Maple News reports that Sault Ste. Marie has officially released its list of designated employers for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), offering new opportunities for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in Canada through employment in Northern Ontario.
The RCIP is an employer-driven immigration stream designed to address labor shortages in smaller communities across Canada. To qualify, foreign workers must receive a valid job offer from an RCIP-designated employer and meet all other program requirements. For 2025, Sault Ste. Marie has been granted 300 spots under this program.
Seventeen employers have been approved so far, spanning a wide range of sectors from manufacturing to healthcare. These include notable organizations such as Algoma Tubes Inc. (Tenaris Canada), Sault Area Hospital, JD Aero Technical Inc., and the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA. The complete list is subject to change as more employers may receive designation.
Employers can become designated if they operate within key economic sectors prioritized by the community and are approved by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. This designation enables them to support foreign hires under the RCIP, helping newcomers transition to permanent residents while also filling important local labor gaps.
The priority sectors identified by the city include healthcare, manufacturing, education, social services, trades, transport, and sales and service roles. In addition to aligning with these sectors, eligible job offers must correspond to occupations listed in the community’s priority occupation list.
This initiative reflects Sault Ste. Marie’s ongoing effort to attract and retain global talent, contribute to its economic vitality, and address workforce shortages in essential services. As immigration continues to play a pivotal role in Canada’s national strategy for growth and population sustainability, localized programs like RCIP are proving to be instrumental at the community level.
Prospective immigrants interested in the RCIP are encouraged to explore opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie and connect with designated employers actively looking to hire in priority roles. Maple News will continue to provide updates as the list of designated employers evolves and more communities participate in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot framework.