The West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) helps address critical workforce needs by connecting skilled international workers with local employers in priority sectors.
Our Steering Committee meets regularly to review and select the sectors and occupations most important for regional economic growth.
Priority sectors and occupations may change in response to labour market data, employer demand, or stakeholder feedback, ensuring the pilot stays focused on the most pressing needs in our region.
Any updates to priority sectors/ occupations are submitted to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for approval. Once approved, we will publish the changes on the West Kootenay RCIP website, and share them with designated employers.
Priority Sectors
Each RCIP community is allowed to select six priority sectors (see full list). These sectors may be changed, as needed.
The West Kootenay RCIP Steering Committee has decided to prioritize the following sectors.
- Business, Finance & Administration (*new in 2026)
- Health
- Education, Law and Social, Community and Government Services
- Sales & Service (see definition) (fast food* businesses and gas stations are not eligible)
- Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operator
- Manufacturing and Utilities
If your primary business activities do not fall within one of these sectors, you are not eligible to participate in 2026.
Agriculture Sector – 2026 Update
Agriculture is an important part of the West Kootenay economy, especially in the Creston Valley, Boundary, and Slocan Valley. We recognize its value and workforce needs.
Under the federal RCIP program, communities can only select six priority sectors each year, so not all sectors can be included.
For 2026, Natural Resources and Agriculture was not selected. A key reason is that many agricultural roles are seasonal or cyclical and do not meet RCIP requirements for permanent, full-time, year-round employment.
We will review sector priorities each year and welcome ongoing input from employers.
Priority Occupations
All jobs for the West Kootenay RCIP must meet all Job Offer Requirements.
Fast food franchises (see definition), Gas Stations (see exception), and Law Firms (learn more) are not eligible for the West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot.
At least 75% of the job duties (percentage of hours worked) must be carried out within the boundaries of the West Kootenay RCIP region.
The West Kootenay RCIP has prioritized the following occupations:
| General Job Titles | NOC | TEER | CLB Level Requirement | Work Experience TEER | Additional Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accountants (new) | 11100 | 1 | 6 | 0, 1, 2, 3 | |
| Accounting Technicians & Bookkeepers | 12200 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| Administrative Assistant (new) | 13110 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Registered Nurse | 31301 | 1 | 6 | 0, 1, 2, 3 | |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 32101 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| Health Care Aides | 33102 | 3 | 5 | 1 (NOC 31301), 2, 3, 4 | There is no employer cap for this occupation |
| Social & Community Service Workers | 42201 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| Early Childhood Educators & ECE-Assistants | 42202 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | There is no employer cap for this occupation |
| Home Support Worker (new) | 44101 | 4 | 4 | 2, 3, 4 | Eligible Job Titles: Home Support Worker Note: private households are not eligible to be designated employers. |
| Retail & Wholesale Trade Manager (new) | 60020 | 0 | 6 | 0, 1, 2, 3 | |
| Restaurant & Food Service Manager (new) | 60030 | 0 | 6 | 0, 1, 2, 3 | IRCC has put a 5% cap on this NOC. |
| Chef (new) | 62200 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| Insurance Broker (new) | 63100 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Cook | 63200 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Baker | 63202 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Front Desk Agent | 64314 | 4 | 4 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Food & Beverage Server | 65200 | 5 | 4 | NOC 65200 | Work experience must be in the same NOC. IRCC has put a 5% cap on this NOC. |
| Construction Millwright & Industrial Mechanic (new) | 72400 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| Commercial Vehicle/ Automotive Service Technician (new) | 72410 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| Painters | 73112 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Transport Truck Drivers | 73300 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | 75% or more of the driving/ job duties must happen within the West Kootenay RCIP Region (see map). |
| Material Handlers | 75101 | 5 | 5 | NOC 75101 | Accepted Job Titles: 1) Forklift Operator, 2) Forklift Truck Operator, 3) Labourer-Material Handling, or 4) Material Handler-Manufacturing & Warehousing. Work experience must be in the same NOC. |
| Construction trades helpers and labourers (new) | 75110 | 5 | 4 | NOC 75110 | Work experience must be in the same NOC. |
| Operators, Food & Beverage Processing (new) | 94140 | 4 | 4 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Other Labourers, Processing, Manufacturing & Utilities | 95109 | 5 | 4 | NOC 95109 | Accepted Job Title: General Labourer – Manufacturing Work experience must be in the same NOC. |
The following occupations/NOCs that were included as priorities in 2025 have been removed. This is due to low uptake and/or because a different NOC was identified as better aligned with the goals of the Pilot:
Employers may still apply for these occupations, as well as other roles, under the Secondary NOC option. However, under the points system, candidates in Secondary NOCs must have a strong overall application to be competitive.
- 14100, General Office Worker
- 41321, Career Development Practitioners & Career Counsellors
- 65201, Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
- 65310, Light duty cleaner
- 72310, Carpenters
- 72401, Heavy duty equipment mechanics
- 75119, Other trades helpers & labourers
*Fast Food Definition
“Fast food”, as defined by West Kootenay RCIP, are national or international franchise chains or other businesses that primarily operate using a quick-service or counter-service model, where food is prepared and served quickly for takeout or dine-in, and there is limited or no table service.
This includes gas stations or convenience stores that sell hot or pre-prepared food for immediate consumption.
This definition does not include:
- Full-service restaurants, including franchise chains, that provide seated dining with waitstaff;
- Local, independently owned cafés or restaurants.