Want to Get your PR through RCIP?
The West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who want to live and work in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia long-term.
This program is employer-driven. That means you must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a designated local employer in a priority occupation. You also need to meet federal requirements for language ability, education, work experience, and—unless you’re already working in Canada—settlement funds. Employers, not applicants, are responsible for submitting recommendation applications. Only designated employers can submit recommendation applications.
If you’re recommended through the community, you can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
Important: Please only apply to jobs that match your skills and qualifications. Your job offer must match your work experience and language score (see our priorities page for more information). Your work experience for a TEER 5 job offer is only eligible if it is in the exact same NOC code.
Please note, with the high volume of applications, your intent to reside statement will be a significant factor in determining whether a recommendation is awarded.
Who can participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot?
People working in the West Kootenay
If you’re working full-time in a priority occupation for an employer that is eligible to become designated, you may qualify now for West Kootenay RCIP.
What to do:
- Confirm your employer is eligible to become designated.
- Check if your job meets West Kootenay RCIP criteria (NOC, TEER, wages, etc.).
- Talk to your employer about applying for a community recommendation on your behalf
If you are not eligible for RCIP in your current job
To qualify, your job must be in a priority occupation and with a designated employer. If not, switching jobs could make you eligible—but only if it’s a good long-term fit.
Please consider:
- RCIP is not meant for quick job changes just to qualify.
- Applicants should be well-matched to their new roles and committed to staying in the region.
- Ask your employer if they are willing to support your application.
Recent Graduates of Selkirk College
If you graduated from a public post-secondary school in the region, you may qualify without work experience, but you still need a full-time job offer in a priority occupation.
What to do:
- Make sure your program and length of study meet RCIP criteria.
- Look for qualifying jobs with designated employers. Or speak with a prospective employer about whether they are willing to become designated and support your application.
- Keep in mind that the exemption from the work experience requirement is only valid when your permanent residence application is submitted 18 months or less after graduation.
Tip: You still need to meet federal language and education requirements and show a real intention to stay in the region.
Note: Selkirk College is the only publicly-funded designated learning institute that offers eligible programs in the West Kootenay RCIP region.
Skilled workers outside the West Kootenay RCIP region (in Canada or abroad)
You can use RCIP to move to the West Kootenays—but only if you’re hired by a designated employer in a priority occupation.
What to do:
- Review our priority sectors and occupations.
- Apply only for jobs that you are qualified for.
- If hired, the employer will apply for a community recommendation for you.
Remember: RCIP is for people who plan to settle in the West Kootenays long-term.
Important: if you completed post-secondary education in Canada but outside the West Kootenays, your education will not make you exempt from the work experience requirement. Only those who have recently completed post-secondary education from a Designated Learning Institution within the West Kootenays are exempt from the work experience requirement.