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Brandon releases list of occupations for RCIP

As Canada reimagines its immigration priorities for 2025 and beyond, regional and community-driven pathways are gaining momentum. One such example is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a program specifically designed to address workforce gaps in small towns and cities. In a significant development, Brandon, the second-largest city in Manitoba, has officially released its first list of designated employers eligible to hire foreign workers under this pilot.

What Is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

The RCIP is part of Canada's broader effort to drive immigration beyond major urban centres and into rural and semi-urban areas where skilled labour shortages are often more pronounced. Unlike federal economic immigration programs that rely heavily on points-based systems, RCIP is employer-focused. The key criterion is a valid job offer from a designated employer within a participating community.

In return, communities are expected to support the integration and settlement of immigrants, creating a two-way commitment that benefits both newcomers and local economies.

Located in the heart of southwestern Manitoba, Brandon is a mid-sized city with a population of just over 50,000. Known for its agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare sectors, it serves as a regional hub for employment and essential services. The city’s participation in the RCIP is both timely and strategic, given its aging population and the need for skilled workers across various industries.

Brandon’s designated RCIP area spans a 25km radius that includes:

• The City of Brandon
• Surrounding areas such as Brandon Hills, Chater, Cornwallis, and Riverdale

This extended reach allows employers in both urban and rural parts of the region to participate in the pilot.

Foreign nationals who secure a valid job offer from one of these organisations may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under this pathway:

• Brandon Clinic
• Kumon Brandon
• Gateway Mechanical Services Inc.
• Glendale Industries Limited
• Keller Developments
• Koch Fertiliser Canada ULC
• Maple Leaf Foods
• Modular Industrial Structures Brandon (MISB)
• Prairie Mountain Health: Only the Brandon location is approved for RCIP
• Saputo Dairy Products Canada G.P.
• The Wellness Clinic
• Walsh Construction

This list is expected to expand, offering further opportunities for job-seeking immigrants in the months ahead.

To be eligible under the Brandon RCIP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1.A Job Offer from a Designated Employer

The offer must:

• Be full-time and non-seasonal
• Fall within Brandon’s priority occupations (specific job titles and sectors prioritised by the community)

2.Work Experience or Graduate Exemption

Applicants must have:

• Relevant work experience in the offered occupation, or
• Qualify for an exemption as an international graduate of a recognised Canadian post-secondary institution

3.Language Proficiency

Must meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements set for the job type (typically ranging from CLB 4 to CLB 6, depending on the occupation)

4.Educational Credentials

Minimum of a Canadian secondary school diploma or foreign equivalent assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

5.Settlement Funds

Proof of adequate financial resources to support the applicant and accompanying family members during the settlement process

If eligible, you’ll be considered for a Certificate of Recommendation from Brandon. This step demonstrates the community’s endorsement of your application.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.