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.
