Immigrate to Canada through the West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

With the national Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program officially ending in 2024, several communities in Canada have developed independent immigration programs to continue attracting skilled international workers. Among them, the program West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) tại tỉnh bang British Columbia hiện đang mở ra nhiều cơ hội hấp dẫn cho người muốn immigrate to Canada.

What is West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

RCIP West Kootenay is a settlement pilot program run by the West Kootenay Regional Government, to address labour shortages and boost the regional economy by attracting highly skilled international workers. This is a completely separate program, no longer part of the former federal RNIP system.

About the West Kootenay Region

West Kootenay nằm ở khu vực Đông Nam tỉnh bang British Columbia, nổi bật với cảnh quan thiên nhiên tươi đẹp, khí hậu ôn hòa và cộng đồng dân cư thân thiện. Đây là vùng có chi phí sinh hoạt hợp lý, đồng thời lại có nhiều cơ hội việc làm trong các lĩnh vực đang thiếu nhân lực.

Highlights of the RCIP West Kootenay Program

• Candidates can get Community Recommendation if there is a job offer letter from the designated employer.
• After receiving nomination, candidates can apply for Thường trú nhân Canada (Permanent Residence).
• All job offers must meet all federal job offer requirements.
• Applicants must work at least 75% of their total time within the West Kootenay geographic area.
• Fast food franchise positions are not eligible for the program.

RCIP West Kootenay Program Application Process

For employers:

• Mandatory designation process with RCIP program.
• Only designated employers are allowed to recruit international workers through the program.
• Being designated does not guarantee a candidate will receive a community nomination.

For candidates:

• Have a valid job offer letter from the designated employer.
• Jobs in the industries and fields that are being prioritized.
• Meet the requirements for work experience, English or French language proficiency (CLB 4 to 6 depending on the position), and additional conditions.
• Plan to live and work long term in the West Kootenay area.

Current priority areas

The RCIP West Kootenay Steering Committee continually reviews and updates priority areas based on actual labor needs. Currently, the five program focus areas include:

1. Health
2. Education, Law, Social, Community and Government Services
3. Sales & Service (except fast food chains)
4. Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operator
5. Manufacturing and Utilities

Fields such as business – finance, applied sciences, arts, natural resources and agriculture are not currently on the priority list.

List of priority occupations

Some of the occupations that are being prioritized for consideration under the RCIP West Kootenay program include:

• Accounting Technicians & Bookkeepers – NOC 12200
• General Office Support Workers – NOC 14100
• Health Care Aides – NOC 33102
• Career Development Practitioners – NOC 41321
• Social & Community Service Workers – NOC 42201
• Early Childhood Educators & Assistants – NOC 42202
• Cooks – NOC 63200; Bakers – NOC 63202
• Front Desk Agents – NOC 64314
• Food & Beverage Servers – NOC 65200; Food Counter Attendants – NOC 65201
• Light Duty Cleaners – NOC 65310
• Carpenters – NOC 72310
• Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics – NOC 72401
• Painters – NOC 73112
• Transport Truck Drivers – NOC 73300
• Material Handlers – NOC 75101
• Other Trades Helpers – NOC 75119; Other Labourers, Manufacturing – NOC 95109

Note: Each profession has its own requirements regarding work experience, qualifications, language and other additional conditions.

Latest updates from the West Kootenay RCIP program

• The program is now officially open for applications from employers.
• The program is expected to begin accepting community nomination applications from candidates in early July 2025.
• Details on how to apply will be announced in the near future on the RCIP West Kootenay official website.

Conclusion

Program West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is becoming a new gateway for international workers who want to immigrate to Canada in a rural area, with a clear roadmap, transparent requirements and real opportunities. This is the right solution for those who are ready to work and settle permanently in one of the most sustainable communities in British Columbia.