Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in the West Kootenay region.

West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Update

June 9, 2025: West Kootenay RCIP has launched the priority sectors and occupations. We are now accepting applications from employers to become designated. When we have a list of designated employers, we will publish it on the website. We will begin accepting applications for community recommendations in early July. The website content has been created to explain how the pilot works and answer questions, so please read through before contacting us.

The West Kootenay Region was recognized as an area that would benefit from the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and entered into a partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in early 2025. The West Kootenay region uses this pilot to strengthen local economies and support workforce development.

For more information on the benefits of immigration, please go to Immigration Matters.

Our Region

The West Kootenay is a welcoming region of over 90,000 people. Visitors come to the Kootenays in every season to experience the majestic mountains, abundant wildlife, and many beautiful lakes and rivers.

Business is alive and well in the Kootenays. Primary economic drivers are resource extraction and forestry, with agriculture, tourism, and vigorous entrepreneurial activity across many other sectors also making a considerable contribution to local economies.

Previous Successes: The West Kootenay Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot

Many lives changed forever thanks to the West Kootenay Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.  

This pilot helped over 1200 newcomers apply for their Canadian permanent residency. Additionally, over 250 West Kootenay employers used the pilot to support existing employees or hire skilled foreign workers to support their workforce needs… Read more