Peace Liard Becomes Latest BC Region to Unveil Key Jobs and Industries for Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
In a move aimed at boosting population growth and addressing labour shortages in its remote communities, Peace Liard, located in the northeastern part of British Columbia, has officially announced its priority sectors and occupations for Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
This announcement identifies the specific job roles and economic sectors that will be the focus of immigration efforts in the Peace Liard area and opens new opportunities for eligible foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency (PR) through an employer-led system.
Overview of the Peace Liard RCIP Region
The Peace Liard RCIP area includes several rural communities and municipalities such as:
- Fort St. John
- Dawson Creek
- Chetwynd
- Tumbler Ridge
- Taylor
- Pouce Coupe
- Hudson’s Hope
- Fort Nelson
Additionally, the pilot covers surrounding areas within the Peace River Regional District and Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.
These communities have been selected due to their growing need for skilled labour, especially in sectors such as natural resources, trades, and essential services.
What Is the RCIP?
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a federal initiative designed to attract and retain skilled workers in smaller and remote communities across Canada. Unlike traditional immigration streams, RCIP is employer-driven, meaning that candidates must have a valid job offer from a designated local employer to be eligible.
If approved by the community, applicants can then submit their application for PR directly to the federal government. The program also allows for a work permit application while the PR process is underway.
Peace Liard’s Top Priority Sectors for RCIP
The following five economic sectors have been highlighted as the primary focus for immigration efforts in the Peace Liard region:
- Natural Resources and Agriculture
- Natural and Applied Sciences
- Education, Law, Social and Government Services
- Sales and Service
- Trades and Transport
These industries represent both the current and long-term labour needs of the region and are critical to its economic development.
Priority Occupations for Peace Liard RCIP (2025)
Peace Liard has selected 25 National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes that are eligible for the pilot this year. Only foreign nationals with job offers in these specific occupations can apply:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Service Managers | 60031 |
| Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers | 12200 |
| Administrative Officers | 13100 |
| Air Pilots, Flight Engineers, Flying Instructors | 72600 |
| Cashiers | 65100 |
| Cleaning Supervisors | 62024 |
| Computer Network & Web Technicians | 22220 |
| Construction Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics | 72400 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Early Childhood Educators & Assistants | 42202 |
| Elementary & Secondary Teacher Assistants | 43100 |
| Food Counter Attendants & Kitchen Helpers | 65201 |
| Food Service Supervisors | 62020 |
| Food and Beverage Servers | 65200 |
| General Office Support Workers | 14100 |
| Heavy Equipment Operators | 73400 |
| Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics | 72401 |
| Hotel Front Desk Clerks | 64314 |
| Light Duty Cleaners | 65310 |
| Pharmacy Assistants & Technical Assistants | 33103 |
| Restaurant & Food Service Managers | 60030 |
| Service Station Attendants | 65101 |
| Social & Community Service Workers | 42201 |
| Store Shelf Stockers & Order Fillers | 65102 |
| User Support Technicians | 22221 |
What Applicants Need to Qualify
To be eligible for the Peace Liard RCIP, candidates must:
- Have a full-time, permanent job offer from a designated employer in the region within one of the listed occupations.
- Possess at least one year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past three years, unless they qualify for the international graduate exemption.
- Meet language requirements (CLB/NCLC 5 or higher in most cases).
- Hold a Canadian educational credential or an acceptable foreign equivalent.
- Show proof of sufficient funds to settle in the community.
Designated employers for Peace Liard have not yet been officially released, but updates are expected soon.
Why This Matters
Every community participating in RCIP selects its own priority sectors and occupations, making the program highly tailored to local needs. This is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to ensure immigration addresses regional economic gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Peace Liard’s participation in the RCIP joins a growing list of communities across Canada taking a localized, hands-on approach to immigration.
Other Participating Communities in RCIP (2025)
Peace Liard joins the following communities that have already released their sector and occupation priorities:
- Brandon, Manitoba
- Claresholm, Alberta
- North Bay, Ontario
- North Okanagan–Shuswap, British Columbia
- Pictou County, Nova Scotia
- Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
- Steinbach, Manitoba
- Timmins, Ontario
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
