Timmins, a city located in Northern Ontario, has taken a major step toward welcoming new immigrants. It has become the first community in Canada to reveal its list of high-priority occupations and sectors under two brand-new immigration programs: the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). These programs offer exciting opportunities for skilled foreign workers to become Canadian permanent residents.
The Immigration Professional is here to guide you through these new immigration pathways and help you determine your eligibility. BooK Your Canadian immigration Consultation today.
What Are the RCIP and FCIP?
Launched on January 30, 2025, the RCIP and FCIP are two new pilot programs aimed at addressing critical labour shortages in Canada’s rural and francophone communities.
- RCIP (Rural Community Immigration Pilot): Designed for foreign workers who have experience in high-demand occupations and want to live and work in small, rural communities across Canada.
- FCIP (Francophone Community Immigration Pilot): Targets skilled workers who have French language proficiency and an offer of employment in selected francophone communities.
These programs allow eligible workers to apply for Canadian permanent residency and obtain LMIA-exempt work permits.
Timmins Sets the Standard: First to Release Priority Occupations
Timmins is one of only a few communities participating in both the RCIP and FCIP programs. It is also the first to publish the priority occupations and sectors eligible under these pathways. These occupations are in high demand in the region, and candidates with job offers in these areas will have a higher chance of receiving nominations for PR.
Priority Sectors in Timmins (For Both RCIP and FCIP)
- Health
- Education, Law, Social, Community and Government Services
- Trades and Transport (Excluding Dispatchers and Taxi Drivers)
- Natural Resources and Agriculture
- Business, Finance, and Administration
Priority Occupations for RCIP in Timmins
Below are the priority jobs under the RCIP. If you have experience in any of these, you’re on the right track for a successful PR application:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Accounting technicians and bookkeepers | 12200 |
| Administrative officers | 13100 |
| Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32104 |
| Automotive service technicians and repairers | 72410 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 |
| Heavy equipment operators | 73400 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 |
| Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses | 31301 |
| Social and community service workers | 42201 |
| Welders and machine operators | 72106 |
| …and many more |
Priority Occupations for FCIP in Timmins
Candidates applying under the FCIP must meet French language requirements and have job offers in the following occupations:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
| Administrative assistants | 13110 |
| Legal administrative assistants | 13111 |
| Elementary and kindergarten teachers | 41221 |
| Nurse aides and patient service associates | 33102 |
| Specialized livestock workers | 84120 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 |
| Transport truck drivers | 73300 |
| Underground miners | 83100 |
| …and many more |
Why Are These Occupations Important?
Only employers in these sectors and occupations will be allowed to hire foreign workers under the RCIP and FCIP programs in Timmins. These employers must first become officially designated by the local economic development organization.
This designation process ensures that the employer’s job offer meets local economic needs and provides long-term benefits to the region.
How These Programs Work
If you want to immigrate through RCIP or FCIP in Timmins:
- Job Offer: You must receive a genuine job offer from a designated employer in one of the approved occupations.
- Meet Eligibility Requirements: Including work experience, education, language proficiency, and proof of funds.
- Community Endorsement: The local economic development office will review your application and may recommend you for permanent residence.
- Apply for PR: Once endorsed, you can apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
What Is the Role of the Designated Employer?
A designated employer is a company or business approved by the community to hire foreign workers through the RCIP or FCIP. To qualify, employers must:
- Operate in one of the listed priority sectors.
- Offer genuine, full-time employment.
- Show efforts to hire locally first.
Timmins has stated that a full list of designated employers will be published soon, giving candidates a clearer path forward.
What’s Next for Other Communities?
While Timmins is the first to publish its list, many other communities in Canada are also participating in the RCIP and FCIP. These communities will be releasing their own lists of designated employers, occupations, and sectors in the near future.
The Immigration Professional will continue to monitor updates and help you stay informed. BooK Your Canadian immigration Consultation today to find out how we can assist with your application.
