Top 5 In-Demand Jobs in Canada’s Rural and Francophone Communities (RCIP/ FCIP): How to Align Your Skills

Hossein Alavi, RCIC
May 30
9 min read

Updated: Jun 2

Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) offer exciting opportunities for skilled workers to gain permanent residence by settling in vibrant rural and Francophone minority communities. Launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 30, 2025, these pilots aim to address labor shortages and boost economic growth in smaller communities across Canada. A critical step in applying for these pilots is securing a job offer from a designated employer. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the requirements, highlight communities that are actively accepting candidates with published lists of designated employers and priority positions, list other communities (including those still developing their systems), and provide actionable steps to help you land a job offer.

Understanding the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots

The RCIP and FCIP are employer-driven immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers to 18 selected communities facing labor shortages. The RCIP targets 14 rural communities to support economic development, while the FCIP focuses on 6 Francophone minority communities outside Quebec to attract French-speaking immigrants. Sudbury, ON, and Timmins, ON, are both participating in the RCIP and FCIP programs. Both programs provide a pathway to permanent residence for candidates who secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of these communities.

Key Requirements for Candidates

To apply for permanent residence through these pilots, you must meet several eligibility criteria:

Job Offer: Obtain a genuine, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in a participating community. The job must align with your work experience or, for international graduates from a public post-secondary institution in the community, meet specific occupational requirements.
Work Experience: Have at least one year (1,560 hours) of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the past three years, unless you’re an international graduate from a recognized institution in the community with an eligible credential (e.g., a degree or diploma from a program lasting two years or more).
Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum language requirements, which vary by the job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) or Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) level. For FCIP, French proficiency is required.
Education: Hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if obtained outside Canada.
Intent to Reside: Demonstrate a genuine intention to live in the community where you’ll work.
Settlement Funds: Unless already working legally in Canada, prove you have sufficient funds (half of the low-income cut-off for rural areas) to support yourself and any family members during settlement.

Participating Communities

Below, we’ve organized the 18 participating communities into two groups: those that are currently active, accepting candidates, and have published lists of designated employers and priority positions, and those that are either developing their systems or have not yet published employer and priority position lists. Each community collaborates with a local economic development organization to identify labor needs, designate employers, and recommend candidates for permanent residence. Links to community websites and designated employer lists are provided where available.

Active Communities with Designated Employers and Priority Positions

As of May 28, 2025, the following communities are actively accepting candidates, have published lists of designated employers, and have specified priority positions:

Timmins, ON (RCIP and FCIP):
- Link: timminsedc.com/immigration/
- Designated Employer List: https://timminsedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Designated-Employer-List-Timmins-Regional-RCIP-FCIP-1.pdf
- Status: Actively accepting applications through the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC).
- Designated Employers (RCIP): Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins, Boudreau Automotive Mechanic, Dark Enterprise, EV Nickel Inc., St. Mary’s Gardens GP Inc., Timmins and District Hospital, Toromont Cat, YMCA of Northeastern Ontario, 360 Boring Services Inc., Pepco.
- Designated Employers (FCIP): Fermes Sansoucy Ltée.
- Priority Sectors (RCIP and FCIP): Education, Law and Social, Community and Government Services; Trades and Transport (excluding NOC 14404 Dispatchers for taxi companies and NOC 75200 Taxi and Limousine Drivers); Natural Resources and Agriculture; Business, Finance, and Administration.
- Priority Positions: Specific NOC codes are listed on the TEDC website, focusing on sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
- Notes: Timmins uses a points-based system with a minimum score of 50 points for candidate applications. Employers must complete mandatory IRCC onboarding and intercultural competency training.
Thunder Bay, ON (RCIP):
- Link: gotothunderbay.ca/rural-community-immigration-pilot-rcip/
- Designated Employer List: gotothunderbay.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DE-for-Website-Listing-May-26-2025.pdf
- Status: Actively accepting applications through the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC).
- Designated Employers: Includes Lakehead Roofing & Metal Cladding Ltd., SLR Contracting Corp., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins, Boudreau Automotive Mechanic, Dark Enterprise, EV Nickel Inc., St. Mary’s Gardens GP Inc., Timmins and District Hospital, Toromont Cat, YMCA of Northeastern Ontario, among others. Check the CEDC website for the full list.
- Priority Sectors and Positions: Focuses on healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. Specific NOC codes are available on the CEDC website, with priority given to occupations like healthcare workers (e.g., NOC 33102 for candidates with NOC 31301 experience).
- Notes: Employers must complete mandatory training and submit a designation application. Candidates should check the CEDC website for job postings and employer contacts.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON (RCIP):
- Link: welcometossm.com/designated-employers/
- Designated Employer List: Available directly at welcometossm.com/designated-employers/
- Status: Actively accepting applications, with a cap on dine-in restaurant designations as of May 8, 2025.
- Designated Employers: Employers in priority sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and construction are designated. The full list is available on the community website. Contact labourforce@cityssm.on.ca for details.
- Priority Sectors: Education, Law and Social, Community and Government Services; Trades and Transport; Healthcare (15% of 2025 allocations); Manufacturing; Construction.
- Priority Positions: Specific NOC codes are listed on the community website, prioritizing roles in healthcare, skilled trades, and manufacturing.
- Notes: The community allocates recommendations on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority for healthcare roles.

