ABOUT US

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a community-driven program designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in the North Okanagan Shuswap region.

In the North Okanagan Shuswap region, two Community Futures offices are helping meet local labour market needs and support regional economic development with Community partners. Our goal is to create welcoming environments to support new immigrants staying in rural communities. The intention is to increase long-term retention of skilled newcomers with community based partners, federal government partners and government’s support. For a deeper understanding of the legal, ethical, and community implications surrounding the various aspects of our process, starting from the review of employer’s application to valid job offer until the review of applicant’s file for recommendation, we encourage you to read our blog posts on this link.

Community Futures North Okanagan and Community Futures Shuswap are responsible for establishing priority sectors and occupations in the Community. Only these businesses and candidates who match the criteria can apply for the pilot. The objective of recruiting skilled workers through the pilots is to align with areas of economic growth or development. Not every sector or occupation will be treated as an equal priority. These sectors are reviewed annually and may be adjusted over the next three years. Community Futures North Okanagan was awarded the agreement to offer the Pilot in February 2025 for a 3 year term, by the Government of Canada, Minister of Immigration. This region is one of the only 11 English speaking Pilot programs in Canada.

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