In its first year, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) supported over one thousand newcomers in gaining permanent residence (PR) and settling in 14 growing communities across Canada.
The program is continuing this year as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) works to spread the benefits of immigration beyond major cities and into smaller towns and regions.
This article outlines the RCIP review for 2025, explains how the pathway developed, highlights the most in-demand job sectors, and summarizes the worker selection data shared by participating communities.
So, let’s get started.
How Does The RCIP Operate?
The RCIP was launched as a community-based immigration pathway designed to help rural communities outside Quebec meet local labour needs. Each participating community selects approved employers who work closely with IRCC to hire workers in occupations and industries identified as priorities by the community.
To be eligible, a candidate must receive a valid job offer from a designated employer. The employer then submits a recommendation request to the community. If the community approves the candidate, the individual can submit an application for permanent residence directly to IRCC.
A Brief Timeline Of RCIP Progress In 2025
The following list outlines key developments during the pilot’s first year:
• January 30, 2025 — RCIP officially launched and communities announced.
IRCC introduced the RCIP alongside the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot and confirmed the 14 participating communities. It also explained the role of communities and local organizations in selecting employers and recommending applicants.
• June 5, 2025 — IRCC released the main RCIP webpage with work permit guidance.
IRCC provided information on a two-year employer-specific work permit connected to the RCIP, including details for spouses or partners and step-by-step application instructions.
• August 13, 2025 — IRCC clarified eligibility rules on its RCIP website.
The department published the core eligibility criteria, including job offer requirements, minimum work experience, language testing, education, and proof of settlement funds.
• November 20, 2025 — The RCIP was referenced in the 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration.
The report confirmed that the RCIP would replace the Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP) as Canada’s primary regional immigration pathway.
Throughout the year, participating communities also announced their involvement and shared the names of their designated employers.
Which Communities Joined The RCIP In 2025?
A total of 14 communities across six provinces joined the pilot, including:
- Pictou County, Nova Scotia (NS)
- North Bay, Ontario (ON)
- Sudbury, Ontario (ON)
- Timmins, Ontario (ON)
- Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (ON)
- Thunder Bay, Ontario (ON)
- Steinbach, Manitoba (MB)
- Altona/Rhineland, Manitoba (MB)
- Brandon, Manitoba (MB)
- Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (SK)
- Claresholm, Alberta (AB)
- West Kootenay, British Columbia (BC)
- North Okanagan Shuswap, British Columbia (BC)
- Peace Liard, British Columbia (BC)
Each of these communities approved employers working in industries where local hiring shortages were most severe.
Which Sectors Were Targeted By The RCIP Last Year?
Through their designated employers, participating communities focused on workers in the following priority sectors:
- Business, Finance & Administration
- Health / Health Care / Health occupations
- Education, Law & Social, Community & Government Services
- Sales & Service
- Trades & Transport
- Manufacturing & Utilities
- Natural Resources & Agriculture
- Natural & Applied Sciences
The most commonly targeted sectors across all 14 communities were:
- Health
- Education, Law, Social, Community & Government Services
- Sales & Service
- Trades & Transport
- Manufacturing & Utilities
Natural & Applied Sciences was the least represented sector and appeared only in Greater Sudbury and Peace Liard.
How Many People Immigrated Through The RCIP In 2025?
Not all communities have published full data, but the following figures are available:
| RCIP Community | PR Candidates Supported In 2025 |
| Greater Sudbury, ON | 517 candidates recommended |
| Thunder Bay, ON | 475 recommendation certificates issued |
| North Bay, ON | 190 community recommendations granted |
How To Apply For PR Through The RCIP?
To apply for permanent residence under this five-year rural immigration pilot, a candidate must:
- Hold a valid job offer from a designated employer in the participating community
- Have at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the past three years
- Demonstrate language ability by completing an approved language test. The minimum scores depend on the NOC TEER level of the job offer
- Possess a Canadian educational credential or a foreign equivalent
- Show proof of adequate settlement funds. The amounts range from $10,507 for a single applicant to $27,806 for a family of seven, with an additional $2,831 for each extra family member.
Applicants and their spouses may also qualify for a two-year work permit while their PR application is being processed. This allows them to begin working for their employer in the selected community without waiting for permanent resident status.
Explore your pathway to move to Canada with Immigtoronto. Our team of skilled RCICs offers customized immigration solutions, ensuring a trustworthy and professional process. Contact us at [email protected].
