Success Story 2026: Gagandeep Mankoo
Gagandeep Mankoo was a registered nurse and nursing school manager in Punjab, India, where she grew up. She and her husband had dreams of a life in Canada, where they would get meaningful work and raise a family. Gagandeep knew it would take time, patience and persistence, but they began their journey toward permanent residency with everything they had and the hope that the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) program could help.
After 10 years working as a nurse and nursing school manager, Gagandeep and her husband moved to Canada in 2021. They landed in Sault St. Marie, where Gagandeep studied healthcare administration and community support work.
“I was hoping for my best life that I would get more opportunities, and that the work I would do would be very appreciated,” says Gagandeep.
While attending a local college, Gagandeep met a friend who later moved from Ontario to Vernon, BC, for a job in healthcare. Hearing about potential job opportunities and what life was like in the North Okanagan, after completing her programs and her first job in community support work in Sault St. Marie, in 2023, Gagandeep applied for a position as a community support worker with Kindale Developmental Association, which provides person-centred supports for people with disabilities.
“It was a big move, but very exciting,” she says. “Ontario and BC are very different.”
Once Gagandeep had one full year of work experience in Canada, she would be able to apply for the RCIP and permanent residency (PR). Community support work was also closely tied to her passion for helping others.
“Working with just a few clients in a group home setting, you get to know them and their emotions.”
Gagandeep proved to be compassionate and competent. Soon she was promoted to Residential Option Manager position overseeing support worker staff, scheduling, budgeting and more, Gagandeep knew with her nursing school manager experience that she could excel in the role.
“I was very excited. I never imagined that I would get that position.”
She got the job and, indeed, proved to be a strong leader advocating for workers and clients.
I was that person listening to everyone and then I was quick to make decisions. I had experience in this job previously, so I was knowledgeable and quick to act.”
In 2023, Gagandeep got a job with Western Human Resources Corp., supporting individuals in a residential setting with their daily activities, promoting their independence, maintaining a safe environment and providing support according to their individual needs and care plans.
Outside her workday, Gagandeep and her husband, who’d landed a good job with a foods mill, pursued their path to PR, tracking points according to considerations such as the duration of work and time spent in a community, and the kinds of jobs already held and maintained.
The first time she applied to RNIP (Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot), in 2024, her application was turned down.
“My work experience in Ontario didn’t count, so I had to wait to complete one whole year of experience in Vernon.”
Local RCIP North Okanagan-Shuswap team members took time to review her application with her to help her be more successful for the next application.
“The coordinators at RCIP were really supportive in helping me and they were very approachable. Ward was really great.”
In June 2025, Gagandeep applied again. Now she had two years of time spent in a rural community, and more than full calendar year of working for Kindale, including in a management position. Her husband, applying at the same time, also had a good, steady job.
“Our points were really high,” she says.
Gagandeep was also encouraged by her employer, Western Human Resources Corp. Management and coworkers were a big source of support.
In July 2025, Gagandeep learned that with PR recommendation she’d received from Western Human Resources Corp., she was moving on to the next phase of PR consideration. That October, she received an email requesting a photograph and the address to which she’d like to receive her PR card.
It wasn’t a confirmation, but it was close.
“I was so happy, I cried. It was four years of hard work and now we would have PR status and not have to worry. I was thankful to God. Soon I could say, ‘I have status here in Canada.’”
Her husband had also received the same email. Then in January 2026, they opened another email that began with the words, ‘Congratulations…’
It was official. Gagandeep and her husband had permanent residency status.
She says the opportunity to prove herself as a dedicated worker, the recommendation and the support from Western Human Resources Corp. made all the difference:
Western Human Resources Corp. has played an important role in my Permanent Residence journey. Their willingness to support me during such an important stage of my life meant a great deal to me and helped me feel more secure and confident about building my future in Canada.”
She now often gives advice to others on the path to permanent residency.
“If you want to settle in Canada, I always suggest exploring each and every pathway and think about what suits you. I can say the RCIP team here was so hard-working in making this program successful for us.”
Feeling secure about their place in Canada, last winter, the couple began planning to have a family. Gagandeep and her husband are now about to welcome their first child in late August.
“We’re very excited to start our new life.”
Are you curious about how the Rural Community Immigration Pilot could support your path to permanent residency in Canada? Learn more and get started.