The West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a unique pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who want to live and work long-term in the beautiful West Kootenay region of British Columbia.
This employer-driven program connects international talent with local employers in key sectors, strengthening the local economy and community.
Table of Contents
How the West Kootenay RCIP Works
To participate in RCIP:
- You must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a designated employer.
- The job must be in a priority occupation and meet federal and regional wage and work criteria.
- The employer, not the applicant, submits the community recommendation application.
- If recommended, you may then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Who Can Participate?
1. Skilled Workers in the West Kootenay
If you’re already working full-time in a priority occupation:
- Confirm your employer is eligible for designation.
- Check job criteria (NOC, TEER, wages, etc.).
- Talk to your employer about supporting your application.
2. Recent Graduates of Selkirk College
Graduates may be exempt from the work experience requirement if:
- Your program was eligible and completed within 18 months.
- You have a full-time job offer in a priority occupation.
Note: Selkirk College is the only public Designated Learning Institution in the region.
3. Skilled Workers Outside the Region (in Canada or Abroad)
You may qualify if:
- You are hired by a designated employer in a priority occupation.
- You meet all federal and regional requirements.
How to Become a Designated Employer
Step 1: Check Employer Eligibility
To qualify, your business or organization must:
- Be operating in the West Kootenay RCIP region.
- Operate in one of the West Kootenay Priority Sectors.
- Have labor needs in a West Kootenay Priority Occupation.
- Have been in continuous, active operation under the same management for at least 2 years.
- Be in good standing with employment standards, health and safety laws, and federal immigration regulations.
- Be seeking to hire full-time, non-seasonal workers (30+ hours/week).
- Be able and willing to support newcomer settlement.
Step 2: Contact West Kootenay RCIP
- Confirm eligibility.
- Gain access to required training and designation application.
Step 3: Complete Mandatory Training
- Intercultural Competency Training (IRCC)
- IRCC Employer Onboarding Training
Step 4: Submit Employer Designation Application
Include:
- Business details (CRA number, NAICS code, address)
- Labor needs (job titles, NOC/TEER codes, wages)
- Proof of business history
- Recruitment efforts
- Training certificates
- Settlement support plans
Step 5: Await Assessment
- West Kootenay RCIP will review your application.
- You may be asked for more information.
- If approved, you’ll receive designation status.
Maintaining Designated Status
- Notify RCIP of business or employment changes.
- Submit accurate recommendation applications.
- Undergo annual reviews, which may include site visits.
Priority Sectors
- Health
- Education, Law, Social, and Community Services
- Sales & Service (excluding fast food businesses)
- Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operation
- Manufacturing and Utilities
Ineligible Sectors:
- Business, Finance & Administration
- Natural & Applied Sciences
- Arts, Culture, Recreation & Sport
- Natural Resources, Agriculture & Related
Priority Occupations
| General Job Title | NOC | TEER | CLB | Work Experience TEER | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technicians & Bookkeepers | 12200 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | Must be in priority sector |
| General Office Support Workers | 14100 | 4 | 4 | 2, 3, 4 | Must be in priority sector |
| Health Care Aides | 33102 | 3 | 5 | 1 (NOC 31301), 2, 3, 4 | No employer cap |
| Career Development Practitioners & Counsellors | 41321 | 1 | 6 | 0, 1, 2, 3 | |
| Social & Community Service Workers | 42201 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| Early Childhood Educators & Assistants | 42202 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | No employer cap |
| Cooks | 63200 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Bakers | 63202 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Front Desk Agents | 64314 | 4 | 4 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Food & Beverage Servers | 65200 | 5 | 4 | 5 (same NOC) | |
| Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers | 65201 | 5 | 4 | 5 (same NOC) | Barista, Food Counter Attendant only |
| Light Duty Cleaners | 65310 | 5 | 4 | 5 (same NOC) | Housekeeping Room Attendant or Light Duty Cleaner |
| Carpenters | 72310 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics | 72401 | 2 | 5 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | |
| Painters | 73112 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | |
| Transport Truck Drivers | 73300 | 3 | 5 | 2, 3, 4 | 75% duties in region |
| Material Handlers | 75101 | 5 | 5 | 5 (same NOC) | Forklift Operator, Labourer-Manufacturing |
| Trades Helpers & Labourers | 75119 | 5 | 4 | 5 (same NOC) | |
| Labourers, Processing, Manufacturing | 95109 | 5 | 4 | 5 (same NOC) | General Labourer – Manufacturing |
Job Offer Requirements
- Must be full-time (30+ hours/week)
- Non-seasonal
- Indeterminate (no end date)
- Within RCIP region boundaries
- At a similar skill level as the candidate’s work experience
Wage Requirements
Federal Wage Criteria:
- Wage must match or exceed Job Bank average for that NOC in the region
West Kootenay Wage Rule:
- All offers must be at least $20/hour or Job Bank average—whichever is higher
Employer Caps
- 1–65 employees: Max 3 recommendations/year
- 66+ employees: Max 6 recommendations/year
- No cap for Health Care Aides and Early Childhood Educators
Work Experience Requirements
- 1 year full-time (1,560 hours) in last 3 years
- Paid work only
- Match the job offer’s TEER level
- Duties must match the NOC
- No volunteer or unpaid internships
- No self-employment (except licensed medical professionals)
Work Experience Exemptions
For local graduates only:
- Must have studied full-time
- Graduated within 18 months
- Lived in the region for required time
- Eligible institutions: Selkirk College only
Not eligible if:
- Program was over 50% online
- Focused on language learning
- Two separate one-year programs
- You are required to return home due to sponsorship
Proof of Work Experience
Provide:
- Reference letters: job title, duties, hours, salary, company info, signed
- If unavailable: job offers, pay stubs, contracts, tax docs
Intent to Reside
- Must be sincere, region-specific, and clearly demonstrate long-term plans
How to Apply
- Secure a job offer in a priority occupation
- Ensure employer is designated
- Employer submits recommendation application
- Apply to IRCC if recommended