British Columbia's West Kootenay region announces eligible employers for the rural program granting permanent residence
The West Kootenay region, located in south eastern British Columbia, has been designated as a area for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This pilot program aims to attract and retain skilled foreign workers to the region, particularly in priority occupations.
To be eligible for the RCIP, a foreign national must have a job offer from a designated employer within the West Kootenay area. A number of employers in various sectors across the region have been designated, including A3 Plumbing in Nelson, Ace Couriers in Castlegar/ Grand Forks, Babe's Automotive in Slocan, BC ECO Industrial Services in Nelson, Castle Fuels in Grand Forks, Martech Electrical Systems in Castlegar, Marwest Industries Ltd. in Castlegar, Mercer Forestry Services, Kalesnikoff Lumber, Thrums, Kalesnikoff Mass Timber in Castlegar, KC Recycling in Trail, Nelson Naturals in Nelson, Popov Leather in Nelson, Spearhead in Nelson, Treasure Life Flour Mills in Creston, and many more.
The job offer must fall within a priority occupation. Applicants must also meet the RCIP's other eligibility criteria, such as having at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the last three years (unless exempted as an international graduate). They must also demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying family members during the settlement process.
Employees who are authorized to apply for the West Kootenay-RCIP are typically those involved in regional community investment programs or related administrative roles, but specific eligibility criteria depend on the organization's internal policies.
Applicants must hold a Canadian secondary school educational credential or an equivalent foreign qualification. They must also meet the language proficiency standards set for the program. International graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions in the region may be exempt from the work experience requirement.
Once a foreign national receives a successful recommendation, they can then apply to the federal government for Permanent Residency (PR). The employer must submit a recommendation application through the appropriate community. If approved, the employer will receive a confirmation of endorsement, which the foreign national can use to support their PR application.
The West Kootenay RCIP area extends from the northwestern boundary around Hughes Peak, to the northeast around Duncan Lake, and runs along the US border from Rock Creek on the West to Yahk on the East. Communities within the area include Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kaslo, and Nakusp.
The RCIP is an employer-focused pathway to permanent residency in Canada, aimed at supporting rural and remote communities by attracting and retaining skilled workers. For more information, visit the official RCIP website.
