North Bay Releases Priority Sectors and Occupations for Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

North Bay, a city in Northern Ontario, has announced its priority sectors and eligible occupations under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)—a pathway to permanent residence (PR) for skilled foreign workers. This update provides clarity for newcomers seeking to build their lives in rural Canadian communities with job offers from local employers.

What is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

The RCIP is a community-driven immigration program introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows participating rural communities to designate local employers and nominate foreign workers for PR—provided these workers receive a valid job offer and meet other eligibility requirements.

North Bay is one of 14 communities selected for the pilot, joining others such as Timmins, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and Brandon.

North Bay’s Focus: Priority Sectors for 2025

Each RCIP community is permitted to select five key economic sectors aligned with their labour market needs. North Bay has chosen the following:

1. Business, Finance, and Administration
2. Health
3. Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services
4. Sales and Service
5. Trades and Transport
   
   

These sectors were selected to address real shortages in the region, which includes the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts and the Town of Latchford.

Priority Occupations and Approved NOC Codes

To be eligible under the North Bay RCIP, foreign workers must receive a job offer for a role included in the approved list of occupations. These roles are categorized under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 system.

Here is the full list of eligible occupations:

This list will be reviewed and updated annually, depending on the labour market needs of the community.

Why Are Priority Sectors and Occupations Important?

The RCIP is an employer-led immigration program, meaning:

• Only employers in the approved priority sectors can apply to become designated under RCIP.
• A foreign worker must have a job offer in one of the approved occupations from a designated employer to apply for PR.
• The job must fall under the listed NOC codes for the candidate to be considered eligible.
  
  

Without meeting these specific requirements, foreign nationals cannot apply through the RCIP even if they have a job offer.

Other RCIP Communities That Have Released Priority Sectors

As of the latest update, the following RCIP communities have officially published their sector lists:

• North Bay
• Timmins
• Brandon
• Sault Ste. Marie
• Thunder Bay
• North Okanagan–Shuswap
  
  

More participating communities are expected to release their sector-specific details in the coming months.

RCIP Eligibility Requirements for Workers

Apart from having a job offer from a designated employer in an eligible occupation, foreign nationals must meet the following criteria:

1. Work Experience: At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of relevant paid work experience within the last 3 years, or meet the criteria under the international graduate exemption.
2. Language Proficiency: Meet minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels depending on the NOC of the job.
3. Education: Hold a Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential with ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
4. Settlement Funds: Demonstrate adequate financial resources to support themselves and their family upon relocating to the community.
5. Intention to Reside: Show intent to live and work in North Bay or the designated RCIP region.
   
   

Final Thoughts

North Bay’s release of priority sectors and occupations under the RCIP marks an exciting opportunity for skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residence in Canada. With a growing need for workers in healthcare, skilled trades, and administration, the region is proactively addressing labour gaps while offering newcomers a clear pathway to settle in Northern Ontario.

If you're considering immigration to Canada through RCIP, now is the time to assess your occupation and eligibility based on the updated NOC codes. This is a promising route for those looking to build a stable and long-term life in Canada’s welcoming rural communities.