North Okanagan-Shuswap Unveils Priority Sectors and Occupations for RCIP: A Pathway to Permanent Residency
In April 2025, the North Okanagan-Shuswap region in British Columbia announced its priority sectors and occupations for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a federal program launched on January 30, 2025, to address labor shortages in 14 rural Canadian communities. This employer-driven initiative offers skilled foreign nationals a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR) by connecting them with designated employers in high-demand sectors. This blog explores the five priority sectors, the 25 eligible occupations with their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, and the opportunities this pilot presents for newcomers and local businesses in the North Okanagan-Shuswap region.
Priority Sectors for RCIP in North Okanagan-Shuswap
The North Okanagan-Shuswap RCIP has carefully selected five priority sectors to address local labor market needs, ensuring that only employers operating within these industries can participate. These sectors, which can be reviewed and adjusted annually, are designed to support the region’s economic growth and community development. The priority sectors are:
Healthcare – Addressing critical shortages in medical and support roles.
Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services – Supporting educational institutions, legal services, and community programs.
Sales and Service – Bolstering retail, hospitality, and customer-facing roles.
Trades and Transport – Meeting demand for skilled trades and logistics professionals.
Manufacturing and Utilities – Supporting industrial and utility operations.
These sectors encompass a wide range of businesses, but eligibility is strictly tied to the employer’s industry, not just the job’s NOC code. For example, a candidate working as an accountant (a priority NOC code) for a technology company outside these sectors would be ineligible.
Notes:
The minimum wage for restaurant and food service managers, accommodation service managers, and executive housekeepers is $25.00, while all other occupations require at least $22.00.
Food service supervisors (NOC 62020) exclude fast food restaurants and are limited to one recommendation per employer per year.
Priority NOC codes are reviewed annually, and changes may affect eligibility. For instance, NOC 62200 (Chefs) was removed from priority status as of February 26, 2024, under the predecessor Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).
How the RCIP Program Works
The RCIP is a community-driven, employer-focused pathway to permanent residency. Candidates must secure a full-time, permanent, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of the priority sectors and occupations. The North Okanagan-Shuswap region uses a point-based system, similar to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System, to evaluate candidates. Applicants are awarded points based on attributes like work experience, education, language proficiency, and community ties. Those with the highest scores (at least 50 points) are prioritized for community recommendation during monthly intake periods.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
Work Experience: At least one year (1,560 hours) of full-time work experience in the past three years, related to the job offer’s NOC TEER category (e.g., TEER 0/1 jobs require experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). International graduates from a Canadian public institution (2-year program, completed within 18 months) in the community may be exempt.
Language Proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements vary by NOC TEER level.
Education: Minimum of a secondary school diploma or equivalent foreign credential.
Financial Proof: Candidates must show sufficient funds to support themselves and their family for one year.
Intent to Reside: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intent to settle in the North Okanagan-Shuswap region, which includes the Regional District of North Okanagan, Electoral Areas C, D, E, F, and G of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the City of Salmon Arm.
Employer Designation: Employers must be designated by Community Futures North Okanagan or Shuswap, operate in a priority sector, and have been active in the community for at least two years. They must complete mandatory IRCC training, conduct 75% of their business within the community, and comply with employment standards. Designated employers can request up to six candidate recommendations per year, with priority NOC codes exempt from this cap. Additionally, “Secondary NOC codes” may be considered on a case-by-case basis for non-priority roles if deemed economically beneficial.
