Q: Can I apply for RCIP if I live outside of Canada?
A: Yes, candidates can apply from outside of Canada.
Q: Is there a wage requirement?
A: Yes, the community wage requirement is set at $22 unless otherwise specified.
Q: How long does it take to be recommended?
A: The time it takes to process an application depends on when the candidate applies, if the application is complete, and where they rank in the candidate pool.
Q: How long does it take to be approved for Permanent Residence?
A: IRCC’s processing time is unclear at this point. Contact IRCC for more details.
Q: Where can I find the Designated Employer List?
A: The Designated Employer list can be found under the Resources and Policies tab on this website.
Q: How do I find an eligible job?
A: Individuals are required to find suitable employment on their own. The RCIP team does not assist with finding employment.
Q: My NOC is prioritized but my employer’s sector is not. Am I eligible?
A: No. Only those who have an eligible job offer from an employer in a prioritized sector can apply.
Q: Can I apply for recommendation if my NOC code is not prioritized?
A: Yes, in some cases individuals can apply for recommendation with what we call a “Secondary NOC Code.” These codes are not prioritized but can be considered on a case-by-case basis as long as the job offer is from a designated employer.
Q: How can I get an RCIP work permit?
A: RCIP work permit are only available to those who have received a community recommendation and have applied to IRCC for permanent residence.
Q: Is the RCIP work permit open or closed?
A: The RCIP work permit is an employer specific (closed) work permit that can be valid for up to 2 years.
Q: Can my spouse receive a work permit as well?
A: Yes. The spouse of a principal applicant can receive a regionally specific open work permit as long as they apply after the principal applicant has submitted their RCIP permanent resident application.
Q: If I already have a job, can I apply or do I need to get a new employer?
A: If the employer is designated by the community, the individual can submit a recommendation application via their employer even if they are currently working for them. RCIP can be utilized to retain someone in their current position or to recruit someone for a vacancy.