Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Launches Rural Immigration Pathway Under RCIP
The city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, has officially announced its priority sectors and occupations for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), making it the 14th and final Canadian community to roll out the program.
The RCIP is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help rural communities fill labour market shortages by connecting employers with foreign nationals who want to settle in smaller Canadian towns.
What is the RCIP and Who Can Apply?
To qualify for permanent residency through RCIP, a foreign national must:
- Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in Moose Jaw.
- The job must be in a priority sector and priority occupation (NOC code).
- Be recommended by the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce.
- Meet all federal eligibility requirements, including work experience, education, language skills, and proof of funds.
The RCIP helps employers in rural areas hire skilled workers while offering candidates a direct route to Canadian permanent residency.
Moose Jaw’s Priority Sectors for RCIP
The following sectors are considered eligible for employer designation under RCIP:
- Business, finance, and administration
- Sales and service
- Trades and transport
- Manufacturing and utilities
- Education, law, social, community, and government services
Restrictions within priority sectors:
- Gas stations (except truck stops) not eligible.
- Convenience stores not eligible.
- IT/web development jobs not eligible.
- Food service businesses with fewer than 10 employees → limited to one recommendation per year.
- Financial institutions with fewer than 10 employees → limited to one recommendation per year.
- Transport companies with fewer than 10 employees → limited to one recommendation per year.
- TEER 5 applications are capped at 25% annually across employers, with a maximum of 3 per intake period.
Moose Jaw’s Priority Occupations Under RCIP
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Accounting technicians & bookkeepers | 12200 |
| Administrative officers | 13100 |
| Agricultural & fish products inspectors | 22111 |
| Automotive parts installers & servicers | 74203 |
| Automotive service technicians | 72410 |
| Banking, insurance & financial clerks | 14201 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Construction trades helpers & labourers | 75110 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Early childhood educators & assistants | 42202 |
| Estheticians & related occupations | 63211 |
| Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers | 65201 |
| Food service supervisors | 62020 |
| Building maintenance workers | 73201 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 |
| Home support workers & caregivers | 44101 |
| Hotel front desk clerks | 64314 |
| Janitors & cleaners | 65312 / 65310 |
| Material handlers | 75101 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies & patient associates | 33102 |
| Retail salespersons | 64100 |
| Social & community service workers | 42201 |
| Supervisors, food & beverage processing | 92012 |
| Welders & machine operators | 72106 |
Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nationals
Apart from securing a job offer in a priority sector and occupation, candidates must:
- Have 1 year of relevant work experience in the last 3 years OR be a recent graduate from a local post-secondary institution.
- Meet language requirements (CLB 4–6 depending on occupation).
- Hold a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent foreign credential.
- Provide proof of sufficient settlement funds for themselves and their families.
Once approved and recommended by the community, candidates can:
- Apply for permanent residency through the federal government.
- Obtain a work permit to start working while PR is being processed.
Why Moose Jaw’s RCIP Matters
- Opens doors for foreign workers seeking PR through smaller communities.
- Gives employers access to global talent to fill local labour shortages.
- Ensures the community grows economically while prioritizing long-term settlement.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
