Canada introduces the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), which provides talented workers in 14 rural towns with a route to permanent residence. Learn about prerequisites, eligibility, and more!
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a new immigration route intended to draw talented workers to rural areas experiencing a labor shortage, has been formally established by Canada. The list of 14 towns that would benefit from this project has also been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot’s (RCIP) overview
A route to permanent residency is provided by RCIP to foreign nationals who:
- possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to solve workforce shortages in certain rural regions (those outside of Quebec).
- Are dedicated to long-term residence and employment in these communities.
In order to participate in this employer-driven program, candidates must obtain a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating locations.
Engaging Communities
The IRCC declared on January 30 that the 14 municipalities listed below have been chosen for the pilot:
| Community | Province |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Together with the IRCC, each of these communities will detect labor needs, suggest trustworthy companies, and suggest qualified applicants for permanent residence. More information on application deadlines for companies and potential applicants will shortly be made public by the communities.
RCIP Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must fulfil the following criteria in order to be eligible for the RCIP:
- Experience at Work: Must fulfil certain experience requirements, which are waived for qualified foreign grads.
- Offer of Employment: Must obtain an offer from a designated employer in a community that is taking part.
- Proficiency in Language: Which Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is required for a certain employment depending on its NOC TEER category.
- Learning: A secondary school diploma or its equivalent is a minimum requirement.
- Evidence of Funds: Candidates must show that they have the resources to sustain themselves and their families for a minimum of a year.
- Desire to Reside: Candidates must demonstrate a sincere desire to live in the town of their choice.
- Recommendation Certificate: At the time of application, a current certificate from an authorized economic development organization is necessary.
Note: Until they are granted permanent residency, applicants who are currently living in Canada must maintain their current temporary resident status.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is being replaced.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which ceased accepting new applications in August 2024, has been replaced by RCIP. In order to facilitate settlement in Canada’s more remote areas, the RNIP was first implemented in 2022.
The Minister of Immigration has recently stated that talks are in progress to make RNIP a permanent immigration scheme in the future.
Immigration Pilots: What Are They?
Immigration pilot programs, which usually last up to five years, are short-term routes to permanent residence. These initiatives encourage local economic growth while addressing manpower shortages in certain regions and occupations. Pilots can move into permanent immigration programs if they are effective.
By boosting rural economies and drawing talented individuals to underprivileged areas, RCIP is anticipated to be a significant factor in determining Canada’s long-term immigration policy.