About the North Okanagan–Shuswap RCIP
- Community-led immigration program in rural BC
- Targets skilled workers in 5 priority sectors
- Open to employers and candidates starting May 2025
- Supports long-term community growth and retention
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is designed to bring skilled workers to smaller communities in Canada. The North Okanagan–Shuswap region—including Vernon, Salmon Arm, Lumby, Sicamous, and more—was selected in February 2025 to operate this program for a three-year term. It helps local employers hire international talent and gives foreign workers a direct route to Canadian permanent residence (PR).
RCIP Timeline and Key Dates (2025)
- Employer Designation Opens: May 1, 2025
- First Intake Window: May 12–26, 2025
- Recommendation Meeting #1: Week of June 2
- Subsequent Intakes: July, August, October, and November
- Candidate Info Sessions: April 30–May 1
- Employer Info Sessions: April 28–29
The RCIP operates through scheduled intakes where employers and candidates submit applications. Each intake concludes with a "recommendation meeting" where top-scoring candidates are reviewed. This structured approach ensures quality and fairness throughout the year.
RCIP Community Coverage Area
- Includes: Vernon, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Enderby, Lumby, Coldstream, Falkland, and more
- Covers all of the North Okanagan and parts of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District
This RCIP region includes many rural and semi-urban communities in British Columbia that are actively looking to fill labor shortages. Skilled workers who settle in these areas benefit from lower living costs, welcoming communities, and strong local support networks.
Priority Sectors for Employers
- Health
- Education, Law, Social and Government Services
- Sales and Service
- Trades and Transportation
- Manufacturing and Utilities
Employers in these five sectors are eligible to participate in the pilot. Only job offers from employers operating in a priority sector will be considered valid under RCIP, regardless of the worker's occupation.
Top Priority NOC Codes (Sample)
- 12200 – Accounting Technicians
- 33102 – Nurse Aides and Patient Service Associates
- 42202 – Early Childhood Educators
- 60030 – Restaurant Managers
- 72410 – Automotive Technicians
- 75110 – Construction Helpers
- 94212 – Plastic Product Assemblers
The community has selected 25 NOC codes that reflect key skill shortages. Candidates with experience and a job offer in these NOCs will receive more points and consideration during intakes. Some NOCs have caps (e.g., food service: 2 per employer).
RCIP Candidate Point System
- Job Offer (up to 20 points)
- Wage Level (up to 5 points)
- Work Experience (up to 25 points)
- Language Proficiency (up to 25 points)
- Education Level (up to 25 points)
- Community Ties (up to 6 points)
- Spouse Experience or Local Work (up to 3 points)
Candidates must score at least 50 out of 125 points to enter the pool. Points are awarded based on how well a candidate meets community needs—such as having relevant job offers, high wages, or family ties to the area.
RCIP Eligibility – Candidates
- Must meet IRCC’s federal requirements
- Job offer must be full-time, non-seasonal, indeterminate
- Must meet community wage minimums
- Language test and education credentials required
- Minimum 1 year of relevant experience (unless exempted as a student)
Applicants must fulfill both federal and local community requirements. Even if a candidate has experience in a prioritized occupation, they are ineligible unless their employer also operates in a designated priority sector.
RCIP Eligibility – Employers
- 2+ years operating in the region
- 75% or more of business conducted locally
- Operate in a priority sector
- Must offer jobs in priority NOC codes
- Mandatory IRCC + Intercultural Training required
- Must comply with wage and settlement support rules
Only employers that complete a designation process can participate in RCIP. They must prove their legitimacy, training completion, and commitment to welcoming newcomers.
Employer Designation Process (Step-by-Step)
- Complete IRCC onboarding and intercultural competency training
- Email official to request the EDA form
- Submit Employer Designation Application
- Receive Employer Designation Number (within 2 weeks)
- Create Profile on RCIP Employer Platform (launching soon)
The designation process ensures only qualified and ethical employers use the program. Once designated, employers can submit job offers and support candidates for community recommendations.
⛔ Restricted Sectors and Special Rules
- Fast Food (NAICS 722512): Max 2 recommendations per employer/year
- Gas Stations (NAICS 4471): Max 2 recommendations per employer/year
- Secondary NOC Codes: Used only with prior approval from RCIP team
Some industries have limitations to prevent overuse or abuse of the program. Employers wanting to use non-priority NOC codes must apply for a special exemption, subject to RCIP review.
De-Designation of Employers
- May occur due to fraud, legal violations, or policy breaches
- Inactive or non-priority employers may lose access but retain designation number
If an employer violates rules or misuses the program, they may be barred from participating. However, simply being in a non-priority sector doesn’t mean permanent exclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I apply from outside Canada? Yes.
- Is there a wage requirement? Yes, typically $22/hour minimum.
- How do I find a job? Search independently with designated employers.
- Can my spouse work? Yes, with an open work permit after your PR application.
- What if my NOC is prioritized, but the employer's sector is not? You are ineligible.
The RCIP has strict but transparent rules. Only those who meet both occupation and sector criteria—and who work for a designated employer—can be considered.
Final Thoughts
The North Okanagan–Shuswap RCIP is a vital opportunity for both employers and skilled immigrants looking to build lasting careers in rural British Columbia. With a structured point system, clear timelines, and community-based support, this program ensures a balanced approach to regional development and immigration success.