Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

What is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a community-driven program designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities. It creates a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the participating communities.

This pilot empowers local communities to identify and recommend eligible candidates for permanent residence based on their specific economic needs and the candidate's genuine intent to settle there. This program is the successor to the highly successful Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).

Are You Eligible for the RCIP?

To qualify, you must meet both the federal IRCC eligibility requirements and the specific requirements set by the community you are applying to. Federal requirements include:

• Work Experience OR Education: Have at least 1 year of continuous work experience (1,560 hours) in the last 3 years, OR be a recent graduate from a post-secondary institution in the recommending community.
• Job Offer: Have a genuine, full-time, permanent job offer from an employer within the community boundaries.
• Language Requirements: Meet the minimum language proficiency in English or French, which varies based on your job's NOC TEER category (from CLB/NCLC 4 to 6).
• Educational Requirements: Have a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
• Settlement Funds: Possess sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon settling in the community, unless you are already legally working in Canada.
• Intent to Live in the Community: You must plan to live in the community that recommends you.

Participating Communities

The following communities across Canada are part of the new RCIP. Each has its own application process and job board. Click on a community to visit their official site.

It is crucial to check the specific website for each community to understand their unique requirements and application procedures.

The 4-Step Application Process

Job Offer Requirements

Your job offer is the cornerstone of your RCIP application. It must:

• Be full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) and non-seasonal.
• Be permanent, with no set end date.
• Have a wage that meets or exceeds the Job Bank's minimum wage for your occupation in that region.
• Be from an employer located within the geographical boundaries of the participating community.
• Your experience must match the duties of the job offered (align with the NOC).

Tips for a Successful RCIP Application

• Connect with the Community: Don't just apply online. Engage with the community's economic development office, attend virtual job fairs, and show a genuine interest in living there.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills on your resume that are valuable in smaller communities, such as adaptability, a strong work ethic, and a community-oriented mindset.
• Network with Local Employers: Use LinkedIn and other platforms to identify and connect with employers in the participating communities who may be looking for your skills.
• Write a Strong "Intent to Reside" Letter: Clearly explain why you have chosen that specific community and how you plan to contribute to its social and economic fabric long-term.