Thunder Bay Unveils Eligible Occupations for New PR Opportunity through RCIP
The municipal government of Thunder Bay has announced eligible occupations for permanent residence (PR) upon arrival under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
Through the RCIP, foreign nationals must secure a job offer from a designated employer within Thunder Bay to apply for PR.
Targeted Sectors and Occupations
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) will prioritize recruitment in five key areas:
- Business, Finance, and Administration
- Healthcare
- Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services
- Sales and Service
- Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operations
Specific in-demand occupations include:
| Sector | Example Job Titles (NOC Code) |
|---|---|
| Business and Finance | Administrative Assistants (13110), Financial Advisors (11102) |
| Healthcare | Registered Nurses (31301), Licensed Practical Nurses (32101), Nurse Aides (33102) |
| Education, Law, Social Services | Early Childhood Educators (42202), Social Workers (41300) |
| Sales and Service | Cooks (63200), Retail Managers (60020), Food Service Supervisors (62020) |
| Trades and Transport | Heavy Equipment Operators (73400), Automotive Service Technicians (72410) |
Hiring Eligibility
Only employers designated by a recognized local organization partnered with IRCC can issue valid job offers for RCIP.
Employers may either hire qualified foreign nationals already in the community or recruit from outside Canada.
Designated employers in Thunder Bay are expected to be announced later in 2025.
Candidate Requirements
To qualify for PR through the RCIP, candidates must:
- Hold a job offer from a designated employer;
- Have one year of related work experience within the past three years;
- Meet language requirements;
- Possess a Canadian educational credential or equivalent;
- Provide proof of settlement funds.
Candidates cannot apply directly to CEDC; instead, employers submit applications on their behalf to obtain a community recommendation. Once received, candidates can proceed to apply for PR with the federal government.
Work Experience Requirements
Candidates must have work experience matching the skill level of their job offer according to the NOC TEER categories, with slight flexibility for healthcare professionals and graduates from the community.
| Job Offer TEER Level | Acceptable Work Experience |
|---|---|
| TEER 0 or 1 | TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| TEER 2 | TEER 1, 2, 3, or 4 |
| TEER 3 or 4 | TEER 2, 3, or 4 |
| TEER 5 | Same NOC 5-digit code |
Further exemptions may apply for healthcare workers and community graduates.
Thunder Bay announces eligible occupations for new PR pathway | CIC News
