The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-driven program designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in rural communities where they can quickly become self-sufficient, and exercise their skills in agriculture and food production. This innovative, economic pilot will test a new community-driven approach to attracting and retaining newcomers to communities across Ontario, the Western provinces and the territories.

Interested communities must work with a local economic development organization to submit an application that demonstrates how they meet the eligibility criteria and their ability and willingness to take an active role in attracting and welcoming newcomers that meet their economic needs.