Rural Community Immigration Pilot Update: Employers, Take Action!

By: Dmytro Zinchenko, Immigration Paralegal

On March 22, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC ) introduced the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) to help smaller communities attract and retain skilled workers.

As a first step, individual communities needed to determine priority sectors to support immigration pathways for workers in their regions. These sectors have now been determined for most communities, and it is up to employers to seek participation in the pilot program. As initially announced, employers will play a central role in the RCIP program.

Priority Sectors and Eligible Occupations Now Defined

The three British Columbia regions participating in the RCIP - West Kootenay, North Okanagan Shuswap, and Peace Liard, including 39 communities, have now released their priority economic sectors and lists of eligible occupations as identified by National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes.

This marks a significant milestone for local businesses hoping to engage with the RCIP. Only employers with job opportunities that align with their community’s identified labour needs will be able to participate in the program.

For a full list of participating communities across Canada, you can refer to the website (referral link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/rural-franco-pilots/rural-immigration.html)

Designation Required: Not Every Business Qualifies

To support foreign workers seeking to obtain permanent resident status through the RCIP, employers must apply for designation to their regional or municipal representative. Being located in an eligible community does not automatically guarantee participation. Instead, employers must demonstrate that they meet the program’s standards, including:

• Operating in one of the priority sectors listed by the community;
• Offering positions under eligible NOC codes;
• Maintaining good financial standing;
• Being compliant with provincial employment standards and labour laws; and
• Having the capacity to support the newcomer’s ongoing employment and integration into the community.

Applications for employer designation are now open in all three BC regions, encompassing 39 individual communities. Employers must submit a detailed package confirming their business activity, financial health, and alignment with program criteria.

Program Timeline Is Tight - Act Now!

The rollout of the RCIP is on an accelerated schedule, and timelines for employer designation, worker recruitment, and PR nomination for applications are expected to move quickly. If your business is looking to fill in-demand positions and support foreign workers on their path to permanent residency, it is important to start preparing now.

If you are currently employed and live in one of these communities and believe your employer may be eligible to participate, consider bringing this opportunity to their attention.

We are actively assisting employers in British Columbia and throughout Canada with their immigration needs. Whether you require help understanding your community’s priority sectors, identifying qualifying positions, or preparing your application package, our team is here to support you.

Get in touch today to take advantage of this unique opportunity and help your community and your business grow through Canada’s rural immigration pathway.

For general information about the RCIP program, please refer to our previous blog: put the link. (referral link: https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/canada-launches-two-new-immigration-pilots-to-support-rural-communities/)