• Last updated:   20 February 2026

RCIC in Vernon, BC

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Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC)

Empowering Rural Canada Through Skilled Immigration

The Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC) is a transformative initiative designed to address labor shortages and stimulate economic growth in Canada’s rural and remote communities. As a licensed immigration and recruitment company with over 35 years of expertise, CITRN is dedicated to facilitating the smooth integration of skilled immigrants into these communities, ensuring mutual growth and sustainability for employers and newcomers alike.

 

What is the Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC)?

The RCIC is a specialized immigration pathway aimed at attracting skilled workers to Canada’s rural areas. Unlike urban centers, many rural and remote regions face significant challenges, such as population decline, labor shortages, and an aging workforce. The RCIC bridges these gaps by encouraging immigrants to settle and work in these regions, providing them with an opportunity to contribute to the local economy and build a life in close-knit, welcoming communities.

 

Why Choose the RCIC?

The Rural Community Immigration Class offers unique opportunities for both employers and immigrants. Here’s why it stands out:

1. For Employers:

Access to Skilled Labor: Employers in rural areas gain access to a pool of talented individuals eager to contribute their expertise.
Compliance and Support: With CITRN’s expertise, employers can navigate complex immigration policies and recruitment regulations seamlessly.
Community Growth: Recruiting immigrants ensures the sustainability of essential industries and services, such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.

 

2. For Immigrants:

Pathway to Permanent Residency: RCIC provides a streamlined route to Canadian permanent residency, offering long-term stability for individuals and families.
Affordable Living: Rural areas often feature a lower cost of living compared to urban centers, making it easier to establish a comfortable life.
Supportive Communities: Smaller towns provide a strong sense of belonging and an inclusive environment for newcomers.

 

CITRN’s Role in RCIC

As a licensed immigration and recruitment company, CITRN plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Rural Community Immigration Class. Here’s how we help:

Recruitment Expertise:
With recruitment licenses for most provinces and a deep understanding of labor laws, we connect employers with skilled professionals who meet their specific needs.

Compliance Assurance:
Navigating immigration policies can be complex. Our team ensures full compliance with federal and provincial regulations, providing peace of mind to employers and applicants.

Tailored Legal Services:
We offer personalized legal solutions to help employers access the RCIC and other immigration programs, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.

Up-to-Date Knowledge:
Our team stays informed about the latest changes in immigration policies, allowing us to provide accurate advice and representation.

 

Eligibility for the RCIC

To participate in the RCIC program, applicants must meet specific criteria. While requirements can vary by region and job role, general eligibility includes:

For Immigrants:

Job Offer: A valid job offer from an employer in a participating rural community.
Work Experience: Relevant work experience in the chosen field.
Educational Qualifications: Proof of education credentials aligned with job requirements.
Language Proficiency: Adequate proficiency in English or French to ensure effective communication and integration.
Intent to Settle: A genuine intent to live and work in the designated rural area.

For Employers:

Demonstrated Need: Proof of labor shortages in the specific job role.
Compliance with Regulations: Adherence to labor laws and provincial recruitment guidelines.
Support for Immigrants: Commitment to providing a supportive work environment for new employees.

 

Steps to Apply for RCIC

CITRN simplifies the application process for both employers and immigrants. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

Consultation and Assessment:
Our team conducts a thorough consultation to determine eligibility and identify the best approach for employers and applicants.

Job Matching:
We connect skilled immigrants with employers in rural communities, ensuring the right fit for both parties.

Community Recommendation:
Applicants receive a community endorsement, demonstrating their commitment to living and working in the area.

Application Submission:
We prepare and submit all necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with immigration policies and program requirements.

Approval and Settlement:
Once approved, we provide ongoing support to help immigrants settle into their new communities and roles.

 

Industries Supported by RCIC

The RCIC program addresses labor shortages in a variety of sectors critical to Canada’s rural economy. Key industries include:

Healthcare: Nurses, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.
Agriculture: Farmworkers, agronomists, and equipment operators.
Trades: Electricians, plumbers, and construction workers.
Education: Teachers and early childhood educators.
Manufacturing: Skilled laborers and technicians.

 

Why Choose CITRN for RCIC?

