Thunder Bay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a new employer-led immigration program tailored to Thunder Bay’s Labor needs. By focusing on employer-driven recruitment, the RCIP addresses labor shortages and opens a fast track to permanent residency for skilled workers. Unlike the previous RNIP program, RCIP is employer-driven – candidates cannot apply on their own. You must obtain a qualifying job offer from a Thunder Bay employer that has received RCIP Designated Employer status. Your employer will then submit the application on your behalf to the Thunder Bay CEDC.
At RDS Immigration, our experienced Thunder Bay immigration consultants specialize in this pilot and will guide you through every step toward Canadian permanent residency.
To qualify for Thunder Bay’s RCIP, you must meet all federal pilot criteria, including the following:​
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Job Offer: A valid full-time, permanent job offer from a designated Thunder Bay employer.
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Work Experience: At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years.
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Language Ability: Proof of English or French proficiency by taking an approved language test.
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Education: A Canadian educational credential or a foreign equivalent (with an Educational Credential Assessment report).
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Settlement Funds: Sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family when you arrive.
Foreign nationals must hold a qualifying Thunder Bay job offer and meet minimum work experience, language, education, and funds requirements. RDS Immigration will review your profile carefully to ensure you meet all criteria before you apply.
How the Thunder Bay RCIP Application Works
The Thunder Bay RCIP follows a clear multi-step process:
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Employer Designation: First, a Thunder Bay business must become an RCIP-designated employer. Only designated employers can submit RCIP applications under this pilot.
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Employer Submits Your Application: Once you have an eligible job offer, the designated employer submits a Recommendation Application on your behalf to the Thunder Bay CEDC. (Candidates do not apply directly to CEDC at this stage.) At RDS Immigration, we will prepare the full application package at this stage to submit to CEDC.
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Ranking and Draws: The CEDC ranks complete applications in a candidate pool using a points-based grid (a minimum score of 50 is required). Every month, the highest-scoring applicants are selected. Top candidates may be interviewed or asked for additional information.
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Recommendation Certificate: Successful candidates receive a Thunder Bay Recommendation Certificate from the CEDC.
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Apply for Permanent Residence: With the Recommendation Certificate in hand, you can then apply to IRCC for Canadian permanent residency.
RDS Immigration can help throughout this process. We assist both you and your employer in gathering and preparing all necessary documents – from the Offer of Employment form to proofs of work experience and language results. Our team ensures your application is complete and on time for Thunder Bay’s selection draws.
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Why Thunder Bay ?
Thunder Bay’s scenic waterfront and welcoming community make the city an attractive destination for newcomers. The Thunder Bay CEDC notes that RCIP will reinforce the city’s role as an “ideal destination for newcomers to live, work, and thrive. Thunder Bay offers a high quality of life, affordable housing, excellent healthcare and education, and abundant outdoor recreation along Lake Superior. Many immigrants appreciate the city’s safe neighborhoods and strong community support. As your local Thunder Bay consultant, RDS Immigration is uniquely positioned to show you why moving to Thunder Bay is a great opportunity for you and your family.
Why Choose RDS Immigration?
Our licensed Thunder Bay immigration consultant provide personalized RCIP support:
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Local Expertise: Our consultants live and work in Thunder Bay. We understand the region’s priority occupations – from administration and finance to health and trades – and can advise on employers that fit your skills.
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Comprehensive Guidance: We help you prepare every part of the application. This includes reviewing your resume and credentials, arranging any required education assessments or language tests, and ensuring your job offer meets RCIP requirements.
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Application Support: RDS Immigration coordinates with you and your employer to complete RCIP forms accurately. We stay on top of submission deadlines and respond to any CEDC requests, reducing errors that can delay your case.
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Dedicated Advocacy: Moving to Canada is a big step. We help craft a strong settlement plan and even provide interview coaching, making you a compelling candidate. With RDS Immigration on your side, you’ll have a knowledgeable partner navigating local immigration procedures.
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Peace of Mind: Our goal is to simplify the complex. We keep you informed at every stage so you can focus on your new career in Thunder Bay rather than paperwork.
Get Started Today:
Ready to make Thunder Bay your new home? Contact RDS Immigration to book a consultation with our Thunder Bay immigration experts. We will assess your situation, answer your questions, and help you launch a successful RCIP application. Let RDS Immigration guide you through the Thunder Bay RCIP process – so you can focus on starting your life in Canada.