The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has launched the local Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and is now accepting applications.
The pilot program is designed to enhance workforce attraction and retention by providing a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled workers.
“The Thunder Bay CEDC is excited to host another immigration pilot program, building on the success of previous initiatives in attracting and retaining skilled workers in our community. Programs like this play a vital role in strengthening our local workforce,” says CEDC CEO Jamie Taylor. “This year we will see a more targeted approach and will support employers across five key sectors, including business, finance & administration, health occupations, education, law, social, community and government services, sales and service, as well as trades, transport, equipment operators, and related occupations.”
Unlike the former Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) managed by the CEDC for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new RCIP is now fully driven by employers.
Employers within the Thunder Bay CMA may apply to the CEDC for designation to use the RCIP.
This designation allows the employer to either retain a qualified foreign national already working here or recruit from within Canada or abroad.
Employers who are interested in becoming designated can review the steps on the CEDC website by clicking here.
The CEDC will review applications on a first-come, first-served basis and issue a Confirmation of Designation as well as list the employer as a RCIP Designated Employer on its website.
Prospective candidates will not apply directly to the CEDC; instead, participation is restricted to employers operating within approved sectors.
Only Designated Employers will have the ability to work with the CEDC to recommend candidates for permanent residency through RCIP.
More information on the Rural Community Immigration Pilot can be found by clicking here.
