The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

Participating Communities

There are 14 communities currently participating in the RCIP across various provinces (excluding Quebec). Based on the latest updates for 2026, the active regions include:

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• British Columbia: West Kootenay, North Okanagan-Shuswap, and Peace Liard.

• Ontario: Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, North Bay, Sudbury, and Timmins.

• Manitoba: Brandon, Altona/Rhineland.

• Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw.

• Alberta: Claresholm.

• Nova Scotia: Pictou County.

• Newfoundland & Labrador: Corner Brook/Deer Lake.

Candidate Eligibility

To apply, you must meet both the federal requirements and the specific community criteria.

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• Work Experience: At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of continuous, paid work experience within the last 3 years.

  • Note: International students who graduated from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in the community may be exempt from this experience requirement if they apply within 18 months of graduation.

• Job Offer: You must have a genuine, full-time, non-seasonal, and permanent (indeterminate) job offer from a designated employer within the community.

• Language Skills: You must meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) based on the job’s TEER category:

  • TEER 0 or 1: CLB 6

  • TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5

  • TEER 4 or 5: CLB 4

• Education: A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (ECA required for foreign education).

• Settlement Funds: You must prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family while you settle (unless you are already working legally in Canada).

• Intent to Reside: You must demonstrate a genuine intent to live and work in the community permanently.

Employer Requirements

Employers cannot simply "hire" through RCIP; they must be vetted and approved by the local community economic development organization.

• Designation: Employers must apply to the community to become a Designated Employer. This usually involves completing mandatory training (e.g., intercultural competency).

   

• Business Standing: The business must typically have been in active operation in the community for at least 2 years.

   

• Priority Sectors: Most communities have "Priority Sectors" (e.g., Health, Trades, or Manufacturing). Job offers in these sectors are prioritized.

   

• Wage Requirements: For 2026, many communities (like West Kootenay) require a minimum wage of $21.00/hour or the Job Bank median wage for that occupation, whichever is higher.

   

• Recruitment Efforts: Employers must often prove they tried to hire a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident before offering the job to a foreign national.

How the Process Works

• Job Search: You find a job with a Designated Employer in a participating community.

• Community Recommendation: The employer applies to the community for a recommendation for you.

• PR Application: Once you have the community recommendation, you apply to IRCC for Permanent Residence.

• Work Permit (Optional): You can apply for a 2-year LMIA-exempt work permit to start working while your PR application is being processed.