In a decisive step to attract global talent and support its regional workforce needs, Thunder Bay, a city in Ontario, has officially launched a new immigration initiative under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This program offers a fast-track route to permanent residency (PR) for foreign professionals who secure employment with approved local businesses.
With Canada continuing to emphasize regional growth through immigration, Thunder Bay’s participation in the RCIP is set to connect skilled workers to vital job opportunities across multiple industries within the city.
Also Read Thunder Bay Opens Doors to Skilled Immigrants Through New PR Pathway Under RCIP
What is the Thunder Bay RCIP and Who Can Apply?
The RCIP is a community-driven immigration program designed to help smaller municipalities benefit from skilled international workers. Unlike traditional immigration pathways, RCIP is tailored to meet specific local labour demands.
To qualify for PR under this pilot, candidates must:
Secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in Thunder Bay;
- Have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the past three years;
- Meet language proficiency standards through approved testing;
- Possess a Canadian or equivalent foreign educational credential;
- Provide proof of funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members.
Importantly, individuals cannot self-apply directly to the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC). Instead, employers must initiate the process by submitting a recommendation request on behalf of the candidate.
Key Occupations Targeted for Recruitment
Thunder Bay’s CEDC has highlighted five sectors facing labour shortages and is actively seeking international talent in the following areas:
1. Business & Financial Administration
- Financial Advisors
- Administrative Assistants
- General Office Support Workers
2. Healthcare
- Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Nurse Aides and Patient Service Associates
- Pharmacy Assistants
- Kinesiologists
3. Education, Social Services, and Government
- Early Childhood Educators
- Social Workers
- Home Support Workers and Caregivers
- Counsellors and Therapists
- Community Service Workers
4. Sales and Service
- Cooks and Food Service Supervisors
- Retail Managers and Sales Supervisors
- Cleaners, Kitchen Helpers, and Store Clerks
5. Skilled Trades & Transport
- Automotive and Heavy Equipment Technicians
- Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics
- Construction Labourers
- Heavy Equipment Operators
This curated list reflects industries where Thunder Bay is seeing persistent skills gaps, and the RCIP offers a long-term solution to fill those roles with qualified immigrants.
How Work Experience and Skill Level Match Up
Eligibility for this immigration pathway hinges on how closely a candidate’s background aligns with the offered job. The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system’s TEER levels are used to match candidates appropriately.
For example:
- A job at TEER 0 or 1 requires experience at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- TEER 5 roles require experience in the exact same 5-digit NOC code.
Healthcare professionals and international graduates who studied in Thunder Bay may benefit from relaxed requirements under certain exemptions.
Designated Employers Yet to Be Confirmed
As of now, Thunder Bay’s CEDC has not published the list of designated employers authorized to participate in the RCIP. These employers will be crucial to the program, as they are the only entities permitted to issue eligible job offers. The CEDC has indicated that these details will be released later in 2025.
Designated employers can either retain skilled foreign workers who are already in Thunder Bay or hire international talent to fill in-demand roles from abroad or elsewhere in Canada.
A Pathway to Prosperity for Communities and Newcomers
Thunder Bay’s RCIP initiative is more than just a policy change—it’s a long-term vision for inclusive growth. It gives newcomers a structured and secure way to settle permanently in Canada while helping local businesses thrive by addressing talent shortages head-on.
As more information becomes available, including the list of participating employers, Thunder Bay is expected to become an increasingly attractive destination for foreign workers looking to build a new life in Canada.
