British Columbia continues to offer promising pathways for foreign nationals seeking Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. One such opportunity is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), which targets labour shortages in smaller communities while providing skilled workers a clear path to PR.
Established in 2025, the RCIP allows foreign nationals with job offers in designated sectors to secure PR, provided they meet specific work experience, language, and education requirements. In 2026, three BC regions—North Okanagan-Shuswap, Peace Liard, and West Kootenay—have announced the sectors and occupations they are prioritizing.
North Okanagan-Shuswap: Diverse Opportunities for Skilled Workers
Located in southern British Columbia, the North Okanagan-Shuswap region prioritizes six sectors under RCIP 2026:
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Health
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Education, law, social, community, and government services
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Sales and service
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Trades, transport, and equipment operators
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Manufacturing and utilities
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Business, finance, and administration (newly added in 2026)
Eligible foreign nationals with job offers in these sectors can apply through designated employers in the region. Language requirements vary by occupation type, based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels.
View North Okanagan-Shuswap designated employers
Peace Liard: Expanding Priority Sectors
The Peace Liard region, situated in northeastern BC, focuses on six sectors for worker recruitment in 2026:
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Education, law, social, community, and government services
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Trades, transport, and equipment operators
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Sales and service
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Natural resources and agriculture
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Health (new this year)
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Business, finance, and administration (new this year)
Previously, Peace Liard had prioritized the first four sectors and natural and applied sciences. The inclusion of health and business sectors demonstrates the growing demand for skilled professionals in these areas.
Check Peace Liard designated employers here
West Kootenay: Steady Demand with New Opportunities
West Kootenay, a mountainous southeastern BC region, maintains six priority sectors in 2026:
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Health
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Education, law, social, community, and government services
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Sales and service
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Trades, transport, and equipment operators
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Manufacturing and utilities
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Business, finance, and administration (new addition)
This region continues to seek foreign workers in a mix of service, technical, and administrative roles, making it an attractive option for permanent residency seekers.
Find West Kootenay designated employers
RCIP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for PR under the RCIP, candidates must:
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Hold a job offer from a designated employer in one of the priority sectors.
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Secure a community recommendation to apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Meet work experience requirements: at least one year (1,560 hours) of related experience within the last three years.
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Meet language requirements:
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TEER 0–1 jobs: CLB 6
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TEER 2–3 jobs: CLB 5
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TEER 4–5 jobs: CLB 4
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Educational credentials: Canadian or foreign equivalent, with a valid Educational Credential Assessment for foreign degrees.
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Settlement funds: Sufficient savings to support yourself and your family (from $10,507 for a single applicant to $27,806 for a family of seven).
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be complex, but ICC Immigration is committed to helping you achieve long-term success in Canada. We specialize in guiding foreign nationals through pathways like the RCIP, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other PR options.
Our services include:
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Permanent Residency Applications: Smooth processing through Express Entry, PNPs, or other PR pathways.
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Work and Study Permits: Temporary solutions to establish your career or education in Canada, leading to PR.
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Family Sponsorships: Reuniting families and securing PR status for loved ones.
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Expert Legal Advice: Professional guidance to ensure applications comply with current regulations and maximize approval chances.
Instead of relying on uncertain asylum pathways, take control of your future with stable and secure immigration options. ICC Immigration supports you at every step, whether you’re in Canada or planning your move.
Takeaway
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot offers a unique opportunity for skilled foreign nationals to settle in smaller British Columbia communities while addressing labour shortages. With regions like North Okanagan-Shuswap, Peace Liard, and West Kootenay prioritizing multiple sectors—including health, trades, education, and finance—eligible candidates can secure a pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency.
By leveraging expert guidance from ICC Immigration, you can confidently navigate the RCIP, meet all eligibility requirements, and take the first step toward a successful and stable life in Canada.
Start your PR journey today and explore the priority occupations under RCIP 2026!