Pictou County, Nova Scotia, is stepping forward with a fresh approach to building a stronger local workforce. Through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), the region is opening doors for skilled newcomers to settle in rural Canada, while helping local employers address growing labour shortages.

This initiative offers a permanent residency pathway and supports both community and business growth. It’s not just about filling positions. It’s about building lasting futures for newcomers and strengthening the fabric of rural Nova Scotia.

What Is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

RCIP is a federal program that partners with selected rural regions to attract foreign talent in line with local economic needs. Pictou County is now one of 18 communities in Canada selected to participate in this pilot.

In this region, the program is led by the Pictou County Partnership, the local economic development organization. Employers in the area can now get designated under RCIP and submit job offers for international candidates in high-demand roles. This creates a vital link between business needs and skilled global talent.

Priority Sectors and In-Demand Jobs

To participate, employers must operate within Pictou County’s designated area, including towns like New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, and Westville. The program focuses on sectors where labour shortages are pressing:

• Business, finance, and administration
• Healthcare
• Sales and service
• Skilled trades and transport
• Manufacturing and processing

Within these sectors, over 25 specific occupations are prioritized. These include:

• Software developers
• Pharmacists
• Carpenters
• Cooks
• Retail supervisors
• Plumbers
• Data analysts
• And many more…

A few NOC codes, such as restaurant managers, are capped annually to maintain balance and ensure fairness.

How Employers Can Apply for RCIP Designation

Employers interested in hiring under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot must first complete a free onboarding and intercultural competency training. Once designated, they can submit job offers and apply to recommend candidates for permanent residence.

Here’s how it works:

1. Designation: Complete the training, then apply for RCIP designation.
2. Recruitment: Offer full-time, year-round jobs to qualified international candidates.
3. Recommendation: Submit a formal candidate application during one of the scheduled intake periods.

Note: The program requires all jobs to be in Pictou County, permanent, and non-seasonal. Employers must also show proof of domestic recruitment efforts before hiring internationally.

Candidate Eligibility and Path to Permanent Residency

Foreign nationals, whether already working in Canada or applying from abroad, may qualify. Once recommended by a designated employer, they can apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

This makes RCIP a true pathway to a stable life in Canada—and a vital tool for helping smaller communities grow and thrive.

A Strategic Move for Pictou County and Canada

By launching the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, Pictou County is positioning itself as a magnet for international talent. The benefits go both ways: newcomers gain access to a permanent future in Canada, and local businesses get the skilled help they urgently need.

RCIP is more than an immigration stream—it’s a smart strategy for strengthening rural economies and enriching the Canadian experience. To learn more or begin the process, visit the Pictou County Partnership or reach out via rcip@pictoucountypartnership.com. This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger—building rural Canada, one skilled newcomer at a time.

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