Two Canadian communities—Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario and Brandon in Manitoba—have recently announced their priority sectors under the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a federal initiative launched in January 2025 to facilitate permanent residency for skilled workers in rural areas.
Sault Ste. Marie: Priority Sectors for 2025
Sault Ste. Marie has been allocated 300 RCIP spots for 2025 and has identified the following priority sectors:
Education, Law & Social, Community & Government Services
Healthcare
Sales & Service
Manufacturing & Utilities
Trades & Transport
While specific in-demand occupations have not yet been detailed, these sectors reflect the city’s focus on essential services and skilled trades to support regional development.
Brandon: Priority Sectors and Occupations for 2025
Brandon has been allocated 180 RCIP spots for 2025, with 15% dedicated to the healthcare sector. The city has specified priority sectors and corresponding occupations, along with their National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes and minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements:
Education, Law & Social, Community & Government Services:
Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202) – CLB 5
Healthcare:
- – Dentists (NOC 31110) – CLB 6
- – General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102) – CLB 6
- – Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101) – CLB 5
- – Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102) – CLB 5
- – Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301) – CLB 6
- – Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (NOC 31100) – CLB 6
- – Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101) – CLB 6
Brandon’s emphasis on healthcare and early childhood education highlights the city’s commitment to strengthening essential community services.
About the RCIP
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence in Canada. To be eligible, candidates must secure a job offer from a designated employer approved by an economic development organization in a participating community. The program aims to attract skilled workers to rural areas facing labor shortages, supporting regional economic growth.
