• Posted 17-Jun-2025

How to Get Permanent Residency in West Kootenay Through RCIP (2025 Guide)

How to Get Permanent Residency in West Kootenay Through RCIP (2025 Guide)

If you’re currently working or studying in West Kootenay, BC — or have recently graduated from Selkirk College — the West Kootenay Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) could be your direct path to permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

This guide is for individuals already living in the area who are thinking long-term. Whether you're on a closed work permit, a postgraduate work permit, or a study permit, here's how you can leverage RCIP to settle permanently in West Kootenay.

What Is the West Kootenay RCIP?

RCIP is part of Canada’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) — a federal immigration initiative created to address labour shortages in smaller communities.

The West Kootenay RCIP is a regional version of that program. It allows designated local employers in communities like Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Rossland, and surrounding areas to hire skilled foreign workers and support their pathway to permanent residency.

Who Should Apply?

This pilot is not meant for people living outside Canada. It's designed for:

Foreign workers currently working in West Kootenay

International students who recently graduated from Selkirk College

PGWP holders looking to stay in the community

Temporary residents with job offers from eligible employers

IRCC Requirements to Qualify for PR Under RCIP

To apply for PR through the West Kootenay RCIP, applicants must meet Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) minimum eligibility criteria:

Language Test (CLB)

TEER 0–1 jobs: CLB 6+

TEER 2–3 jobs: CLB 5+

TEER 4–5 jobs: CLB 4+

Work Experience

Minimum of 1 year full-time work experience (1,560 hours) in the same NOC within the last 3 years

Exception: Selkirk College graduates applying within 18 months of graduation do not need prior work experience

Education

Canadian credential (college diploma or degree), or

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education, issued within the past 5 years

Settlement Funds

Not required if already working legally in Canada

Required only if applying from outside Canada

Status

Must have valid temporary resident status (e.g. work or study permit) at the time of application

Full List of Priority NOC Codes (2025)

To be eligible, the job must fall under a priority occupation. These occupations are based on current labour market needs in the West Kootenay region.

Health

31301 – Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses

32101 – Licensed practical nurses

33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

42201 – Social and community service workers

Education & Social Services

42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

Trades & Transport

73300 – Transport truck drivers

73401 – Material handlers

72024 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators

72310 – Carpenters

73100 – Concrete finishers

73102 – Painters and decorators

72410 – Automotive service technicians

73301 – Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors

Sales & Service (non–fast food)

62010 – Retail sales supervisors

63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale

65200 – Food and beverage servers

65201 – Food counter attendants (excluding fast food)

65310 – Light duty cleaners

65320 – Dry cleaning, laundry, and related occupations

Manufacturing & Utilities

73400 – Labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities

73403 – Other labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing

RCIP Application Process

1. Secure a job offer from a designated employer in one of the eligible NOC codes

2. Employer becomes designated (if not already)

3. Employer submits a community recommendation application on behalf of the worker

4. If approved, the worker receives a community recommendation letter

5. Use the letter to apply for permanent residence through IRCC

6. Optionally, apply for a 2-year RCIP-specific work permit if legal status needs extension while PR is in process