Your Pathway to Canada Just Expanded

Your Pathway to Canada Just Expanded

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, a picturesque city nestled along the St. Marys River, is opening its doors to skilled foreign workers through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).

Launched to bolster economic growth and address labour shortages, this initiative, managed by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, offers a pathway to permanent residency (PR) for professionals in high-demand occupations.

This program is a game-changer for individuals seeking to build a stable, prosperous life in Canada while contributing to the growth of a welcoming community.

With priority sectors like healthcare, education, sales and services, trades, and manufacturing, Sault Ste. Marie is actively seeking talent to strengthen its workforce and drive economic development.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the full list of 25 occupations, eligibility requirements, application process, and why Sault Ste. Marie is an ideal destination for immigrants.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP): An Overview

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a federal initiative designed to address labour shortages in smaller Canadian communities like Sault Ste. Marie.

By offering a pathway to permanent residency, the program attracts skilled foreign workers to fill critical roles in priority sectors.

In Sault Ste. Marie, the pilot is managed by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, which works with designated employers to match candidates with job offers.

Key Objectives of the RCIP

• • Strengthen the local workforce: Fill labour gaps in high-demand industries.
  • Support economic development: Boost the capacity of local businesses to grow and innovate.
  • Promote long-term settlement: Encourage newcomers to establish roots in Sault Ste. Marie.

How RCIP Works

To participate in the RCIP, candidates must:

1. 1. Secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in Sault Ste. Marie.

1. Meet eligibility criteria, including work experience, language proficiency, and educational requirements.
2. Obtain a community recommendation from Sault Ste. Marie, based on their job offer and ties to the community.
3. Apply for permanent residency through the pilot.

The program prioritizes occupations in 5 key sectors:

1. 1. Health,
   2. Education, law and social, community and government services
   3. Sales and service

1. Trades and transport
2. Manufacturing and utilities.

Below, we’ll explore the full list of 25 occupations eligible for the RCIP in Sault Ste. Marie.

Full List of 25 Priority Occupations for PR in Sault Ste. Marie

The RCIP in Sault Ste. Marie targets 25 occupations across four priority sectors. These roles are in high demand, offering stable, full-time employment and a clear path to permanent residency.

Below is the complete list, organized by sector, along with their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and specific requirements.

1. Health Occupations

The healthcare sector is a cornerstone of Sault Ste. Marie’s economy, with a growing need for skilled professionals to serve the community.

The following occupations are eligible:

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description
32124	Pharmacy Technician	Assists pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations.
31301	Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses	Provides direct patient care, including administering treatments and monitoring health conditions.
32101	Licensed Practical Nurses	Supports patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
33102	Personal Support Worker	Assists individuals with daily living activities, often in long-term care settings.

Special Note for Healthcare Workers: If your work experience is in NOC 31301 (Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses – TEER 1), you may qualify for a job offer in NOC 33102 (Personal Support Worker) or NOC 44101 (Home Support Worker), offering flexibility for career transitions.

2. Education, Law, and Social, Community, and Government Services

This sector includes roles that support education, community services, and social well-being. These occupations are critical for fostering a strong, inclusive community.

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description
41301	Therapists in Counseling and Related Specialized Therapies	Provides mental health support and counseling services.
42201	Social and Community Service Workers	Supports individuals and families through social programs and services.
42202	Early Childhood Educators and Assistants	Works with young children to support their development and education.

3. Sales and Services

The sales and services sector includes supervisory roles in hospitality and security, with specific caps to ensure balanced recruitment.

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description	Annual Cap
62020	Food Service Supervisor (Hotels and Dine-In Restaurants Only)	Oversees food service operations, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.	25 (Max 2 per employer)
62022	Guest Service Supervisor (Hotels Only)	Manages guest services in hotels, ensuring a positive guest experience.	10
62029	Security Guard Supervisor	Supervises security personnel to ensure safety and compliance.	20

Caps and Restrictions

• Food Service Supervisor: Limited to hotels and dine-in restaurants, with a maximum of 25 positions annually and no more than 2 per employer.
• Guest Service Supervisor: Restricted to hotels, with a cap of 10 positions annually.
• Security Guard Supervisor: Capped at 20 positions annually.

4. Trades and Transport

This sector includes highly skilled roles in engineering, construction, and transportation, reflecting Sault Ste. Marie’s industrial and infrastructural needs.

