This pilot program makes it easier for newcomers to Canada to become permanent residents
CBC
Felix Koros moved from Kenya to Sault Ste. Marie., Ont., with his family in early December, and thanks to an immigration pilot program, he says he is on track to become a permanent resident soon.
"We thank God that we are here in Canada," said Koros, who was an engineer in his home country, and now works as an aircraft mechanic for a company called JD Aero.
"We are seeing that the environment is very good for us and for our children, and for the future."
When he applied for the job he learned about the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program, which fast-tracks the process to gain permanent residency for newcomers who find work in 11 participating small cities across Canada.
In northeastern Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins and North Bay all participate in the program.
Working with the municipality, Koros' employer will be able to get him a letter of recommendation for permanent residency, which would allow him to build a life in Canada without worrying about a temporary work permit.
Permanent residency is also an important step before someone becomes a Canadian citizen.
"It's been quite a seamless process for me personally and I've seen that things are coming up well, especially during this time," Koros said about the program.
Fatima Pacheco arrived in Sault Ste. Marie in September 2021, where she enroled at Sault College to update her nursing credentials.
Pacheco is from the Philippines and worked as a nurse in Saudi Arabia for seven years, before she came to Canada.
In Saudi Arabia there were more barriers to becoming a permanent resident, and Pacheco said she always dreamed of coming to Canada as a safe place to raise her young daughter.
"That's why 10 years ago, before going to Saudi Arabia, I really dreamed of this country," she said.
After a year of studies Pacheco was able to work as a registered practical nurse at the Chartwell Collegiate Heights Retirement Residence in Sault Ste. Marie.
She applied for her permanent residency in September 2022 and was approved in December.
Jenelle Hughes says she worries every time her two older children take their car to get to Fanshawe College in London, Ont., from their home in Dutton.
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