In a landmark move, the City of Greater Sudbury has officially launched two new immigration pilot programs: the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). These programs, backed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), are designed to help local employers bring in skilled international talent in critical industries.

Following the end of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) in 2024, which welcomed over 2,700 newcomers, the city is doubling down on workforce-focused immigration. Mayor Paul Lefebvre shared that Sudbury is now one of just two Canadian cities selected to host both RCIP and FCIP initiatives, highlighting the city’s growing importance in Canada’s long-term immigration planning.

Why Greater Sudbury Needs RCIP and FCIP

Sudbury’s economy is powered by sectors that need specialized labour. But local talent alone is not enough to meet this demand. To address this, city officials collaborated with over 300 employers, workforce agencies, and Francophone community leaders to assess labour gaps.

The result: five priority sectors were identified for each immigration stream, ensuring that only those hiring for in-demand occupations are eligible for designation under these pilots.

RCIP Priority Sectors

• Natural and applied sciences
• Health care
• Education, law, social and community services
• Skilled trades and transport
• Agriculture and natural resources

FCIP Priority Sectors

• Business, finance, and administration
• Health care
• Education, law, social and community services
• Arts, culture, and recreation
• Skilled trades and transport

Employers operating within these sectors—and located within the program’s geographical boundaries can apply to become designated participants.

How the Programs Will Work

These immigration pilots aren’t open to just anyone. Each follows a different selection process:

• RCIP (Rural Community Immigration Pilot) will operate on a points-based draw system. Candidates who meet eligibility and score the highest will receive an invitation.
• FCIP (Francophone Community Immigration Pilot) will use a first-come, first-served model, giving Francophone talent the opportunity to apply quickly for community recommendation.

In 2025 alone, 525 RCIP allocations and 45 FCIP allocations have already been assigned to Greater Sudbury. This number is expected to rise as employer interest and local needs continue to grow.

Both programs are being overseen by the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC), with input from local employers, colleges, and Francophone organizations. These bodies will ensure that the selection process is fair, transparent, and aligned with regional priorities.

What This Means for Employers and Newcomers

The RCIP and FCIP streams are more than just immigration channels—they’re tools for economic growth.

Local companies facing difficulty filling specialized roles will now have a supported, streamlined process to hire skilled newcomers. And for immigrants looking to settle in smaller communities with real job opportunities, Greater Sudbury is now on the map.

According to Shari Lichterman, Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Greater Sudbury, these initiatives are crucial for ensuring long-term economic stability and keeping the region competitive.

“These immigration streams will directly support industries that form the backbone of our economy,” she said.

The Future of Canada Immigration Lies in Smaller Cities

Canada immigration is no longer just about big cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Programs like RCIP and FCIP demonstrate how smaller regions like Greater Sudbury are stepping up to lead immigration at the community level.

For employers looking to become designated under these programs or for skilled workers interested in applying, full program details are available at investsudbury.ca.

With the RCIP and FCIP now in place, Greater Sudbury is positioned to become a beacon of opportunity for skilled newcomers and a powerful example of how targeted immigration can benefit smaller Canadian communities.

RCIP and FCIP Signal a New Era for Canada Immigration

The launch of the RCIP and FCIP pilots in Greater Sudbury is a major step in Canada’s evolving immigration strategy. These targeted programs don’t just support labour market needs—they create lasting pathways for newcomers to build a life in welcoming, opportunity-rich communities. For those watching the next steps in Canadian immigration, all eyes are now on Sudbury.

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