Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals who want to live and work in designated rural communities in Canada. Local economic development organizations in each community help identify labour shortages, approve employers, and recommend candidates for permanent residence (PR). RCIP replaces the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which ended in August 2024.
Fourteen communities are part of the program
- Nova Scotia: Pictou County
- Ontario: North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay
- Manitoba: Steinbach, Altona/Rhineland, Brandon
- Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw
- Alberta: Claresholm
- British Columbia: West Kootenay, North Okanagan Shuswap, Peace Liard
To qualify for RCIP, candidates must have:
- Work experience that meets specific conditions (waived for some international graduates).
- A genuine job offer from a designated employer approved by the local economic development organization.
- Language proficiency, depending on the NOC TEER level of the job.
- At least a secondary school credential as proof of education.
- Proof of funds to support themselves and their family for one year.
- Intent to reside in the designated community they will work in.
- A certificate of recommendation from the local economic development organization.
- Applicants within Canada must also maintain valid temporary resident status throughout the process.