The municipal government of Thunder Bay has outlined specific occupations that qualify for permanent residence (PR) upon arrival through its participation in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration
About the RCIP
The RCIP allows foreign nationals to apply for PR if they:
- Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in a participating rural community.
- Meet certain eligibility requirements related to work experience, education, language, and financial support.
Priority Sectors and Occupations
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) is targeting foreign recruitment in the following five professional groups:
- Business and Finance Administration
- Healthcare
- Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services
- Sales and Service
- Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operation
Specific Occupations Being Recruited:
| Sector | Job Title (NOC Code) |
|---|---|
| Business and Finance | Administrative Assistants (13110), Financial Advisors (11102), General Office Support Workers (14100) |
| Healthcare | Kinesiologists (31204), Licensed Practical Nurses (32101), Nurse Aides & Patient Service Associates (33102), Pharmacy Assistants (33103), Registered Nurses & Psychiatric Nurses (31301) |
| Education, Social Services & Law | Early Childhood Educators (42202), Home Support Workers (44101), Social Workers (41300), Social Service Workers (42201), Therapists in Counseling (41301) |
| Sales and Service | Cooks (63200), Food Counter Attendants (65201), Food Service Supervisors (62020), Cleaners (65310), Retail Managers (60020), Sales Supervisors (62010), Salespersons & Visual Merchandisers (64100), Shelf Stockers & Clerks (65102) |
| Trades and Transport | Automotive Technicians (72410), Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics (72400), Construction Labourers (75110), Heavy Equipment Operators (73400) |
Authorized Employers
Only designated employers, approved by a local IRCC-partnered economic development organization, may offer RCIP-eligible jobs. These employers can:
- Retain current foreign workers in the community, or
- Recruit skilled individuals from abroad or elsewhere in Canada.
As of now, Thunder Bay CEDC has not yet published a list of designated employers. More details are expected in 2025.
RCIP Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for PR through RCIP, foreign nationals must:
- Hold a valid job offer from a designated employer
- Have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years*
- Take an approved language test
- Hold a Canadian or equivalent foreign educational credential
- Provide proof of settlement funds for themselves and their families
*Work experience must:
- Match the TEER level of the job offer based on the National Occupation Classification (NOC)
- Include most duties listed in the NOC description
| Job Offer TEER Level | Acceptable Work Experience TEER Levels |
|---|---|
| TEER 0 or 1 | TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| TEER 2 | TEER 1, 2, 3, or 4 |
| TEER 3 or 4 | TEER 2, 3, or 4 |
| TEER 5 | Must match the exact NOC code |
Note: Special exemptions apply to healthcare workers and graduates of local institutions.
How to Apply
Foreign nationals cannot apply directly to the Thunder Bay CEDC. Instead:
- The designated employer must submit an application to the CEDC on behalf of the candidate for a community recommendation
- Once received, the foreign national can then apply for PR through the federal government
