RCIP in Thunder Bay, ON
RCIP in Thunder Bay, ON
Rural and Community Immigration Pilot
The Rural and Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) offers eligible employers a valuable opportunity to address crucial labor shortages within their communities. Through this program, employers can extend full-time permanent job offers to skilled foreign workers who possess the expertise needed to fill these gaps effectively. By participating in the RCIP, employers not only meet their immediate staffing needs but also contribute to the growth and development of their communities, creating a more robust and sustainable workforce.
RCIP: Fostering Long-Term Residency and Workforce Stability
The RCIP is tailored for individuals who intend to establish long-term residence in the community and for employers seeking to retain workers over an extended period.
Region’s update
The Rural and Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) program is executed in various regions across Canada. As of my last update, these regions included:
| Thunder Bay, Ontario | Brandon, Manitoba |
| Sault Ste Marie, Ontario | Altona/Rhineland, Manitoba |
| Sudbury, Ontario | Claresholm, Alberta |
| Timmins, Ontario | North-Okanagan(Vernon), British Columbia |
| North Bay, Ontario | West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), British Columbia |
Employer Designation Requirements
To become a designated RCIP employer in Thunder Bay CMA, a business must:
- Be an active, genuine business operating for at least 2 years within the Thunder Bay CMA.
- Conduct at least 75% of business activities inside the Thunder Bay CMA.
- Operate in at least one priority occupation identified by the community (see below).
- Complete free onboarding and intercultural competence training.
- Support the settlement of newcomers and their families, including facilitating access to settlement and social services.
- Agree to be publicly listed as a designated employer.
- Be in good standing and comply with all relevant employment and safety regulations.
- Have no outstanding penalties or charges with any Thunder Bay CMA municipal office.
- Not have misrepresented or withheld any facts relevant to the program decision
Priority Occupations in Thunder Bay CMA
The RCIP targets specific occupations to address local labour shortages. Some of the key eligible occupations include:
| Business, Finance, and Administration | |
|---|---|
| 11102 | Financial advisors |
| 13110 | Administrative assistants |
| 14100 | General office support workers |
| Health | |
|---|---|
| 31204 | Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment |
| 31301 | Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
| 32101 | Licensed practical nurses |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| 33103 | Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants |
| Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services | |
|---|---|
| 41300 | Social workers |
| 41301 | Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies |
| 42201 | Social and community service workers |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants |
| 44101 | Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations |
| Sales and Service | |
|---|---|
| 60020 | Retail and wholesale trade managers |
| 62010 | Retail sales supervisors |
| 62020 | Food service supervisors |
| 63200 | Cooks |
| 64100 | Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers |
| 65102 | Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers |
| 65201 | Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations |
| 65310 | Light duty cleaners |
| Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operators | |
|---|---|
| 72400 | Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
| 72410 | Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers |
| 73400 | Heavy equipment operators |
| 75110 | Construction trades helpers and labourers |
RCIP Application Process: Step-by-Step in Thunder Bay
- Employer applies for designation with the CEDC and completes required training
- Once designated, employer recruits or retains a qualified foreign national for an eligible job
- Employer submits the candidate’s application to the CEDC for recommendation
- If recommended, the candidate applies for permanent residence through IRCC, using the certificate of recommendation from the CEDC
Candidate Eligibility Criteria in RCIP in Thunder Bay
To qualify for the RCIP, candidates must:
- Have a genuine job offer from a designated employer in a participating community.
- Meet minimum work experience requirements (exceptions for some international graduates).
- Demonstrate required language proficiency (based on job NOC TEER level).
- Possess at least a secondary school credential.
- Show proof of funds to support themselves and any accompanying family for one year.
- Intend to reside in the community where the job is located.
- Hold a valid certificate of recommendation from the local economic development organization at the time of application
Key Points to Remember
- RCIP is employer-driven: Candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer; they do not apply directly to the CEDC or IRCC without this
- Employers must be designated: Only designated employers can submit candidate applications to the CEDC
- Supports community growth: The program is designed to address real labour shortages and support the settlement and integration of newcomers in rural areas.
frequently asked questions
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What is the Rural and Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?
The RCIP is a community-focused immigration program designed by the Canadian government to help smaller towns and rural regions attract skilled workers. If you're ready to live and work in a close-knit community, this program offers a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
Who is eligible to apply under RCIP?
To qualify for RCIP, you must:
- Have a valid full-time job offer from an approved employer in a participating community,
- Meet the program’s language, education, and work experience criteria,
- Be committed to settling in the community that recommends you.
At CITRN, we help you assess your eligibility and guide you every step of the way.
What are the benefits of applying through RCIP?
RCIP offers you:
- A simplified pathway to Canadian permanent residency,
- Access to communities with affordable living and job opportunities,
- Support from local organizations and a chance to integrate easily.
Plus, with CITRN’s 35+ years of experience, you're in trusted hands.
How can CITRN support my RCIP journey?
CITRN provides full-service support, including:
- Job matching with approved RCIP employers,
- Preparation of all documents and legal filings,
- Regular updates on RCIP community quotas and application timelines,
- Representation through every step of your immigration journey.
We take pride in helping you succeed — professionally, quickly, and with integrity.
Which communities are part of RCIP?
RCIP includes rural and smaller communities across Canada — from Ontario and British Columbia to Alberta and Manitoba. Each community has specific labor needs and designated job sectors. We help you find the right opportunity in the right place.
What types of jobs are available under RCIP?
Typical job roles under RCIP include:
- Healthcare and nursing,
- Skilled trades (e.g., carpenters, electricians),
- Food services and hospitality,
- Administrative and IT positions.
At CITRN, we connect you with genuine job offers that qualify under the program.
Is an LMIA required for RCIP?
No, RCIP is LMIA-exempt, meaning employers don’t need to go through the usual Labour Market Impact Assessment. However, the job offer must come from a designated employer in an RCIP-approved community. We help verify all compliance aspects.
Can I bring my family with me?
Absolutely. If your RCIP application is approved, your spouse and dependent children can join you in Canada. Depending on your status, they may be eligible for open work permits or study permits.
How long does it take to process an RCIP application?
Generally, the RCIP process includes:
- Community recommendation: 1 to 2 months,
- Permanent residency application: 12 to 16 months through IRCC.
We help you fast-track everything by ensuring zero errors and full compliance from the beginning.
Is the RCIP program still available in 2025?
Yes, the RCIP program remains active in 2025, and many communities continue to welcome foreign workers. CITRN stays updated with the latest immigration policies and community openings so that you never miss an opportunity
