Steinbach Launches Rural Immigration Pilot with List of Official Employers
Manitoba City Opens Doors to Foreign Talent Through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
In a move to boost local workforce capacity and attract skilled foreign workers, Steinbach, Manitoba has officially revealed its list of designated employers under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This step is crucial for foreign nationals seeking a pathway to permanent residence (PR) in Canada through employment in rural areas.
The RCIP is an employer-led immigration stream that allows smaller communities to attract and retain global talent by offering a streamlined route to PR for foreign workers with in-demand skills and valid job offers.
Designated Region Includes Key Rural & Urban Areas
Steinbach is Manitoba’s third-largest city and is spearheading this initiative in collaboration with surrounding communities. The designated region for the pilot includes:
- Rural Municipalities: Ste. Anne, Piney, La Broquerie
- Urban Districts: Landmark, Vita
This regional approach ensures that multiple communities facing similar labour shortages can benefit from skilled immigration.
List of Steinbach’s Approved Employers Under RCIP
The following employers have been officially designated under the RCIP in Steinbach:
- Co-Care Health Group Inc.
- C.P. Loewen Enterprises Ltd. (Loewen Windows & Doors)
- Imperial Metal Industries
- Kinder Korner Early Learning Centre Inc.
- Nickel Communications (Rogers)
- Westland Insurance
These businesses operate across critical sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, childcare, telecommunications, and insurance—industries that are currently experiencing significant labour shortages.
How the RCIP Works in Steinbach
To qualify under Steinbach’s RCIP, candidates must:
- Receive a valid job offer from one of the designated employers
- Be employed in one of the community’s priority occupations
- Meet federal eligibility criteria, including:
- Relevant work experience
- Minimum education requirements
- Language proficiency
- Settlement funds
Once a job offer is secured, the employer must submit a recommendation request to the Steinbach Economic Development (SED) office during the monthly intake window.
Monthly Intake Period:
- From the 1st business day of the month at 9:00 AM
- Until the 15th of the month at 5:00 PM
- OR when 7 applications are received (whichever is first)
Note: Only 5 recommendations will be processed monthly by SED.
The first intake window opens from June 2 to June 15, 2025.
Next Steps for Candidates
If the employer’s application is approved, the worker will receive a community recommendation certificate, which can then be used to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
Additionally, successful applicants are eligible for a 2-year work permit, allowing them to live and work in the community while their PR application is under review.
What is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?
The RCIP is a national initiative designed to attract skilled foreign workers to smaller, rural communities across Canada. It aims to:
- Address ongoing labour shortages
- Promote regional economic development
- Encourage long-term settlement in rural areas
A total of 14 communities are part of the RCIP. So far, Steinbach joins other participating cities like:
- Timmins, Ontario
- Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
As more communities reveal their designated employers, the RCIP continues to emerge as a game-changing immigration stream for newcomers looking to settle beyond Canada’s major urban centres.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
