RCIP regions: the 14 communities in Canada's Rural Community Immigration Pilot

If you're searching "RCIP regions," you want to know exactly which communities qualify. Here's the full list, and how the program works.

What is RCIP?

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) launched on January 30, 2025, replacing the earlier Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). It offers permanent residence to skilled workers willing to work and settle in one of 14 designated rural communities — with no Express Entry profile and no CRS score required.

The 14 RCIP communities

• Nova Scotia: Pictou County
• Ontario: North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay
• Manitoba: Steinbach, Altona/Rhineland, Brandon
• Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw
• Alberta: Claresholm
• British Columbia: West Kootenay, North Okanagan Shuswap, Peace Liard

How the pathway works

Each community is represented by a local economic development organization that identifies labour gaps, designates trustworthy employers, and recommends suitable candidates to IRCC. Your route to permanent residence is a designated job offer plus a community recommendation — not a points-based draw.

Federal fees

RCIP uses standard IRCC economic-program fees: roughly CAD 990 processing fee per adult applicant, plus a CAD 600 Right of Permanent Residence Fee per adult, paid before PR is granted. Fees are based on the rate in effect when you pay, not when you apply — always confirm current amounts before budgeting.

Check your RCIP eligibility