Canada's New Pilot Program to Attract Skilled Immigrants to Rural Regions

4 February 2019

Canadas New Pilot Program to Attract Skilled Immigrants to Rural Regions Evelyn Ackah Ackah Business Immigration Law

IRCC has announced a new 5-year economic immigration plan to attract and retain skilled immigrants to rural and remote regions of Canada experiencing an exodus of young workers and aging populations. Announcing the launch of the new program, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said 78% of new immigrants to Canada settle in large cities such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Plus, workers in rural Canada dropped by 23% from 2001 to 2016 due to an aging population.

From January 24 - March 1, 2019, IRCC will accept applications from interested communities in Ontario, Western Canada and the territories to take part in the pilot. A key part of the new program will be to encourage immigrants to integrate into life in these communities so they will not want to move and resettle in larger cities.

It's not just about the government of Canada doing its part, it's the local community contributing to that retention by providing a more welcoming atmosphere and the support services these newcomers need to succeed.
- Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

Communities that want to apply to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot must have a population of:

50,000 people or less and be located at least 75 km from the core of a metropolitan area or
up to 200,000 people and be considered remote from other larger cities
be in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Saskatchewan or Yukon

This Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is currently only open to communities, information for permanent residence applicants will be available later in 2019.

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Evelyn Ackah is a US and Canada immigration law expert and founder and managing lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. Business immigration law focuses on helping people move into new opportunities — both personally and professionally. Ackah Immigration Law helps you to navigate the complex maze of rules and regulations involved with Canadian, U.S. and international immigration law with confidence. Headquartered in Calgary and with offices in Vancouver and Toronto, Ackah Business Immigration Law provides legal immigration advice for those looking to move for work, education or personal reasons.

We provide expertise in all areas of immigration law ranging from corporate immigration to personal and family immigration matters. We provide comprehensive immigration services to clients around the world representing corporations, institutions, not for profit organizations and individual clients. As your immigration lawyers and paralegals, we provide you with timely and strategic advice relating to the constantly changing immigration laws and regulations.