It has been observed people immigrating to Canada invariably prefer to settle down in large Metropolitan cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary etc. The government of Canada in an attempt to balance the immigration pattern to ensure that smaller towns and rural areas also benefit economically has identified the following 11 communities under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RINP):
- North Bay, ON
- Sudbury, ON
- Timmins, ON
- Sault Ste. Marie, ON
- Thunder Bay, ON
- Brandon, MB
- Altona/Rhineland, MB
- Moose Jaw, SK
- Claresholm, AB
- Vernon, BC
- West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC
Different provinces have different requirements for meeting the eligibility factors.
The Local Economic Development Organization (EDO) of the place and the local community plays a vital role in selecting eligible candidates. However, the basic requirements such as Educational qualififications, Language, Work experience and Settlement funds are much easy compared to other immigration programs typically covered under the Express Entry.