Maple News reports that West Kootenay, a southeastern region in British Columbia, has officially released the list of designated employers participating in its Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), an initiative aimed at attracting skilled foreign workers to rural communities and supporting their pathway to permanent residency.
The RCIP is an employer-driven immigration program that allows foreign nationals to apply for permanent residence through job offers from approved employers in participating communities. In the case of West Kootenay, this includes towns such as Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kaslo, and Nakusp. The designated region stretches from Rock Creek in the west to Yahk in the east, and from the U.S. border up to Hughes Peak and Duncan Lake.
Eligible applicants under the RCIP must receive a genuine job offer from an employer listed as designated under this pilot and have that offer endorsed by a local economic development organization. The offered position must also align with local labour market needs under the region’s priority sectors and occupations.
The published list reveals a broad range of designated employers across key industries including healthcare, childcare, education, accommodations, food services, trades, and manufacturing. Health sector employers include Ancron Medical Services in Nelson and Castleview Care Centre in Castlegar. In childcare and education, organizations like Blueberry Creek Community School and Four Winds Daycare are participating.
The hospitality and retail sectors are well-represented, with employers such as The Adventure Hotel, Amanda’s Restaurant, and Canadian Tire among those approved. The trades sector boasts companies like Martech Electrical Systems and OK Tire, while manufacturers such as Kalesnikoff Lumber, KC Recycling, and Popov Leather have also been included.
To move forward in the program, employers must recommend their chosen foreign worker through a formal application process. Once endorsed, the foreign national can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
This initiative serves not only to address labour shortages in remote communities but also to bolster sustainable population growth in rural British Columbia. With a diverse list of employers on board and varied industries covered, West Kootenay is positioning itself as an attractive destination for immigrants looking for long-term settlement opportunities in Canada.
According to Maple News, prospects interested in the RCIP should assess the eligibility criteria, ensure their occupation falls within a priority sector, and connect with designated employers actively hiring through the program.