Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) – Your Pathway to Skilled Workers and Permanent Residency in Rural BC
Welcome to Your Local RCIP Resource for British Columbia Communities
Are you an employer struggling to find skilled workers in the North Okanagan-Shuswap or West Kootenay regions? Or are you a skilled worker seeking a permanent residence pathway in a welcoming rural BC community? The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) offers a streamlined, employer-driven immigration program designed to meet these needs.
For Employers: Hire Skilled Workers to Grow Your Business
What is RCIP for Employers?
RCIP helps rural BC employers fill labour shortages by hiring skilled foreign workers who want to live and work long-term in your community. This program is employer-led, meaning you recommend candidates for permanent residence.
How to Participate:
- Become a Designated Employer: Apply through your local community authority (e.g., North Okanagan-Shuswap or West Kootenay RCIP office).
- Meet Eligibility: Operate a genuine business for at least 2 years, conduct 75% of your business locally, comply with employment laws, and commit to newcomer settlement support.
- Offer Eligible Jobs: Full-time, permanent, non-seasonal positions in priority sectors with wages meeting community standards (e.g., $22-$25/hour).
- Recommend Candidates: Hire qualified workers and submit their applications for community recommendation.
Why Join RCIP?
- Access a pool of skilled workers ready to contribute to your business.
- Benefit from a faster, employer-driven immigration process.
- Support your community’s economic growth.
Get Started Today:
Contact us to learn how to become a designated employer and start hiring through RCIP
For Skilled Workers: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Rural BC
What is RCIP for Workers?
RCIP offers skilled workers a direct route to permanent residence in rural BC communities like North Okanagan-Shuswap and West Kootenay by securing a full-time, permanent job with a designated employer.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid job offer from a designated employer in the community.
- At least 1 year of related work experience in the past 3 years.
- Meet language proficiency (CLB 4-6 depending on job).
- Canadian secondary education or equivalent (with ECA).
- Proof of settlement funds and genuine intent to live in the community.
How the Process Works:
- Secure a job offer from an RCIP designated employer.
- Apply for community recommendation based on your job and qualifications.
- Once recommended, apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
- Access settlement support to help you and your family integrate successfully.
Why Choose RCIP?
- Employer-driven, meaning quicker and clearer pathways.
- Live and work in welcoming rural BC communities with strong support networks.
- Opportunity for permanent residence and family sponsorship.
Participating BC Communities
- North Okanagan-Shuswap (including Vernon, Salmon Arm)
- West Kootenay Region (including Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson)
- Peace Liard (including
Resources & Support
- Download the Employer Designation Application Guide
- Access the Worker Eligibility Checklist
- Learn about Settlement Services in your community
- Contact our expert consultants for personalized guidance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For Employers
Yes, you can hire current employees through RCIP as long as they meet all eligibility criteria, including having a valid full-time, permanent, non-seasonal job offer and the required work experience. The employee must also receive a community recommendation before applying for permanent residence.
Designated employers must complete intercultural competency and onboarding training provided by the community authority. This training helps employers support newcomers effectively and fosters a welcoming work environment.
Jobs offered under RCIP must meet or exceed the minimum wage standards set by the community and align with Job Bank wage data for the occupation. For example, in the North Okanagan-Shuswap region, wages typically range from $22 to $25 per hour depending on the occupation. Employers must ensure wages comply with provincial employment standards.
No, recruitment agencies, immigration consultants, or businesses controlled by the candidate or their spouse/common-law partner are not eligible to become designated employers under RCIP.
Eligible jobs are in priority sectors identified by the community, including but not limited to health care, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Jobs must be classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, depending on the community’s criteria.
For Skilled Workers
Yes, international graduates who have completed a Canadian post-secondary program in the community may be eligible under certain conditions, including having a valid job offer from a designated employer and meeting other program requirements.
Accepted language tests include CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) General Test and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) General Training. Test results must be less than two years old and meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level required for the job.
You must provide detailed reference letters from previous employers outlining your job duties, duration of employment (minimum 1,560 hours in the past 3 years), and your position’s alignment with the NOC TEER category of your job offer. Pay stubs, tax documents, and contracts can also support your application.
You must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian secondary school diploma or higher, depending on the job requirements.
No, a community recommendation is mandatory. The designated community must assess and approve your application before you can submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Participating communities offer settlement services such as orientation programs, language training, employment assistance, and community integration support to help you and your family adapt and thrive in your new home.
If you have more questions or need personalized advice, please contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to guide you through every step of the RCIP process!
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