New program expected to help city retain skilled immigrants

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This article was published 03/02/2025 (270 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Brandon is set to retain 40 per cent of previous Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) applicants under the newly introduced Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), city’s immigration expert Samuel Solomon told the Sun.

Last Thursday, the federal government launched the RCIP, an employer-driven initiative aimed at helping rural areas address labour shortages and support economic growth. The program has allocated up to 180 skilled worker spots for Brandon.

The RCIP is part of a broader federal strategy that also includes the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Both pilot programs were introduced to help rural and Francophone minority communities attract and retain skilled workers.

“Under the previous program, 40 per cent of our applicants were already in Brandon on temporary status,” Solomon explained. “This new program not only allows us to retain these employees but also facilitates bringing in new workers.”

He explained Brandon has been allocated 180 skilled worker nominations for 2025, though not all positions are expected to be filled by newcomers. Some workers, he said, may already be in Brandon on temporary status and will “transition to permanent residency” through the program.

The new program introduces several key changes, including an increased settlement fund requirement, Solomon said.

“RNIP applicants needed to show a settlement fund of $3,000; now, the amount has increased to $7,963 for applicants to qualify,” he said in an interview. “This change, along with other program modifications, aims to streamline the immigration process and ensure better alignment with local labour needs.”

In addition to the increased settlement fund requirement, another significant change in the RCIP is the focus on specific job positions that do not align with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

“We’re trying to avoid duplication with the provincial programs,” Solomon explained. “The RCIP focuses on positions that do not fall under the PNP, allowing us to better address labour gaps in Brandon.”

Employers who wish to participate in the RCIP, he added, will need to work closely with the City of Brandon’s immigration team, which will oversee the program’s implementation. “We assist in the pre-screening of applicants, assess eligibility, and provide recommendations for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A volunteer selection committee will make the final decision on whether an application is approved or rejected.”

To further streamline the process, the federal government is working to reduce paperwork and make the application process simpler for both employers and applicants. This includes offering fewer questions and a more straightforward application process.

Despite these updates, Solomon emphasized the RCIP is not an extension of the RNIP but a completely new pilot program, with distinct eligibility requirements.

“The federal government is aiming for a more streamlined approach,” he noted. “It’s not the same as the RNIP; it’s designed to better serve both employers and employees.”

The RCIP emphasizes greater employer involvement in the recruitment process. For instance, businesses must be established for at least two years and provide training to prospective employees. “This added requirement is designed to ensure that employers are prepared to integrate skilled workers into their teams.”

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Marc Miller explained the rural and francophone communities are vital to Canada’s growth and cultural diversity.

“We value the unique contributions that newcomers make in these places. By welcoming skilled immigrants to these areas, we are addressing labour shortages and economic needs while promoting the benefits of living in a smaller town or city,” Miller said.

“Our commitment to supporting these regions reflects our belief that each one matters. That is why we will make the RNIP a permanent program, and why we are introducing these two new pilots. We’ll continue to work closely with these communities as we work to connect businesses with the skilled workers they need to thrive.”

» With files from the Winnipeg Free Press

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola