Thunder Bay RCIP 2027: Designated Employers, Have Your Say on Labour Priorities!

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has emailed current designated employers inviting them to complete the 2027 Labour Priorities Survey for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).

The survey is open until November 25, 2026. It gives employers an opportunity to identify the occupations they need and provide feedback as CEDC prepares for 2027.

What are employers being asked?

Employers can identify up to three National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, including the job title and number of candidates required for each occupation.

The survey also asks whether employers plan to use RCIP in 2027, approximately how many candidates they expect to support, and what they have done to help workers settle and remain in the community. Employers can also suggest improvements to the administration of the program.

Why does your input matter?

Stakeholder consultation is part of the process used to establish community immigration priorities. IRCC background guidance describes using employer consultations, labour market information and economic development priorities to identify up to 25 priority occupations.

This survey is an opportunity for Thunder Bay employers to contribute to that process. CEDC states that responses will be compiled alongside labour market data and shared with its Advisory Council to inform recommendations to IRCC.

The proposed priorities are subject to IRCC review and approval. Requesting an occupation does not guarantee that it will appear on the final 2027 list.

Designated Employers: check your email and have your say

If you received CEDC’s invitation, complete the survey using the link in that email before the deadline. Identify occupations that reflect your business’s actual staffing needs, provide the requested candidate numbers, and share your experience with the program.

This is your opportunity to have your say about the labour needs RCIP should help address in Thunder Bay.

Candidates: Considering RCIP in 2027? Remind your employer

If you are a worker hoping to pursue RCIP in 2027, speak with your employer about their plans to participate. If they received the survey invitation, remind them to respond and discuss whether your occupation reflects a staffing need they wish to identify.

Employer participation helps bring local workforce needs into the consultation process. It does not replace the eligibility assessment required for an individual application.

RDS Immigration, Thunder Bay helps employers and applicants navigate RCIP, from assessing eligibility and identifying the appropriate NOC to preparing and submitting applications.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Any opinions expressed are the author’s own and do not represent the views of IRCC or Thunder Bay CEDC. Program requirements may change; obtain advice specific to your circumstances before taking action.