FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Altona/Rhineland RNIP Program is now closed and is not accepting applications at this time.
1. Which communities are part of the Altona/Rhineland Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot?
2. How do I get a job?
SEED is not responsible for finding jobs for applicants. For a list of current jobs available in the region click here.
3. How do I hire someone through the program?
If your business is interested in hiring staff through this program click here.
4. What is the process for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot?
Here is a step-by-step guide to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
5. How long will SEED be accepting RNIP applications?
SEED will accept RNIP applications until early July 2024.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has developed a frequently asked questions web page to assist you in finding answers to immigration related questions. Please click here to access the resource.
PROCESSING TIMES
1. I have not yet submitted my RNIP application to IRCC, may I still do so?
You may submit an application under the RNIP program. You must still provide all required documents or your application may be returned
If you already applied for a document but it’s delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can send proof that you’re trying to get it (like a receipt). Include a letter that states why you don’t have the document and when you’ll likely get it. Send IRCC the document as soon as you have it to avoid more delays.
2. I have already submitted an application. How is COVID-19 affecting my application?
Due to safety measures implemented during COVID-19, IRCC has been working at a reduced capacity which has impacted processing times for all permanent residence applications, and more specifically paper based applications.
IRCC has introduced administrative measures and public policies to assist with this unprecedented situation such as ability for RNIP communities to issue a recommendation [IMM 0112] to RNIP applicants with an electronic signatures and allowing applicants to apply for a work permit under the RNIP program without the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) issued on their application for permanent residence.
3. How long will it take to process my application?
RNIP is a recent addition to IRCC's suite of existing economic programs and like any new immigration pilot, official processing times can only be determined a year after program launch.
Furthermore, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC cannot provide accurate processing times or commit to pre-COVID 19 service standards. However, IRCC has already begun to safely and consistently increase processing capacity, and to also consider all possible facilitative measures.
4. What if I cannot provide documents requested by an IRCC processing office due to COVID-19?
If an IRCC processing office requested a document, they will give an extra 90 days from the due date on the request letter and keep extending the deadline by 90 days to submit the requested document until you can provide it.
5. How long will it take to get a confirmation that my RNIP application has been received?
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all areas of processing RNIP applications including reception of applications. Health authorities have issued guidelines that limit the number of employees physically present at work. As a result, IRCC cannot provide an accurate timeline for when you will get an Acknowledgement of Receipt letter once your application is deemed complete.
IRCC has already started to safely and steadily increase processing capacity at its application processing offices and is looking into other administrative measures to assist clients such as allowing applicants to apply for a work permit under the RNIP program without the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) issued on their application for permanent residence.