RNIP Slashing Requirements In Vernon-North Okanagan

Candidates interested in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot organized by Vernon-North Okanagan will be happy to know that the province has decided to revise some of the eligibility requirements and make them easier. Employers want to hire more skilled workers, and hence this measure was taken. The new rules were applied on December 1 and the pilot still has seats.

Vernon-North Okanagan’s RNIP program had many conservative requirements initially so that the community can control the demand for the program. Now, the province is deciding to make the process a little easier in order to entice more eligible candidates and improve the local economy.

What is RINP?

The federal government in Canada introduced the RNIP in collaboration with the smaller communities across the country to attract skilled workers. Vernon-North Okanagan is one of the communities registered in the pilot. The pilot came into existence back in February 2020 and has approved 19 applications until now. Candidates have to meet federal requirements as well as the individual requirements set by the province.

New changes:

The minimum wage has been changed from $25 per hour to $23 per hour so that employers are able to hire more employees. Moreover, the people who have already been living in the community for a minimum of six months will be considered exempt if they have a minimum score of 30 points by the community point system. Their current wage should also range between $18 and $22.99 per hour.

Additionally, the community has also decided to increase the number of points awarded to candidates based on certain criteria. It is important to note that there have been point reductions as well so you should take both into account.