Maple News reports that Claresholm, Alberta, has released its updated Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) priorities for 2026, adding one new priority sector, eight new occupations, and new designated employers. Under RCIP, foreign nationals with a job offer from a Claresholm-designated employer in a priority sector or occupation may pursue permanent residence, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Claresholm lies in southern Alberta, about 1.5 hours from Calgary, and the RCIP boundary encompasses a 25-kilometre radius that includes the communities of Granum and Stavely.
For 2026, Claresholm is prioritizing recruitment across six sectors: Health; Manufacturing and utilities; Trades, transport and equipment operators; Education, law and social, community and government services; Natural resources and agriculture; and Sales and service. Within these sectors, priority is reflected in the RCIP candidate-scoring system, with higher-priority sectors receiving more weight.
The town maintains its annual RCIP allocation at 30 for 2026. Three allocations are issued each month, with intake periods running from the first day of each month to the second-last Tuesday of that month. Notably, 2025 featured five sectors; the 2026 update adds trades, transport and equipment operators as a new prioritized sector, expanding opportunities for applicants in this field. The Sales and service sector is capped at six allocations for the year.
Claresholm also lists 25 prioritized occupations for 2026, eight of which are newly added. Applicants who hold a job offer in one of these occupations will receive priority consideration during the RCIP candidate selection process.
Prospective applicants should ensure they have a job offer from a Claresholm-designated employer in a priority sector or occupation and meet all other eligibility requirements before pursuing RCIP permanent residence. Maple News will continue to monitor RCIP updates and report on any further changes.