North Okanagan-Shuswap Unveils 2025 RCIP Strategy to Fill Labour Gaps
The North Okanagan-Shuswap region has outlined its strategy for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in 2025. Communities can select up to five sectors, with five intake windows planned and recommendation meetings in between. The RCIP offers a path to permanent residency for foreign nationals with job offers in select rural communities.
The region has published a list of 25 eligible occupations, ranging from Accounting technicians to Administrative assistants. The minimum wage for most roles is $22, with $25 for certain managerial positions. North Okanagan-Shuswap's priority sectors include Health, Education, and Law, among others. Employers must adhere to recommendation caps for certain occupations, such as Accommodation service managers (2). Other municipalities in the region, like Vernon and Salmon Arm, have also published their priority lists.
To reside and work in the region, candidates must have a valid job offer and meet additional eligibility criteria, including scoring at least 50 points through the region's point system. The RCIP is a federal employer-driven pilot pathway designed to address labour shortages in participating communities. Only employers in priority sectors and occupations can become designated employers and participate in the RCIP.
The North Okanagan-Shuswap region's RCIP strategy for 2025 aims to attract foreign nationals to fill labour shortages in priority sectors. With five intake windows and clear eligibility criteria, the program offers a route to permanent residency for those with job offers in the region's selected occupations.
