Get a Job Offer
Before you apply for permanent residence through this pilot, you need a job offer from a designated employer.
Participating Communities
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) encompasses 14 rural communities:
- Pictou County, Nova Scotia
- North Bay, Ontario
- Sudbury, Ontario
- Timmins, Ontario
- Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Steinbach, Manitoba
- Altona/Rhineland, Manitoba
- Brandon, Manitoba
- Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
- Claresholm, Alberta
- West Kootenay, British Columbia
- North Okanagan Shuswap, British Columbia
- Peace Liard, British Columbia
Community Details:
Pictou County, Nova Scotia:
Pictou County is not yet accepting applications for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). They are currently working with IRCC to prepare for the program’s future launch. Participation will be limited to in-demand jobs, and updates will be shared once the program is ready. Interested candidates and employers can sign up for notifications.
North Bay, Ontario:
If you’ve ever dreamed of living and working in a welcoming Canadian community, the North Bay & Area Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RCIP) could be your perfect pathway. This employer-driven immigration program connects skilled international workers with job opportunities in select rural and northern communities—helping to fill labor shortages and boost regional growth.
Whether you’re a healthcare worker, tradesperson, or professional in business or education, there may be an opportunity waiting for you. Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 RCIP focus areas and how to get involved.
Sudbury, Ontario:
Sudbury is not yet accepting applications for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) or the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Both programs are still in the development phase, with a planned launch later this spring. They aim to address labour shortages and offer a permanent residence pathway for international workers intending to settle in the community long term. Updates will be shared on the city’s website as the program framework and eligible industries are finalized.
Timmins, Ontario:
Applicants must secure full-time permanent employment in the region with a designated employer in one of the priority sectors and occupations listed above.
[View List of Designated Employers Here]
If you successfully secure a job offer with a designated employer and they agree to support your application, they will provide you with an Offer of Employment Form.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario:
Priority Sectors:
- Health
- Education, law and social, community, and government services
- Sales and service
- Manufacturing and utilities
List of Designated Employers:
- ALGOMA TUBES INC (TENARIS CANADA)
- MEADOW PARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL (Not currently hiring)
- NORTHERN POWER TRAIN
- CHILD CARE ALGOMA (Not currently hiring)
- CHINA STEEL INC
- SAULT STE. MARIE YMCA
- JD AERO TECHNICAL INC
- CHUCK’S ROADHOUSE BAR AND GRILL
- GIOVANNI’S RESTAURANT
- OTR ENGINEERED SOLUTION
- EXTENDICARE MAPLEVIEW
- VIACORE
- SAULT AREA HOSPITAL
- F. J. DAVEY HOME
- PARA MED
- MONTANAS
- SLING CHOKER (Not currently hiring)
- Gateway Casinos & Entertainment LTD
- NORQUAY ENGINEER LTD
- RF CONTRACTING INC.
- PURVIS MARINE LIMITED
- TOTAL PRECISION SURVEYING (Not currently hiring)
- NORTHEAST REGIONAL SECURITY SERVICES LTD
- EXTENDICARE VAN DAELE
- QUATTRO (Not currently hiring)
Thunder Bay, Ontario:
Thunder Bay has been selected to participate in the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). The program aims to address critical labour shortages by helping local employers connect with skilled international workers. It also supports community growth by attracting newcomers who intend to live and work in the region long term. The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) will work closely with businesses to identify needs and promote sustainable immigration. However, no application launch date is mentioned yet.
Steinbach, Manitoba:
Steinbach has been selected to participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) to address local workforce shortages and support economic growth in Southeast Manitoba. The program offers a pathway to permanent residency for highly skilled workers who want to live and work in Steinbach. While the program opens for employer designation, it does not match candidates with jobs, and candidate inquiries are not being accepted at this time. The first intake for employer recommendations will begin on June 1, 2025.
Altona/Rhineland, Manitoba:
The Altona Rhineland Economic Development website includes a section for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP); however, the page currently leads to a 404 error, indicating it is either unavailable or under development. While the site mentions immigration support in the navigation menu, no specific RCIP program details or updates are provided at this time. Interested individuals may need to check back later or contact the office directly for information.
Brandon, Manitoba:
Economic Development Brandon (EDB) is one of three communities in Manitoba selected to participate in Canada’s new RCIP program, announced on January 30, 2025. This program allows eligible businesses to hire foreign workers for local jobs and support them in obtaining permanent residency. It provides a direct pathway for skilled foreign workers and their families to live and work in Brandon permanently, especially those already on temporary status. Brandon’s participation builds on its prior involvement with the RNIP.
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan:
This community hasn’t launched their website yet. We’ll link it here when it’s ready.
Claresholm, Alberta:
The Claresholm Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a community-driven immigration program designed to attract and retain skilled foreign workers in Claresholm, Alberta. This initiative helps address labor shortages while offering immigrants a pathway to permanent residency in a welcoming rural community.
In-Demand Occupations:
- Health Care (Nurse aides, Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Cook)
- Manufacturing & Utilities (Machine operators, Labourers, Administrative Assistant, Concrete Finisher, Carpenter, Construction trade helpers, Ironworker, Crane operators, Aerospace engineers, Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft assemblers, Engineering Managers, Meat Cutter)
- Law & Education (Administrative Officers, Education assistant, Flight Instructor, Early Childhood Educator)
- Agriculture (Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators)
- Sales & Services (Chef, Food Service Supervisor)
Who is Eligible?
- Valid job offer from an approved Claresholm employer
- Meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 4 to CLB 6 depending on the job)
- Required education and work experience for the position
- Intent to reside in Claresholm long-term
West Kootenay, British Columbia:
The West Kootenay region in British Columbia has been selected as a pilot region for Canada’s new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). As of February 1, 2025, the program is in its development phase. While the dedicated website is under construction (as of March 2025), updates will be posted as they become available. For now, interested individuals are encouraged to refer to the IRCC website for eligibility and process information. The West Kootenay RCIP team is not responding to inquiries until further updates are officially released.
North Okanagan Shuswap, British Columbia:
The RCIP is a community-driven immigration program aimed at attracting skilled foreign workers to live and work in smaller rural communities, specifically in the North Okanagan Shuswap region. Managed by Community Futures North Okanagan and Community Futures Shuswap, the pilot focuses on priority sectors aligned with local economic growth to support regional development and long-term retention of newcomers.
The program collaborates with community and federal partners to create welcoming environments for immigrants. Only businesses and candidates meeting specific criteria related to these priority sectors can apply. The pilot was awarded a 3-year term starting February 2025 and is one of 11 English-speaking pilot programs in Canada. Due to delays, the Employer Platform won’t be ready by May 12. A temporary secure application process will be used initially, with the full platform launching by the second intake.
Peace Liard, British Columbia:
This community hasn’t launched their website yet. We’ll link it here when it’s ready.
Additional Resources & Job Search
- Check job listings on LinkedIn, Job Bank, Indeed
- Visit local employment pages like City of Greater Sudbury, Sudbury Chamber of Commerce job board, Move to Sudbury website
- For resume help or application assistance, contact us anytime.
Your Occupation Not Listed?
If your occupation is not currently recognized in the RCIP, you can help by submitting details to the program team:
Email: info@cikh.ca
Include:
- Your NOC code
- Your employer or business name
- Location of the employer/business
Incomplete emails will not be reviewed.
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