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The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a Canadian initiative designed to assist smaller communities in attracting skilled immigrants to address local labor shortages. Thunder Bay and North Okanagan-Shuswap are among the communities participating in this pilot.
Thunder Bay RCIP: Priority Sectors and Occupations
Thunder Bay has identified five priority sectors for the RCIP
1. Health
2. Education, Law, and Social, Community, and Government Services
3. Business, Finance, and Administration
4. Sales and Service
5. Trades and Transport
Within these sectors, specific occupations are prioritized. For example, in the health sector, occupations such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and medical laboratory technologists are in demand. In trades and transport, occupations like welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and transport truck drivers are sought after. These priority occupations are aligned with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, which help identify and categorize job roles in Canada.
North Okanagan-Shuswap RCIP: Priority Sectors and Occupations
The North Okanagan-Shuswap region has also been selected for the RCIP. While the specific priority sectors and occupations for this region are yet to be finalized, the community is focusing on attracting skilled workers to fill labor gaps in various industries. The RCIP aims to support local businesses by connecting them with qualified foreign workers and providing newcomers with a pathway to permanent residency.
Program Details
• Eligibility: To participate in the RCIP, applicants need a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the priority sectors or occupations.
• Application Process: Once a job offer is secured, the employer submits a community recommendation application to the local economic development organization. If the community approves, the applicant can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Community Involvement: The RCIP is community-driven, with local organizations working in partnership with IRCC to identify labor needs and match employers with suitable candidates.
This initiative not only helps address labor shortages in smaller communities but also provides immigrants with opportunities to build a future in Canada.
