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RURAL COMMUNITY IMMIGRATION PILOT PROGRAM

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot offers permanent residence (PR) to skilled workers who want to work and settle in rural and more remote communities.

Rural and remote regions in Canada play a vital role in the nation's economy. However, these areas often face challenges such as labor shortages and population decline. To address these issues and provide skilled immigrants with better opportunities, the Government of Canada established the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This program connects rural communities with qualified immigrants to foster economic growth and stabilize populations through community development.

The RCIP aims to support foreign nationals in obtaining permanent residency while simultaneously filling critical job vacancies in rural communities. This service page outlines the key features of the RCIP, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and the step-by-step application process.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a community-driven immigration program that enables rural communities across Canada to directly select skilled foreign workers based on their specific labor market needs. This initiative helps smaller communities rejuvenate by attracting newcomers to fill job openings in various industries, including health care, manufacturing, agri-food, and skilled trades.

The program not only addresses workforce shortages in rural areas but also provides immigrants and their families with the opportunity to build a stable and prosperous future in Canada.

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What is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

​The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a community-driven immigration program that enables rural communities across Canada to directly select skilled foreign workers based on their specific labor market needs. This initiative helps smaller communities rejuvenate by attracting newcomers to fill job openings in various industries, including health care, manufacturing, agri-food, and skilled trades.

The program not only addresses workforce shortages in rural areas but also provides immigrants and their families with the opportunity to build a stable and prosperous future in Canada.

Objectives of the RCIP

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) has several key objectives designed to benefit both rural communities and immigrants:

Addressing Labor Shortages:

  • Many rural areas in Canada face labor shortages, particularly in the health, manufacturing, and farming sectors. The RCIP aims to attract qualified workers to fill these gaps.

 

Promoting Economic Growth:

  • The RCIP supports the economic growth of local communities by enabling businesses to maintain and expand their operations with skilled workers.

 

Reversing Population Decline:

 

  • Some rural communities experience population decline as residents move to urban centers. The RCIP helps bring newcomers to these communities, stabilizing or increasing the population.

 

Enhancing Community Development:

  • Through this initiative, rural communities become more dynamic and diverse, fostering innovation and long-term development.

Eligibility Criteria of the RCIP

Community Eligibility


To participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a rural community must meet the following criteria:

 

Population:

 

  • The community must have a population of less than 50,000 or be located outside major metropolitan areas.
     

Labor Needs:

 

  • The community must demonstrate a need for skilled workers in specific industries or sectors that cannot be met by the local labor pool.
     

Community Support:

 

  • The community should have support structures in place for new arrivals, including housing, employment services, and settlement support to aid in the immigrants' integration.
     

Applicant Eligibility


Candidates applying for the RCIP must meet the following criteria:

 

Valid Job Offer:

  • Applicants must have a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in a participating rural community. The job offer should comply with community labor standards in terms of pay.
     

Work Experience:

  • Applicants should have at least one year (1560 hours) of continuous full-time work experience within the last three years.

  • The work should align with occupations classified under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, typically from NOC TEER types 0, 1, 2 or 3.


Language Proficiency:

  • Applicants must be proficient in either English or French, depending on the job and community. Language proficiency is assessed through standardized tests such as IELTS or CELPIP for English and TEF for French.


Educational Qualifications:

  • Most occupations require at least a high school diploma. Some jobs may require higher levels of education or specific training, depending on the profession.


Intent to Settle:

  • Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in the rural community, integrate into local life, and contribute to the community's economy and social fabric.

Application Process under the RCIP

The application process for the RCIP involves several steps. Here's how to apply:

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer


First, you need to receive a full-time, permanent job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating rural communities. Many of these communities have job boards where you can search for opportunities that match your skills and experience.

Step 2: Obtain a Community Recommendation


After securing a job offer, you must obtain a community recommendation from the rural community where your employer is located. This recommendation is based on the community's labor needs and your suitability to settle and integrate into the community. It is a crucial part of your application.

Step 3: Apply for Permanent Residency


With a community recommendation in hand, you can apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will need to submit your job offer, community recommendation, proof of language proficiency, educational credentials, and other relevant supporting documents.

Step 4: Processing and Decision


IRCC will process your application and verify your eligibility for permanent residency through the RCIP. During this period, you may be able to apply for a temporary work permit, allowing you to start working in the community while your permanent residency is finalized.

Step 5: Settlement and Integration


Once your permanent residency is approved, you and your family can move to the rural community. Participating communities offer various settlement services, such as housing assistance, employment counseling, language training, and social integration resources to help you adapt to life in rural Canada.

Benefits of RCIP to Immigrants

The RCIP offers several significant benefits to immigrants and their families:

Clear Pathway to Permanent Residency:

Upon receiving a job offer and community recommendation, immigrants can obtain permanent residency, allowing them to plan a secure future in Canada.


Job Security:

Applicants enter Canada with a valid job offer, ensuring a smoother transition and immediate employment.
 

Community Support:

Participating rural communities provide support services to help newcomers settle, find housing, and integrate into the local culture.


Quality of Life:

Rural areas offer a lower cost of living compared to urban centers, along with a peaceful, family-friendly environment, easy access to nature, and various outdoor activities.


Family Inclusion:

Family members of applicants are also eligible for permanent residency, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of living in Canada's rural communities.

Designated Communities

These communities are actively participating in the RCIP to attract skilled workers and support local economic growth. If you need more information about any specific community or the application process, feel free to ask!

  • 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

Work with ICL Immigration to leverage these opportunities

Working with ICL Immigration offers several key benefits for applicants looking to leverage the opportunities of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP):

  1. Expert Guidance:

    • ICL Immigration provides expert advice and guidance throughout the entire application process, ensuring that all requirements are met and increasing the chances of a successful application.

  2. Personalized Support:

    • Applicants receive personalized support tailored to their specific needs and circumstances, helping them navigate the complexities of the immigration process.

  3. Comprehensive Services:

    • ICL Immigration offers a range of services, including assistance with securing job offers, obtaining community recommendations, and preparing all necessary documentation.

  4. Strong Community Connections:

    • With established connections in participating rural communities, ICL Immigration can help applicants find suitable job opportunities and integrate smoothly into their new environment.

  5. Settlement Assistance:

    • ICL Immigration provides settlement support, including help with housing, employment services, and access to community resources, ensuring a smooth transition for applicants and their families.

  6. Ongoing Support:

    • Even after the application process is complete, ICL Immigration continues to offer support to help newcomers adapt to their new life in Canada.

 

By working with ICL Immigration, applicants can benefit from professional expertise, personalized assistance, and a comprehensive support system, making the journey to permanent residency in Canada more manageable and successful.

 

Contact us today, and schedule your appointment below to learn more about this opportunity.

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