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City of Steinbach updates list of eligible occupations in RCIP

In a significant development for skilled foreign workers eyeing permanent residency (PR) in Canada, the City of Steinbach in Manitoba has officially announced its list of priority sectors and occupations eligible under the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This program offers a targeted pathway to PR for candidates who have a valid job offer from a designated employer within the participating community. Steinbach’s RCIP announcement not only reflects local economic needs but also signals the city’s commitment to sustainable rural development through strategic immigration.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot is a localized, employer-driven immigration pathway designed to address labour shortages in smaller and rural Canadian communities. Unlike federal streams that operate on a broader national scale, the RCIP empowers communities like Steinbach to define their economic priorities and select newcomers who align with them.

To qualify, foreign nationals must receive a job offer from a designated employer operating within the chosen priority sectors and offering employment in approved occupations. The Steinbach Economic Development (SED) office will manage the intake of applications and recommendations, acting as a liaison between local employers and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Steinbach, Manitoba’s third-largest city, lies at the heart of a rapidly developing region. The designated RCIP area includes the Rural Municipalities (RMs) of Ste. Anne, Piney, and La Broquerie, along with the urban districts of Landmark and Vita. These areas represent a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based economies, providing a diverse foundation for immigration-led growth.

Under the RCIP, Steinbach has nominated five priority economic sectors that reflect both current and projected labour market needs. These sectors are:

• Education, Law, Social, Community and Government Services
• Manufacturing and Utilities
• Health
• Sales and Service
• Trades and Transport

In-Demand occupations

The selection of occupations approved under Steinbach’s RCIP includes both professional and technical roles.

• General Practitioners (31102)
• Registered Nurses (31301)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (32101)
• Early Childhood Educators (42202)
• Nurses Aides (33102)
• Social Workers
• Law Professionals (41101)
• Welders (72106)
• Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics (72401)
• Automotive Technicians (72410)
• Database Analysts (21223)
• Business Systems Specialists (21221)
• Accounting Technicians (12200)
• Industrial Engineers (21321)
• Electrical Mechanics (72422)
• Retail Managers (60020)
• Food Service Supervisors (62020 – excluding fast food)
• Insurance Brokers (63100)

Steinbach's RCIP intake process is structured for transparency and fairness, though space is limited. The intake opens on the first of each month and closes on the 15th, or earlier if seven applications are received.

Only five recommendations will be issued per intake period. Each NOC code can only receive one recommendation per month, with a maximum of two per calendar year. Exceptions exist for high-need healthcare roles (e.g., NOC codes 31102, 31301, 32101, and 33102), which are exempt from the monthly limit.

Eligibility criteria

While having a job offer from a designated employer in a priority sector is central to the RCIP, candidates must also meet several other federal and community-specific requirements. Once these conditions are met and the SED issues a Certificate of Recommendation, the candidate can apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence.

Looking ahead

Steinbach’s launch of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot represents a thoughtful and strategic response to local labour needs and demographic realities. By prioritizing essential sectors and occupations, the community is not only filling jobs but also investing in its long-term prosperity.

As the pilot progresses, Steinbach may serve as a blueprint for other rural communities in Canada seeking to attract and retain global talent through localized immigration strategies. For skilled workers abroad looking for a pathway to Canadian permanent residency—and a welcoming community in which to build their future- Steinbach may now be one of the most promising destinations on the map.

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.