At CITRN, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and support. Here’s why clients trust us:

Experience You Can Count On: With over 35 years in the industry, we have the expertise to handle even the most complex cases.
Comprehensive Solutions: From recruitment to legal services, we offer end-to-end support tailored to your needs.
Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize your goals and work tirelessly to achieve them.
Proven Track Record: Our success stories speak for themselves, showcasing our commitment to excellence.

Community Futures North Okanagan was awarded the agreement to offer the Pilot in February 2025 for a 3-year term, by the Government of Canada, Minister of Immigration. This region is one of the only 11 English speaking Pilot programs in Canada.

Geographic Scope: Communities and Boundaries

The RCIP program applies to employers and applicants operating or residing within the following areas:

1. Regional District of North Okanagan (entire jurisdiction).
2. Columbia Shuswap Regional District (Electoral Areas C, D, E, F, G).
3. City of Salmon Arm.

 

Eligible Communities include but are not limited to:

Armstrong	Ashton Creek	Anglemont
Blind Bay	Bench	Celista
Cherryville	Coldstream/Lavington	Deep Creek
Enderby	Falkland	Grindrod
Lumby	Salmon Arm	Scotch Creek
Sicamous	Silver Creek	Sorrento
Spallumcheen	Vernon

 

Priority Sectors: Driving Local Economic Growth

The North Okanagan-Shuswap RCIP focuses on five priority sectors to align immigration with community needs:

• Health
• Education, Law, and Social Services
• Sales and Service
• Trades and Transport
• Manufacturing and Utilities

 

NOC Code – Title		Cap per Employer	Wage
12200	Accounting technicians and bookkeepers	N/A	$22
13110	Administrative assistants	N/A	$22
14100	General office support workers	N/A	$22
14200	Accounting and related clerks	N/A	$22
33102	Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates	N/A	$22
33103	Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants	N/A	$22
42201	Social and community service workers	N/A	$22
42202	Early childhood educators and assistants	N/A	$22
60030	Restaurant and food service managers	2	$25
60031	Accommodation service managers	2	$25
62021	Executive housekeepers	2	$25
63210	Hairstylists and barbers	N/A	$22
72100	Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors	N/A	$22
72106	Welders and related machine operators	N/A	$22
72300	Plumbers	N/A	$22
72310	Carpenters	N/A	$22
72402	Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics	N/A	$22
72410	Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers	N/A	$22
72421	Appliance servicers and repairers	N/A	$22
73400	Heavy equipment operators	N/A	$22
75110	Construction trades helpers and labourers	10	$22
90010	Manufacturing managers	N/A	$22
94211	Assemblers and inspectors of other wood products	10	$22
94212	Plastic products assemblers, finishers and inspectors	10	$22
95103	Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing	10	$22

 

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements – Employers

1. Meet all of the federal eligibility requirements as stipulated by IRCC which includes but is not limited to the following:
   • active operation under the same management for two years within the Community
   • the employer carries on business in at least one priority occupation and at least 75 per cent of work is to be performed within the Community
   • completion of both mandatory IRCC training modules
   • can offer jobs that are non-seasonal, full time (30 hours a week or more), with an indeterminate end date.
2. Operate within one of the 5 priority sectors established by the Community.
3. Have the need to hire, or maintain a current worker, in a priority NOC code established by the Community.
4. Comply with the Community wage requirement and any other Community requirement.
5. Comply with Community requests and must submit requested documents.
6. Comply with Federal and Community settlement requirements.

Eligibility Requirements – Applicants

1. Meet all of the Federal requirements as stipulated by IRCC. This includes but is not limited to the following:
   • have, at minimum, completed a Canadian Secondary School diploma or the equivalent valid foreign credential
   • have accumulated at least one year of full-time work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work in the 3 years prior to applying for recommendation OR be eligible for the International Student Exemption as mentioned by the IRCC under work experience exemption
   • have a genuine job offer in the Community from an employer that carries on business in the Community. The job offer must be full-time, seasonal, for an indeterminate period (no end date), that meets the Community requirements
   • have valid language test results from the last two years
   • intend to reside in the Community.
2. Be offered a wage compliant with Community and NOC specific criteria.
3. Comply with requests from the Community and submit required documents.
4. Score at least 50 points in the Community point system.