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description
21301	Mechanical Engineers	Designs and develops mechanical systems and equipment.
21310	Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Designs and tests electrical and electronic systems.
22212	Drafting Technologists and Technicians	Creates technical drawings for engineering and construction projects.
22301	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Supports mechanical engineering projects with technical expertise.
22310	Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Assists in the design and maintenance of electrical systems.
72010	Contractors and Supervisors, Machining, Metal Forming, Shaping, and Erecting Trades	Oversees machining and metalworking operations.
72011	Contractors and Supervisors, Electrical Trades and Telecommunications	Supervises electrical and telecommunications projects.
72014	Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Traders, Installers, Repairers, and Servicers	Manages various construction and installation projects.
72201	Industrial Electricians	Installs and maintains electrical systems in industrial settings.
73301	Transit Operators	Operates buses or other transit vehicles.
72100	Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors	Operates machinery to produce precision parts.
72400	Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics	Installs and maintains industrial machinery.
72404	Aircraft Instruments, Electrical, and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians, and Inspectors	Maintains aircraft systems and avionics equipment.
75119	Trade Helper and Laborers	Assists skilled tradespeople in various tasks.

5. Manufacturing and Utilities

This sector includes roles critical to Sault Ste. Marie’s industrial base, particularly in manufacturing.

NOC Code	Occupation Name	Description
94107	Production Worker	Operates machinery and performs tasks in manufacturing and production settings.

Eligibility Criteria for the RCIP in Sault Ste. Marie

To apply for permanent residency through the RCIP, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the criteria.

1. Valid Job Offer

You must have a full-time, non-seasonal, indeterminate job offer from a designated employer in Sault Ste. Marie.

The job offer must:

• Be within the Census Agglomeration 2025 boundaries of Sault Ste. Marie.
• Offer at least 30 paid hours per week (1,560 hours annually).
• Be in one of the 25 priority occupations listed above.
• Match the skill level of your work experience (based on NOC TEER categories).
• Offer a wage within the range for that occupation in Ontario, as defined by the federal government.

Designated Employers: Only employers approved by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation can make job offers.

A list of designated employers is available at Designated Employers – Welcome to SSM.

2. Work Experience

You must have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years. The experience must:

• Be at a skill level related to the NOC TEER category of your job offer.
• Include most of the main duties listed in the NOC description.

Skill Level Requirements:

• TEER 0 or 1 Job Offer: Work experience must be in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• TEER 2 Job Offer: Work experience must be in TEER 1, 2, 3, or 4.
• TEER 3 or 4 Job Offer: Work experience must be in TEER 2, 3, or 4.
• TEER 5 Job Offer: Work experience must be in the same 5-digit NOC code.

Exceptions:

• • Healthcare Workers: Registered Nurses (NOC 31301) can qualify for job offers in NOC 33102 (Personal Support Worker) or NOC 44101 (Home Support Worker).
  • International Students: If you graduated from a public post-secondary institution in Sault Ste. Marie with an eligible credential (e.g., a 2-year diploma or master’s degree), you may be exempt from the work experience requirement. See the “International Students” section below for details.

3. Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking an approved language test. The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level depends on the TEER category of your job offer:

TEER Category	Minimum CLB Level
TEER 0 or 1	CLB 6
TEER 2 or 3	CLB 5
TEER 4 or 5	CLB 4

Approved Tests:

• English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core.
• French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada.

Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of application. Keep a copy of your results for your records.

4. Educational Requirements

You must have:

• A Canadian high school diploma, or
• An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report showing that your foreign credential is equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma or higher.

The ECA report must:

• Be issued by a designated organization (e.g., World Education Services, ICAS of Canada).
• Be less than 5 years old at the time of application.

Regulated Professions:

• • Doctors (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102): Must provide an assessment from the Medical Council of Canada.

• Pharmacists (NOC 31120): Must provide an assessment from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada if a license is required (e.g., for community or hospital pharmacy roles).

5. Community Recommendation

You must receive a recommendation from the Sault Ste. Marie community, based on:

• Your intent to live in Sault Ste. Marie.
• The validity of your job offer and its alignment with priority sectors.
• Your work experience and skills.
• Your ties to the community (e.g., previous residence, family connections, or studies in Sault Ste. Marie).

Once you have a job offer, the designated employer will submit your community recommendation application to the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation for review.

7. International Students

International students who graduated from a public post-secondary institution in Sault Ste. Marie may be exempt from the work experience requirement if they meet the following criteria:

• • Eligible Credential:
    • A degree, diploma, certificate, or trade/apprenticeship credential from a 2-year or longer program, or
    • A master’s degree or higher (2 years or less).
  • Full-Time Study: Studied full-time for the entire program.
  • Recent Graduation: Obtained the credential no more than 18 months before applying for PR.
  • Community Presence:
    • For 2-year programs: Lived in Sault Ste. Marie for at least 16 of the last 24 months while studying.
    • For master’s degrees: Lived in Sault Ste. Marie for the entire duration of the program.