Other Communities (Developing Systems or Without Published Employer/Position Lists)

The following communities are part of the RCIP or FCIP, as specified by the IRCC website (canada.ca), but are either still developing their systems, have not launched their websites, or have not yet published lists of designated employers and priority positions as of May 28, 2025. Check the linked websites or the IRCC website for updates:

RCIP Communities:
- Pictou County, NS: pictoucountypartnership.com/program/rural-community-immigration-pilot-rcip/
  (Website active, but no public employer or priority position lists yet)
- North Bay, ON: nbrcip.ca/candidates/
  (Website active, excludes fast food and retail occupations, but no public employer or priority position lists yet)
- Sudbury, ON (RCIP and FCIP): investsudbury.ca/why-sudbury/newcomers/rcipfcip/
  (Program in development, no estimated intake opening date or employer/position lists)
- Steinbach, MB: https://steinbachedc.com/rcip/
  (Website active, accepting employer designation applications, but no public employer or priority position lists yet)
- Altona/Rhineland, MB: ared-rpga.com/immigration/rcip/
  (Website active, accepting employer designation applications, but no public employer or priority position lists yet)
- Brandon, MB: economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/rcip/rcip-foreign-worker-checklist
  (Website active, providing candidate checklists, but no public employer or priority position lists yet)
- Moose Jaw, SK: canada.ca
  (Website under development)
- Claresholm, AB: claresholm-rcip.ca/
  (Website active, accepting employer designation applications, but no public employer or priority position lists yet)
- West Kootenay, BC: westkootenayimmigration.ca/applicants/
  (Program in development phase, no public employer or priority position lists yet)
- North Okanagan Shuswap, BC: rcipnorthokanaganshuswap.com/
  (Website active, but no public employer or priority position lists yet)
- Peace Liard, BC: nebcimmigration.ca/candidates/
  (Website active, providing candidate information, but no public employer or priority position lists yet; note that IRCC lists this as Northeast BC)
FCIP Communities:
- Acadian Peninsula, NB: canada.ca
  (Website under development)
- Sudbury, ON (RCIP and FCIP): investsudbury.ca/why-sudbury/newcomers/rcipfcip/
  (Program in development, no estimated intake opening date or employer/position lists)
- Timmins, ON (RCIP and FCIP) timminsedc.com/immigration/
- Superior East Region, ON: canada.ca
  (Website under development)
- St. Pierre Jolys, MB: canada.ca
  (Website under development)
- Kelowna, BC: canada.ca
  (Website under development)

Top 5 In-Demand Jobs in Canada’s Rural and Francophone Communities: How to Align Your Skills

To succeed in the RCIP and FCIP, securing a job offer in a priority occupation is key. Based on the priority sectors identified by active communities like Timmins, Thunder Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie, here are five in-demand jobs and strategies to align your skills with these opportunities:

Registered Nurse or Nurse Aide (NOC 31301 / 33102):
- Why In-Demand: Healthcare is a priority sector across all active communities, with Sault Ste. Marie allocating 15% of its 2025 recommendations to healthcare roles. Hospitals like Timmins and District Hospital and community health organizations are actively seeking nurses.
- Skill Alignment: Obtain a Canadian nursing license or equivalency through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). Highlight any clinical experience in your resume, emphasizing patient care and teamwork. For FCIP communities, French proficiency is a must—consider taking a TEF Canada test to prove your language skills.
- Tip: Check job postings on timminsedc.com or gotothunderbay.ca for nurse openings and contact employers directly.
Heavy Equipment Operator (NOC 73400):
- Why In-Demand: Timmins and Thunder Bay prioritize Natural Resources and Agriculture, with employers like Agnico Eagle Mines Limited and EV Nickel Inc. needing skilled operators for mining and construction.
- Skill Alignment: Obtain certifications like the Canadian Red Seal for heavy equipment operation or equivalent international credentials assessed via an ECA. Highlight experience with machinery like excavators or bulldozers. Safety training (e.g., WHMIS) is a plus.
- Tip: Reach out to employers via welcometossm.com for construction-related roles in Sault Ste. Marie.
Automotive Service Technician (NOC 72410):
- Why In-Demand: Trades and Transport are priority sectors in Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie, with employers like Boudreau Automotive Mechanic in Timmins seeking skilled technicians.
- Skill Alignment: Pursue a Red Seal certification or equivalent for automotive repair. Include specific skills like diagnostics or hybrid vehicle maintenance in your resume. For FCIP, French-language cover letters can set you apart.
- Tip: Contact immigration@timmins.ca to connect with designated employers in Timmins’ automotive sector.
Early Childhood Educator (NOC 42202):
- Why In-Demand: Education and Community Services are prioritized in all active communities, with organizations like YMCA of Northeastern Ontario needing educators to support growing populations.
- Skill Alignment: Obtain a diploma in early childhood education or equivalent, with an ECA if studied abroad. Highlight experience with child development programs. For FCIP communities, French proficiency is essential—consider online French courses to boost your CLB level.
- Tip: Check gotothunderbay.ca for job postings with Thunder Bay’s community organizations.
Industrial Electrician (NOC 72201):
- Why In-Demand: Manufacturing and skilled trades are critical in Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, with employers like Toromont Cat and Lakehead Roofing needing electricians for industrial projects.
- Skill Alignment: Secure a Red Seal electrician certification or equivalent. Emphasize experience with industrial wiring or automation systems. Safety certifications like CSA standards compliance are valuable.
- Tip: Visit welcometossm.com for manufacturing job openings in Sault Ste. Marie.

