Thunder Bay Unveils Full List of Occupations for PR (RCIP)

Thunder Bay in Ontario have released priority sectors and eligible occupations lists under the Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).

RCIP is a federal program launched on January 30, 2025, offering skilled foreign workers a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residency (PR).

Targeting industries like health, education, trades, and more, this initiative connects designated employers with talented newcomers eager to settle in vibrant rural communities in B.C. and Ontario.

What is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a five-year, employer-driven federal program designed to bolster the economies of 14 rural Canadian communities by attracting skilled foreign workers.

Replacing the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which ended in August 2024, the RCIP aims to fill critical labour gaps while offering newcomers a chance to build a long-term future in Canada.

Thunder Bay RCIP – Full List Of 25 Eligible Occupations

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has identified five different professional groups that it will aim to target foreign recruitment for through the RCIP:

Business and Finance Administration;
Healthcare;
Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services;
Sales and Service; and
Trades, Transport, Equipment Operators, and related occupations.

The Thunder Bay CEDC will aim to recruit the following occupations within these five groups:

Sector	Job Title (NOC Code)
Business, Finance and Administration Occupations	Administrative assistants (13110)
	Financial advisors (11102)
	General office support workers (14100)
Health Occupations	Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (31204)
	Licensed practical nurses (32101)
	Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (33102)
	Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (33103)
	Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301)
Occupations in Education, Law, Social, Community and Government Services	Early childhood educators and assistants (42202)
	Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (44101)
	Social and community service workers (42201)
	Social workers (41300)
	Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (41301)
Sales and Service	Cooks (63200)
	Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations (65201)
	Food service supervisors (62020)
	Light duty cleaners (65310)
	Retail and wholesale trade managers (60020)
	Retail sales supervisors (62010)
	Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (64100)
	Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers (65102)
Trades, Transport, Equipment Operators and other related occupations	Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (72410)
	Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (72400)
	Construction trades helpers and labourers (75110)
	Heavy equipment operators (73400)

Thunder Bay Unveils Full List of Occupations for PR (RCIP)

Thunder Bay RCIP Draw Schedule

CEDC will announce draws approximately once every two months and the highest-scoring applicants in the pool will be further assessed.

Candidates and/or employers may be requested to participate in a formal interview to further assess their application.

Approximately 1/3rd of Thunder Bay RCIP Recommendation Certificates will be issued at the end of each window.

Sector targets are in place as follows:

15% for Business, Finance and Administration Occupations

30% for Health Occupations

15% for Occupations in Education, Law & Social, Community & Government Services

15% for Sales & Service Occupations

15% for Trades and Transport Occupations

10% allowance for adjustments to the above

*Tie-breaking rule: If more than one application has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time the applications were submitted (i.e. whichever was submitted first would be considered for the Recommendation Certificate).

RCIP Challenges and Considerations

While the RCIP is promising, applicants should be aware of potential challenges:

Competitive Process: Limited recommendations favour high-scoring candidates, requiring strong community ties or skills.

Employer Designation: Only designated employers can participate, which may limit job options until more businesses are approved.

Rural Adjustment: Transitioning to rural life may be challenging for those accustomed to urban amenities.

Processing Delays: IRCC backlogs could extend PR processing times, though the employer-driven model may expedite cases.

Wage Requirements: Higher minimum wages ($22–$25/hour) may exclude lower-paying roles in priority sectors.

Mitigating Challenges

Build local connections by living or working in the region before applying.
Research designated employers early via Community Futures or the forthcoming RCIP website.
Prepare financially for rural living and PR application fees (e.g., $1,365 for the principal applicant).

Other RCIP Communities and Their Progress

Now five of 14 RCIP communities, with others also releasing priority sectors and occupations.

As of April 26, 2025, the following have announced their lists:

Timmins, ON
Brandon, MB
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Thunder Bay, ON
North Okanagan-Shuswap, B.C.

Other communities, like North Bay and Claresholm, are preparing to launch their programs, with details expected soon.

Each community tailors its RCIP to local needs, but all share the goal of addressing labour shortages and fostering sustainable growth.

Tips for a Successful RCIP Application

To maximize your chances of securing PR through the North Okanagan-Shuswap RCIP, follow these expert tips:

Secure a Job Offer Early: Contact employers in priority sectors via Community Futures or the RCIP website (launching Fall 2025).

Boost Your Points: Live or work in the region for 6+ months to gain community ties, increasing your score.

Prepare Documents: Obtain language test results, ECA, and proof of funds well in advance.

Apply During Early Windows: The May 12–26, 2025, window may have less competition.mediator:

Work with an RCIC: A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant can navigate complex requirements.

Monitor Updates: Check https://gotothunderbay.ca/rural-community-immigration-pilot-rcip/ or IRCC for program changes.

By targeting high-demand fields like health, education, and trades, this pilot addresses labour shortages while offering newcomers a chance to settle in welcoming rural communities.

With clear eligibility criteria, structured intake windows, and a points-based system, the RCIP is a strategic opportunity for those ready to contribute to rural Canadian growth.

Start preparing now—secure a job offer, gather documents, and connect with Community Futures to launch your journey.

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Thunder Bay Unveils Full List of Occupations for PR (RCIP)