Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP): Permanent Residence in a Rural Community
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) offers permanent residence to skilled workers who want to work and settle in a participating rural or remote community. IRCC launched it in early 2025 after the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot closed.
How it works
- IRCC selected 14 communities across Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
- Each community approves certain employers to hire for jobs they cannot fill locally.
- You need a job offer from a designated employer in a participating community and must plan to settle there long term.
- The community recommends you, and then you apply to IRCC.
IRCC's page lists the pilot as open in 2026, but each community manages the pace of employer designations and recommendations, so intake varies. Check the specific community before you plan.
Get help from a licensed consultant
I can check whether your job offer and community fit the pilot and prepare your application. No one can guarantee a recommendation or an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer? Yes, from a designated employer in a participating community.
Where are the participating communities? See IRCC's list, which I recommend checking for the current 14.
Can I choose any rural town? No. Only the communities IRCC selected participate.
Sources: IRCC, Rural Community Immigration Pilot; law-firm summaries.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.