How to Prepare:

Update Your Resume: Tailor it to Canadian standards, focusing on relevant NOC codes and certifications. Use resources like immigration.ca for resume templates.
Get Certified: Pursue Canadian-recognized credentials (e.g., Red Seal, NNAS) or have foreign qualifications assessed via an ECA.
Network: Attend virtual job fairs hosted by communities like Thunder Bay or contact employers directly via emails listed on community websites.
Language Skills: For FCIP, achieve at least CLB 5 in French (TEF Canada or TCF Canada). For RCIP, ensure CLB 4–6 in English or French, depending on the job’s TEER level.

Need help aligning your skills or finding the right job? Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) can provide personalized guidance. Schedule an appointment at Immigrative appointment to boost your chances of success!

How to Secure a Job Offer from a Designated Employer

Securing a job offer is the cornerstone of your application for the RCIP or FCIP. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Research Active Communities:
- Visit the websites of active communities (e.g., timminsedc.com, gotothunderbay.ca, welcometossm.com) to identify priority occupations and designated employers.
- For communities still developing their systems, check canada.ca for updates.
Identify Eligible Jobs:
- Ensure the job aligns with your work experience or, for international graduates, meets community-specific requirements (e.g., healthcare jobs like NOC 33102 for candidates with NOC 31301 experience).
- The job must be full-time, non-seasonal, and at the same or one TEER level above or below your qualifying work experience (except for NOC D jobs, which must match the occupation).
Network and Apply:
- Contact designated employers directly via their websites, job boards, or email (e.g., labourforce@cityssm.on.ca for Sault Ste. Marie, immigration@timmins.ca for Timmins).
- Tailor your resume to Canadian standards, highlighting relevant skills and experience. For guidance, refer to resources like immigrative.ca Canadian CV guide.
- Attend employer information sessions, such as those offered by Thunder Bay or Timmins, to learn about opportunities and network.
Secure the Job Offer:
- Once a designated employer offers you a job, they will provide an Offer of Employment form (IMM 0247 for RCIP or IMM 0251 for FCIP). You must sign this form and keep a copy for your application.
- The employer will submit a community recommendation application on your behalf to the community’s economic development organization.
Prepare for the Next Steps:
- If the community approves, you’ll receive a recommendation certificate to include in your permanent residence application to IRCC.
- You may be eligible for an LMIA-exempt work permit to start working while your PR application is processed. The employer must submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a $230 compliance fee.

Tips for Success

Be Proactive: Since the pilots are employer-driven, take the initiative to contact employers and follow up on applications.
Learn About the Community: Show genuine interest in living in the community by researching its culture, lifestyle, and opportunities. This can strengthen your application and interviews.
Leverage Support Services: Designated employers have access to IRCC’s Dedicated Service Channel (DSC) for immigration-related guidance, which can benefit you indirectly. Some communities also offer settlement support.
Check Priority Occupations: Ensure your skills align with the community’s priority sectors (e.g., healthcare, trades) before applying.

Need Help with Your Application?

Navigating the RCIP or FCIP can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions or need personalized guidance to prepare your permanent residence application, our team of Registered Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) is here to help. Schedule an appointment today for expert advice tailored to your unique situation.

By focusing on active communities like Timmins, Thunder Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie, aligning your skills with in-demand jobs, and staying updated on developing communities, you can take confident strides toward building a new life in one of Canada’s welcoming rural or Francophone communities. Good luck!