Employer and candidate requirements for Canada’s new Rural Community Immigration Pilot have been announced.
The five-year pilot, first announced in March 2024, supports skilled immigrants in contributing to the economic development of designated communities while meeting specific eligibility and program criteria.
It is one of two pilots replacing the successful Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, which expired earlier in 2024. The other is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, which has a very similar set of requirements aside from language.
Although the latest announcement does not specify which communities will participate in the pilot or list the jobs included, the program aims to make it easier for individuals to immigrate to rural Canada and strengthen local economies.
Canada plans to welcome 10,920 new immigrants through pilot programs in 2025 under its Immigration Levels Plan. These include the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, Caregiver pilots, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot and the Economic Mobility Pathways pilot.
On This Page You Will Find:
- An overview of IRCC’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot.
- Program highlights and objectives for rural economic growth.
- Applicant eligibility requirements, including work experience and language benchmarks.
- Employer responsibilities for supporting skilled immigrants.
- The role of economic development organizations in designating priority occupations.
- Practical advice for navigating the pilot as an applicant or employer.
Program Highlights
The Rural Immigration Pilot Canada is designed to:
- Address labor shortages in rural areas.
- Foster long-term community growth through strategic immigration.
- Offer pathways for skilled immigrants and international graduates to integrate into Canadian communities.
Applicant Eligibility
Status Requirements
- Applicants must have valid temporary resident status when applying and maintain this status until permanent residency is granted.
Work Experience
- Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the past three years.
- Experience must align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) requirements:
- Include actions described in the NOC lead statement and a substantial number of main duties.
- TEER-specific matching is required for job offers:
- TEER 0/1: Experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- TEER 2/3: Experience in TEER 1, 2, 3, or 4.
- TEER 4/5: Experience must match the NOC unit group.
- Nursing professionals may qualify for related occupations with specific NOC codes.
- International Graduate Exemption:
- Graduates from eligible full-time programs within the past 18 months may be exempt from the work experience requirement if the program duration and location criteria are met.
Language Proficiency
- Applicants must achieve minimum language benchmarks based on the job’s NOC TEER category:
- TEER 0/1: Benchmark 6.
- TEER 2/3: Benchmark 5.
- TEER 4/5: Benchmark 4.
- Language test results must be less than two years old.
Education
- Applicants must demonstrate completion of at least secondary school education:
- Canadian credentials: Provide a copy of the credential.
- Foreign credentials: Provide an equivalency assessment no older than five years.
Intent to Reside
- Applicants must prove their intention to live in a designated rural community.
Financial Requirements
- Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds, equivalent to half of the low-income cut-off for rural areas, as determined by Statistics Canada.
Role of Economic Development Organizations
Priority Occupations
- By March 31 each year, economic development organizations must establish a list of priority occupations to support community economic growth.
- The list is based on:
- Local labor market needs.
- Applicant qualifications such as occupation, wages, experience, education, language skills, and community ties.
Employer Designation
- Employers designated by economic development organizations must:
- Operate a genuine business active for at least two years in the community or demonstrate substantial economic contributions after relocation.
- Conduct at least 75% of business activities within the community related to priority occupations.
- Complete mandatory intercultural competency and onboarding training.
- Commit to supporting applicants and their families with settlement services.
- Comply with employment standards and occupational safety legislation.
Additional Criteria for Employers
Employers must:
- Provide genuine job offers aligned with community priority occupations.
- Facilitate newcomer integration by offering access to settlement resources and social supports.
Comprehensive Immigration Pathway
The new Rural Immigration Pilot Canada offers a comprehensive pathway for skilled immigrants and international graduates to immigrate to rural Canada while addressing critical labor shortages. This program promotes economic development and strengthens rural communities through strategic immigration. Stay tuned for updates on designated communities and priority occupations.
On This Page You Will Find:
- An overview of IRCC’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot.
- Program highlights and objectives for rural economic growth.
- Applicant eligibility requirements, including work experience and language benchmarks.
- Employer responsibilities for supporting skilled immigrants.
- The role of economic development organizations in designating priority occupations.
- Practical advice for navigating the pilot as an applicant or employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rural Immigration Pilot Canada?
The Rural Immigration Pilot Canada is a five-year initiative launched in 2024 by IRCC to address labor shortages and support economic growth in designated rural communities. It replaces the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot and provides pathways for skilled immigrants and international graduates to contribute meaningfully to these areas while integrating into Canadian society.
Who is eligible to apply for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot?
Applicants must have valid temporary resident status and meet criteria such as work experience, language proficiency, and education. They must also demonstrate their intent to reside in a designated rural community and show proof of sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families.
What are the work experience requirements for applicants?
Applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the past three years. The experience must align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and include substantial duties as described in the NOC lead statement. Specific TEER matching may apply based on the job offer.
What is the role of economic development organizations in the program?
Economic development organizations play a key role by designating priority occupations each year, identifying labor market needs, and approving employers. They ensure that the pilot meets community goals and provides opportunities for skilled immigrants that align with local economic priorities.
What are the requirements for employers under the Rural Immigration Pilot?
Employers must operate a genuine business in a designated community, complete mandatory intercultural and onboarding training, and provide settlement support for applicants and their families. They must also comply with labor and safety standards and offer job opportunities aligned with priority occupations.
Do international graduates qualify for the Rural Immigration Pilot?
Yes, international graduates from eligible full-time programs completed within the last 18 months may qualify without meeting the work experience requirement. They must meet program duration and residency conditions and provide proof of their educational credentials.
How does the program support community development?
The Rural Immigration Pilot Canada focuses on addressing rural labor shortages, fostering long-term economic growth, and creating pathways for skilled immigrants to thrive. Through collaboration between communities, employers, and immigrants, the program strengthens rural economies while integrating newcomers into Canadian society.
