Thunder Bay Announces In-Demand Occupations for New Permanent Residency Pathway Under RCIP

Thunder Bay has officially revealed a new list of occupations eligible for permanent residence (PR) under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This initiative, backed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is designed to connect skilled foreign workers with high-demand jobs in smaller communities across Canada—offering a direct path to permanent residency upon arrival.

What is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

RCIP is a federal immigration program aimed at helping smaller communities tackle labour shortages. Candidates must secure a job offer from an IRCC-designated employer within the community to qualify. Once a recommendation from the community’s economic development commission is obtained, applicants can proceed with their PR application to the federal government.

Key Sectors and Eligible Occupations in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has categorized its labour market needs into five primary sectors. These sectors reflect regional demand and economic strategy, targeting essential services and skilled trades.

1. Business, Finance & Administration

• Administrative Assistants (NOC 13110)

• Financial Advisors (NOC 11102)

• General Office Support Workers (NOC 14100)

2. Healthcare Occupations

• Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)

• Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)

• Nurse Aides & Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)

• Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103)

• Kinesiologists and Therapy Professionals (NOC 31204)

3. Education, Social & Community Services

• Early Childhood Educators & Assistants (NOC 42202)

• Social Workers (NOC 41300)

• Community Service Workers (NOC 42201)

• Counselling Therapists (NOC 41301)

• Home Support Workers and Caregivers (NOC 44101)

4. Sales & Service Occupations

• Retail Salespersons & Visual Merchandisers (NOC 64100)

• Food Counter Attendants & Kitchen Helpers (NOC 65201)

• Food Service Supervisors (NOC 62020)

• Cooks (NOC 63200)

• Retail Managers (NOC 60020)

• Store Shelf Stockers (NOC 65102)

• Cleaners – Light Duty (NOC 65310)

5. Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators

• Heavy Equipment Operators (NOC 73400)

• Construction Millwrights & Mechanics (NOC 72400)

• Automotive Technicians (NOC 72410)

• Construction Labourers (NOC 75110)

Designated Employers: Who Can Offer Jobs?

To issue RCIP-eligible job offers, employers must be designated by the Thunder Bay CEDC and the IRCC. These employers may:

• Retain qualified foreign workers already living and working in the region.

• Recruit skilled international candidates to fill local labour shortages.

Note: As of now, the list of designated employers has not yet been released. Updates are expected in 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for PR Under the Thunder Bay RCIP

To apply for PR through Thunder Bay’s RCIP stream, candidates must:

• Secure a valid job offer from a designated employer.

• Have at least 1,560 hours of relevant work experience within the past three years.

• Meet minimum language proficiency through an approved language test.

• Hold a Canadian educational credential or a valid foreign equivalent.

• Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their dependents.

Important: Foreign nationals cannot apply directly to the CEDC. Their prospective employer must submit a candidate application on their behalf to receive a community recommendation.

Real-World Example: How This Pathway Impacts Skilled Workers

Case 1: Healthcare Professional from India

Priya, a licensed practical nurse from Mumbai with three years of hospital experience, secures a job offer from a Thunder Bay healthcare facility. After passing her IELTS exam and having her credentials assessed by a recognized body, her employer submits her application to the CEDC. She receives a community recommendation and applies for PR—gaining the ability to move with her family directly to Thunder Bay.

Case 2: Automotive Technician from the Philippines

John has experience working as a mechanic in Saudi Arabia and holds a Red Seal equivalent certification. A Thunder Bay auto shop offers him a full-time position. Since his job falls under TEER 2, he only needs to demonstrate one year of work experience in a relevant TEER 1–4 role. Once he fulfills the other requirements, he begins his pathway to PR under the RCIP.

Understanding NOC & TEER Levels for Eligibility

Each job offer falls under a specific Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) level. To qualify, candidates must have prior experience in jobs with corresponding skill levels.

Special exceptions apply for healthcare workers and recent graduates from within the community.

Final Thoughts: Why Thunder Bay?

Thunder Bay presents an exciting opportunity for skilled immigrants who wish to settle in a vibrant and welcoming community in Northern Ontario. With job-focused immigration, faster PR access, and growing economic prospects, RCIP participants benefit from a streamlined process and better integration into the Canadian workforce.

If you're a skilled professional looking for a permanent home in Canada, Thunder Bay’s RCIP might just be your gateway to a brighter future.