Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot offers permanent residence to skilled workers who have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of 14 participating rural or remote communities.
This program is designed to attract and retain skilled talent in smaller regions that need workforce support.

Participating Communities

Rural Communities

Pictou County, NS

North Bay and Area, ON

Sudbury, ON

Timmins, ON

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Thunder Bay, ON

Steinbach, MB

Altona/Rhineland, MB

Brandon, MB

Moose Jaw, SK

Claresholm, AB

West Kootenay, BC

North Okanagan–Shuswap, BC

Peace Liard, BC

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot if you:

Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating communities

Have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the past 3 years

Can prove language ability through an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF for French)

Have a Canadian educational credential or a valid ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) for foreign education

Can prove sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family

Get a Job Offer

Before applying for PR, you must secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating communities.

Each community maintains its own list of designated employers and available positions in priority sectors such as:

Health care

Manufacturing

Agriculture

Hospitality and services

Transportation and logistics

Construction and trades

YSI can assist you in connecting with eligible employers and preparing your application package.

Get a Community Recommendation

After receiving a valid job offer, your employer or you will submit a community recommendation application.
The community will review your profile to ensure:

The job is in a priority occupation and the offer is genuine

You meet all eligibility criteria for the pilot program

Once recommended, you can apply for permanent residence through the RCIP or FCIP.

Optional: Work Permit While You Wait

If you’ve applied for permanent residence under RCIP, you may also be eligible for a 2-year employer-specific work permit.
This allows you to begin working in Canada while your PR application is being processed.

Work Permit Highlights

Valid for 2 years

Issued only for RCIP-designated employers

Tied to one specific employer

Your spouse or common-law partner may also apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work in the same community.

How YSI Immigration Helps You

At Your Special Immigration (YSI), we guide you through every step of your RCIP or FCIP journey:

Eligibility Assessment – We review your background, work experience, and education to confirm program eligibility.

Job Matching & Employer Designation – We help connect you with designated employers in eligible communities.

Application Preparation – Our licensed RCIC ensures your PR and work permit applications meet all IRCC requirements.

Community Recommendation Support – We assist with documentation and communication with community offices.

Settlement Guidance – Get advice on housing, schools, and community integration once your visa is approved.