Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a strategic immigration pathway designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration across smaller, rural communities in Canada. It connects skilled foreign workers with employers in these communities who are facing labour shortages in critical sectors. Unlike larger urban centres, rural regions often struggle to attract and retain skilled talent. RCIP provides a mutually beneficial solution by giving newcomers a direct route to permanent residence while strengthening local economies and communities.
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Participating Communities of Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
| Community | Community website |
|---|---|
| North Bay, ON | https://nbrcip.ca |
| Sudbury, ON | https://investsudbury.ca/why-sudbury/newcomers/rcipfcip/ |
| Timmins, ON | https://timminsedc.com/immigration/ |
| Sault Ste. Marie, ON | https://welcometossm.com/rcip/ |
| Thunder Bay, ON | https://gotothunderbay.ca/why-thunder-bay/immigration/ |
| Brandon, MB | https://economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/rcip/rcip |
| Altona/Rhineland, MB | https://ared-rpga.com/immigration/rcip/ |
| Steinbach, MB | https://steinbachedc.com/rcip/ |
| Claresholm, AB | https://claresholm-rcip.ca/ |
| Pictou County, NS | https://pictoucountypartnership.com/program/rural-community-immigration-pilot-rcip/ |
| West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC | https://westkootenayimmigration.ca/ |
| North Okanagan Shuswap, BC | https://rcipnorthokanaganshuswap.com/ |
| Peace Liard, BC | https://www.nebcimmigration.ca/ |
| Moose Jaw, SK | https://www.moosejawrnip.ca/ |
Employer Designation Requirements in RCIP Communities
- The employer must have operated continuously for at least 2 years in the participating community.
- In cases where a recent relocation shows significant intent or benefit to the community, exceptions may be granted if a substantial economic contribution is expected.
- The business must be in good standing, adhering to provincial employment standards, and health and safety legislation.
- The job offered must align with one of the community’s designated priority occupations or sectors.
- At least 75% of the employer's business activities must be conducted within the local community.
- The employer must not be in violation of the Employer Compliance Regime (e.g., no outstanding fines or prohibited activities).
- Employers must complete mandatory onboarding training and intercultural competency training provided by or approved by the community.
- Must agree to actively support the settlement and integration of the newcomer and any accompanying family members.
Role of the Participating Communities in Rural Community Immigration Pilot Program
RCIP communities are not just regional sponsors — they are active administrators of the program, responsible for vetting both candidates and employers. Their responsibilities go far beyond issuing a recommendation letter.
- Designating employers based on eligibility and labour needs.
- Identifying Priority Occupations on real time labour market needs. These sectors often include healthcare, skilled trades, hospitality, and manufacturing.
- Managing Employer Capacity and Job Quality. Communities can set caps where needed.
- Evaluating candidates using their own selection tools or scoring systems.
- Issuing Community Recommendations Once satisfied, the community issues a formal recommendation letter—a required document for both the PR and work permit application. Without it, a candidate cannot proceed under RCIP.
- Providing settlement services, such as housing referrals, school support, and cultural integration assistance.
- Monitoring Compliance and Settlement services, such as housing referrals, school support and cultural integration assistance.
Eligibility Requirements for the Candidates
- TEER 0 or 1 job offer: Your work experience must be in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
- TEER 2 or 3 job offer: Your work experience must be in TEER 1, 2, 3 or 4.
- TEER 4 job offer: Your work experience must be in TEER 2, 3 or 4.
- Your work experience can be in TEER 1 for the health care exception only.
- TEER 5 job offer: Your work experience must be in the same 5 digit NOC code.
- NOC 33102 (TEER 3): Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates or
- NOC 44101 (TEER 4): Home support workers
- You attended full-time throughout the entirety of your program/degree.
- Your program was completed, or you received your degree, no more than 18 months prior to applying for permanent residence.
- You resided in the community for at least 16 of the last 24 months while studying for your credential (for programs lasting two years or more), or for the entire duration of your studies (for a degree program).
