If you’ve been working hard, contributing to your community, and dreaming of staying in Canada permanently, there’s good news. A new immigration opportunity is opening doors, especially for foreign workers already living in Canada.
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) offers a clear, community-based pathway to permanent residence (PR). By relocating to one of several welcoming rural or remote towns, you could fast-track your PR application and build a future where your skills are needed and valued.
Why Rural Canada?
Canada’s rural and smaller communities often face labour shortages, especially in skilled trades, healthcare, and support services. To address this, the government is partnering with 14 rural communities across six provinces to match foreign workers with local employers who need them.
If you’re willing to live and work outside the big cities, this could be your opportunity not just for PR, but for a fresh start where you can grow, save, and settle.
Am I Eligible?
Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:
- A valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the approved rural communities
- At least 1 year of related work experience in the past 3 years
- Language proficiency, proven by an approved language test (English or French)
- Education: Canadian high school diploma or higher, or a foreign equivalent with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
- Proof of settlement funds to support yourself and your accompanying family
Where Can I Go?
These are the rural communities currently participating in the pilot:
- Alberta: Claresholm
- British Columbia: West Kootenay, North Okanagan–Shuswap, Peace Liard
- Manitoba: Steinbach, Altona/Rhineland, Brandon
- Nova Scotia: Pictou County
- Ontario: North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay
- Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw
Each community has a list of designated employers and available job positions. Once you receive a job offer, your application will be assessed locally to ensure you meet both federal and community-specific criteria.
The Process: Step-by-Step
- Obtain a job offer from a designated employer in your chosen rural community.
- Apply for a Community Recommendation. The community will check if your job offer and background fit their labour needs.
- Get Your Recommendation and start your PR application through the federal online portal.
- Submit Required Documents, including:
- Job offer
- Proof of education and ECA
- Language test results
- Proof of funds
- Police certificates and medical exams (if required)
- Wait for Your PR Decision. You can check your application status online after receiving your AOR (acknowledgment of receipt).
Optional: Apply for a Work Permit
You may also qualify for a two-year work permit tied to your designated employer while your PR application is in process. If you’re married or have a common-law partner, they may be eligible for an open work permit as long as they also live in the same community.
Why This Program Matters
For many foreign workers, the journey to permanent residence can feel like a long road full of uncertainty. But the Rural Community Immigration Pilot offers something different: a chance to settle where you're not just another worker, but a vital part of a close-knit community.
These towns and small cities aren’t just looking to fill jobs—they’re looking to welcome people who want to build a life, raise their families, and grow roots. In return, you get stability, support, and the peace of mind from knowing your hard work can lead to something permanent. It’s not just about immigration—it’s about belonging, and finally being able to call Canada your home for good.
Let Sure Immigration Help You Take the First Step
We know relocating—especially to a smaller town—can feel overwhelming. And applying for PR can be intimidating on its own. That’s why Sure Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.
We offer:
- One-on-one eligibility assessments
- PR application preparation and document review
- Full support with PR and work permit submissions
- Work permit application
Your path to PR just got clearer. The RCIP could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for—and we’re ready to help you take the first step toward permanent settlement in Canada.
Contact Sure Immigration today and start your journey toward permanent residence.