer. It is your responsibility to upload this form as part of your application. PLEASE NOTE The West Kootenay RNIP team will not assist candidates with their job search or placement.

Offer of Employment Form (IMM 5984)
Employment Declaration Form

3. Ensure that you meet the Community Based Criteria

The Community Recommendation Committee will be assessing candidates’ ties to the community to ensure you and your family are prepared to reside in the West Kootenay region after you receive your permanent residency.

Community Based Criteria

4. Complete the Schedule 1 Rural and Northern Immigration (IMM 5911)

Schedule 1 Rural and Northern Immigration (IMM 5911)

If you are having difficulty opening any government forms please use this guide:

Help Centre – I can’t open my application form in PDF format. What can I do?

5. Submit your application form

Submit the Schedule 1 Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot IMM 5911 and all other necessary documentation including::

  • The completed IMM 5984 (Offer of Employment) form
  • Your language assessment results
  • Work experience documentation (reference letter, pay stubs, etc.)
  • Educational assessment
  • Employer Declaration Form
  • Total number of Community Criteria points and documentation to prove the points you are claiming

*If any or all are applicable (See #6) please include with application submission to help us assess your application.

Submit RNIP Application

6. Submit additional and supplementary information

  • Previous work experience in the community documents including pay stubs, professional references, business address and contact.
  • Documents proving residence in the community: house deed, lease agreement, bill payments, address.
  • If you have family in the community please supply their name, their address, how long they have lived here, and their relation to you.
  • If you have family accompanying you to Canada, please supply their name, age and relation to you.
  • If you are currently in Canada, please indicate the immediate family members you intend to add to your permanent resident application.

Please consult and complete the Document Checklist and submit it along with the aforementioned documents.

Please note applications WILL NOT be considered if they are incomplete and do not meet minimum qualifications:
  • Job offer from a West Kootenay Employer
  • English (and possibly French) language credentials
  • Educational credential requirements
Nelson, BC

Document Guide & Checklist

Immigration Representatives

You may choose to use a representative to act on your behalf or to assist you with finding a qualifying job offer, completing your RNIP application for recommendation or completing your Permanent Resident application. There are different types of representatives: paid and unpaid and authorized and unauthorized. Representatives are authorized if they are:

  • lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society
  • notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec and
  • citizenship or immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council

The Community will not communicate with, or allow for, unauthorized representatives to assist with your RNIP application. If you use an unauthorized representative, in Canada or abroad, we may return your application or refuse it.

It is important to note that using a representative does not change how your application will be reviewed or whether it will be approved or rejected. All applications are handled the same regardless of whether a representative is used or not. Immigration representatives cannot guarantee Community Recommendation, Permanent Residence, or a more expedient processing of an application.

Fraud and Misrepresentation

Fraud and misrepresentation are taken very seriously by the Community and by IRCC. Any business and individulas found to be misrepresenting themselves or committing fraud will be banned from applying for recommendation for the duration of the pilot, along with any associated parties.  

Misrepresentation and fraud can take many forms including but not limited to:

  • Submission of fraudulent documents
  • Accepting or offering money for a job offer
  • Intentionally misleading the Community

It is important to note the following:

  • All decisions made by the Community are final and are not subject to appeal.
  • Receiving a recommendation from the Community does not guarantee permanent residence; IRCC has sole authority to approve or refuse all applications for permanent residency.