West Kootenay in British Columbia offers a golden opportunity for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence (PR) through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore priority occupations, eligible occupations, eligibility criteria, and everything you need to know to make your Canadian dream come true.

What is West Kootenay RCIP?
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a Canadian immigration program designed to address labour shortages in rural communities and provide foreign nationals with a clear path to permanent residence.

West Kootenay, located in southeastern British Columbia, is one of the designated areas for this pilot program.
This program is employer-driven, meaning applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a designated employer in a priority occupation to be eligible.

The RCIP is perfect for skilled workers who want to live in a vibrant, nature-rich area with a strong sense of community.

The West Kootenay RCIP covers a diverse area, including the charming towns of Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kaslo and Nakusp.

West Kootenay's Key Priorities for RCIP
To participate in the West Kootenay RCIP, employers must operate in one of the following priority sectors. These sectors reflect the region's highest-level labor needs:

Healthcare: Identifying the need for health care professionals and workers.

Education, Law, Social, Community and Government Services: Opportunities for educators, counsellors and public service workers.

Who is eligible for the West Kootenay RCIP?
To be eligible for the RCIP, foreign nationals must meet criteria in addition to a job offer from a designated employer.

Here is a breakdown of the eligibility requirements:

Job offer:

Must be full-time and permanent.

Must be from a designated employer in West Kootenay.
Must be related to the priority occupation (or in rare cases, a role in a priority sector).

Work Experience:

At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience in the last 3 years.

Exception: International students who graduated from an eligible regional post-secondary institution (e.g. Selkirk College) may be exempt from the work experience requirement.

Language Proficiency:
Attained CLB level of the Occupational Skills Toolkit (CLB 4 to CLB 6).
Must demonstrate progress in all four language abilities: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Education:

Have a Canadian education or foreign equivalent, as determined through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Settlement Funds:

Unless you have worked in Canada, you must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family during your stay.

Intent to reside:

You must demonstrate a genuine desire to live and work in the area.

Once an employer identifies a suitable candidate, they will make a referral to the community.

If approved, you can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Full list of eligible occupations for the West Kootenay RCIP
The RCIP prioritizes specific occupations to meet the needs of the labour market in the area.

 

Job Title NOC Code CLB Level Additional Requirements
Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers 12200 5 Must be in a priority sector.
Bakers 63202 5 Fast food businesses are not eligible.
Career Development Practitioners and Counselors (Except Education) 41321 6 None.
Carpenters 72310 5 None.
Cooks 63200 5 Fast food businesses are not eligible.
Early Childhood Educators and Assistants 42202 5 No employer cap for this occupation.
Food and Beverage Servers 65200 4 Fast food businesses are not eligible.
Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Support Occupations 65201 4 Accepted titles: Barista or Food Counter Attendant. Fast food businesses are not eligible.
Front Desk Agents 64314 4 None.
General Office Support Workers 14100 4 Must be in a priority sector.
Healthcare Aides 33102 5 No employer cap for this occupation.
Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics 72401 5 None.
Light Duty Cleaners 65310 4 Accepted titles: Housekeeping Room Attendant or Light Duty Cleaner.
Material Handlers 75101 5 Accepted titles: Forklift Operator, Forklift Truck Operator, Labourer-Material Handling, or Material Handler-Manufacturing & Warehousing.
Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities 95109 4 Accepted title: General Labourer – Manufacturing.
Other Trades Helpers & Labourers 75119 4 None.
Painters and Decorators (Except Interior Decorators) 73112 5 None.
Social and Community Service Workers 42201 5 None.
Transport Truck Drivers 73300 5 75% or more of driving/job duties must occur within the West Kootenay region.

You must demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in the area.

Once the employer identifies a suitable candidate, they will send a referral to the community.

If approved, the candidate can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).