The candidate must have a full-time permanent job offer from an employer operating in one of the participating communities. The wage offered must also meet the minimum wage listed for the occupation. Further, the candidates must prove that they have the skills and experience to perform the duties of the job which is offered to them.
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program.
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
The minimum scores for each NOC category are as follows:
- TEER 0 or 1 – CLB/NCLC 6
- TEER 2 or 3 – CLB/NCLC 5
- TEER 4 or 5 – CLB/NCLC 4
If the candidate has acquired their educational credentials from outside Canada, they must have their Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) done from a designated organization. Also, the ECA report must not be more than five years old at the time of application.
Conversely, those who do not fall under this category must furnish proof of funds both when applying to the IRCC for permanent residency and upon receiving the permanent residency visa.
- TEER 0 or 1 job offer: Your work experience must be in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
- TEER 2 job offer: Your work experience must be in TEER 1, 2, 3 or 4.
- TEER 3 or 4 job offer: Your work experience must be in TEER 2, 3 or 4.
- TEER 5 job offer: Your work experience must be in the same 5 digit NOC code.
- NOC 33102 (TEER 3): Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates or
- NOC 44101 (TEER 4): Home support workers
You may be exempt from the work experience requirement under the RCIP if you are an international student who has recently graduated from a post-secondary institution located within a participating community.
To qualify for this exemption, you must meet one of the following:
1. Graduates of a 2-Year or Longer Program:
You completed a 2-year or longer full-time program at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in the community;
You studied full-time for the entire duration of the program;
You obtained your credential within the last 18 months before applying for permanent residence;
You lived in the community for at least 16 of the last 24 months while studying.
2. Graduates of a Master’s or Higher-Level Degree:
You completed a master’s degree or PhD that took 2 years or less;
You studied full-time for the entire duration of the degree;
You received your credential within the last 18 months of applying for PR;
You lived in the community for the full duration of your studies.
Note:
Not Eligible for Exemption:
You are not eligible for this exemption if:
- English or French language training made up more than 50% of your program;
- Distance learning accounted for more than half of your studies;
- You received a scholarship or fellowship that requires you to return to your home country after graduation.
Applicants must have a genuine, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an employer designated by a participating RCIP community. The job must:
- Be permanent (no end date),
- Offer at least 30 hours per week,
- Match the applicant’s work experience and skills,
- Fall within a National Occupation Classification (NOC) code accepted by the community.
- CELPIP (General): Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program.
- IELTS(General): International English Language Testing System
- PTE (Core): Pearson Test of English
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
The minimum scores for each NOC category are as follows:
- TEER 0 or 1 – CLB/NCLC 6
- TEER 2 or 3 – CLB/NCLC 5
- TEER 4 or 5 – CLB/NCLC 4
To be eligible to apply for Rural and Northern Immigration Program, a candidate must have educational qualification equal to or above the secondary school diploma or post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate.
If the candidate has acquired their educational credentials from outside Canada, they must have their Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) done from a designated organization. Also, the ECA report must not be more than five years old at the time of application.
Applicants who are not currently working legally in Canada must show they have enough money to support themselves and their family upon settling in the community. These funds must be readily available, unencumbered, and not borrowed. Acceptable forms of proof include bank statements, official letters from financial institutions, or bank drafts.
The required amount is based on family size and is updated annually by IRCC. You must include yourself, your spouse or partner, and any dependent children—even if they are not accompanying you to Canada.
You do not need to show proof of settlement funds if you are already working legally in Canada.
Candidates must clearly show they intend to live and work in the community that supports their application. This includes:
- A personalized settlement plan,
- Willingness to relocate and contribute to community life,
- Ties to the region (if applicable).
Besides meeting the above said common requirements, a candidate must also meet the requirements that are specific to each community.
Steps Involved in Application Process Under RCIP
The next step is the candidate submitting an application for RCIP recommendation to a community.
With this recommendation, the candidate can apply for permanent residence in Canada under the RCIP.