Exclusions: The exemption does not apply if:

• More than half of the program involved English or French language studies.
• More than half of the program was distance learning.
• You received a scholarship requiring you to return to your home country.

Application Process for the RCIP in Sault Ste. Marie

Applying for permanent residency through the RCIP involves several steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

• • Research designated employers in Sault Ste. Marie (listed at welcometossm.com).
  • Apply for jobs in one of the 25 priority occupations.
  • Ensure the job offer meets the RCIP requirements (full-time, non-seasonal, within wage range, etc.).

• The employer must co-sign the job offer and confirm your ability to perform the role based on interviews, reference checks, and work experience.

Step 2: Obtain a Community Recommendation

• The designated employer will submit your community recommendation application to the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation.
• The community will review your application based on your job offer, skills, and ties to Sault Ste. Marie.
• If approved, you’ll receive a community recommendation letter, which is required for your PR application.

Step 3: Meet Eligibility Requirements

• • Gather documentation to prove:
    • Work experience: Reference letters, pay stubs, or contracts showing 1,560 hours in the past 3 years.
    • Language proficiency: Valid test results (CELPIP, IELTS, PTE, TEF, or TCF).
    • Education: Canadian diploma or ECA report.
    • Settlement funds: Bank statements or financial documents.

• For regulated professions (e.g., doctors, pharmacists), obtain the required professional assessments.

Step 4: Submit Your PR Application

• Apply for permanent residency through the IRCC online portal during one of the 2025 intake periods (see below).
• Include your job offer, community recommendation letter, and all supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee and await processing.

2025 RCIP Intake Periods For Sault Ste. Marie

Applications are accepted during the following periods in 2025, from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM:

• • April 27 – May 10
  • May 25 – June 7
  • June 22 – July 5

• July 20 – August 2
• August 17 – August 30
• September 14 – September 27
• October 12 – October 25
• November 9 – November 22

Tip: Prepare your documents well in advance to ensure a smooth application process during these windows.

Step 5: Transition to Sault Ste. Marie

• Once your PR application is approved, you can move to Sault Ste. Marie and begin working with your employer.
• Take advantage of settlement services to integrate into the community, find housing, and access support for newcomers.

Employer Requirements for the RCIP

Designated employers in Sault Ste. Marie must meet strict criteria to participate in the RCIP.

These requirements ensure that job offers are legitimate and aligned with the community’s economic needs.

Employer Eligibility

To be designated, an employer must:

• Be located within the City of Sault Ste. Marie boundaries.
• Have been in active business for at least 2 years, with proof of operations (e.g., financial statements, tax filings).
• Provide detailed information on labour needs.
• Have no outstanding violations under the Ontario Employment Standards Act or Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Comply with the Immigration, Refugee and Protection Act (IRPA).

Job Offer Requirements

The job offer must:

• Be full-time (minimum 30 hours per week, 1,560 hours annually).
• Be permanent (non-seasonal, indeterminate duration).
• Offer a wage within the regional range for the occupation.
• Be supported by evidence that the candidate is qualified (e.g., work experience, interviews, reference checks).
• Not involve any payment in exchange for the job offer.

Employers must complete training provided by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation to participate in the pilot.

Tips for a Successful RCIP Application

To maximize your chances of success in the RCIP, follow these tips:

1. 1. Research Designated Employers: Visit welcometossm.com to identify employers offering jobs in your occupation.
   2. Prepare Documents Early: Gather work experience letters, language test results, and educational credentials well before the intake periods.

1. Network in the Community: Building ties to Sault Ste. Marie (e.g., through professional networks or community events) can strengthen your community recommendation.
2. Work with a Licensed Immigration Consultant: If needed, consult a professional to ensure your application meets all requirements.
3. Apply During Intake Periods: Mark the 2025 intake dates on your calendar and submit your application promptly.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is a golden opportunity for skilled foreign workers to achieve permanent residency in Canada.

With 25 high-demand occupations, a streamlined application process, and a welcoming community, Sault Ste. Marie offers the perfect blend of career opportunities and quality of life.

Whether you’re a registered nurse, mechanical engineer, early childhood educator, or production worker, the RCIP provides a clear path to build your future in one of Canada’s most vibrant small cities.

By securing a job offer, meeting eligibility criteria, and applying during the 2025 intake periods, you can take the first step toward a rewarding life in Sault Ste. Marie.

Don’t miss this chance to join a thriving community and contribute to its growth. Visit welcometossm.com to explore designated employers and start your journey today!

FAQs About the RCIP in Sault Ste. Marie