Thunder Bay's RCIP Designates Employers to Hire Foreign Workers for PR
Thunder Bay's Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RCIP) has designated local businesses and organizations to hire foreign workers in specific occupations, although the exact employers are not publicly listed. Foreign nationals seeking permanent residence (PR) must secure an offer up from these approved employers.
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) targets five professional groups for recruitment: Business and Finance Administration, Healthcare, Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services, Sales and Service, and Trades, Transport, Equipment Operators, and related occupations. Eligible job titles range from administrative assistants and financial advisors to nurses, educators, social workers, cooks, and retail salespersons.
To qualify for PR, foreign nationals must have a qualifying job offer corresponding to specified skill levels based on the NOC TEER level. They must also demonstrate relevant work experience, language abilities, possess a Canadian educational credential or equivalent, and show proof of sufficient funds. Special exemptions apply to healthcare workers and those who studied and graduated in the community where their job and job offer are located. Only designated employers credentialed by an IRCC-partnered community economic development organization may issue RCIP-eligible job offers.
The Thunder Bay municipal government has announced eligible occupations for PR on arrival through the RCIP. Foreign nationals must secure a job offer from approved employers, who must submit a candidate application to the CEDC for a community recommendation. The RCIP aims to address labour market needs and support community economic development in Thunder Bay.
