1. What communities are part of the West Kootenay Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot?
The pilot encompasses the communities of:
- Regional District Central Kootenay: Creston, Yahk, East Shore of Kootenay Lake, Kaslo, North Kootenay Lake, Ainsworth, Balfour, Nelson, Ymir, Salmo, Castlegar, Slocan Valley, Silverton, New Denver, Nakusp, Burton, Fauquier, Edgewood and surrounding areas.
- [Most of] Regional District Kootenay Boundary: Fruitvale, Trail, Warfield, Rossland, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Midway, and Rock Creek and surrounding areas.
2. What industries will be hiring skilled foreign workers?
The Pilot will bring in skilled foreign workers to fill jobs that have gone unfilled locally.
Examples of industries currently experiencing a worker shortage in the West Kootenay include food and beverage; mining and metallurgy; forestry; manufacturing; health care; transportation; construction; education; and technology.
3. How do I get a job?
The West Kootenay Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is not responsible for finding jobs for applicants.
For current job opportunities in the region, visit Indeed.ca or Kootenay Jobs.
Note: the job must be located within this region
4. How do I hire someone through the program?
First, read through the Employers tab on this site to get the basics of the Pilot. Then, if it sounds like a good fit for you, your business/ organization, then email us. Be sure to include the subject line “RNIP Employer”.
5. What if I am already working in the West Kootenays?
If you are already employed in a full-time, non-seasonal job that meets the wage, language, and work experience criteria (see Applicants Eligibility in the Community Criteria tab) please contact us for more information on how to apply.
6. What is the process for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot?
Here is a step-by-step guide to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot:
7. How long will the West Kootenay RNIP be accepting applications?
In February 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada announced an extension of the Pilot. This means the West Kootenay RNIP will accept applications in early 2024, until the deadline/ allocations have been used. Check the home page of this site for updates on intake time and changes to eligibility.
8. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has developed a frequently asked questions web page to assist you in finding answers to immigration related questions.
Please click here to access the resource.
