Brandon, Manitoba: Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) Eligibility, and Requirements Released!
- Chisom N.
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Canada's Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is an initiative aimed at attracting skilled workers to smaller communities, addressing labor shortages, and promoting regional economic development. Brandon, Manitoba, has been selected as one of the 14 communities participating in Canada's Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a federal initiative aimed at addressing labor shortages in rural areas by attracting skilled foreign workers. This program provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible candidates who secure employment in designated sectors within Brandon.
As of April 17, 2025, the Brandon RCIP has commenced accepting applications. However, there are currently no designated employers listed. Applicants are advised to regularly check the RCIP website for updates on designated employers.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the RCIP in Brandon, applicants must meet both federal and community-specific criteria.
📌 Federal Eligibility Criteria
Work Experience:
At least one year (1,560 hours) of continuous, paid work experience in the past three years.
The work experience must align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) of the job offer.
Unpaid or self-employed work does not qualify.
International Students:
Graduates from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in the recommending community may be exempt from the work experience requirement if:
They completed a program of at least two years, studied full-time, and obtained the credential within 18 months before applying.
They resided in the community for at least 16 of the last 24 months during their studies.
Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) based on the NOC TEER category of your job offer. Language test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.
TEER 0 or 1: CLB 6
TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5
TEER 4 or 5: CLB 4
Educational Requirements: Possess a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
Settlement Funds:
Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members upon settling in the community.
Applicants already working legally in Canada are exempt from this requirement.
Intent to Reside: Applicants must intend to live in the community participating in the pilot.
📌 Community-Specific Requirements for Brandon:
Job Offer: Secure a genuine, full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Brandon.
Employer Designation: Employers must be designated under the RCIP.
Program Exclusivity: Applicants cannot simultaneously apply for both the RCIP and the Brandon - Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Immigration Initiative (BMPNP II).
📌 Employer Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the Brandon RCIP and support a foreign worker's application for permanent residence, employers must first obtain designation from the Economic Development Brandon (EDB) office. This involves a two-step eligibility verification process:
Step 1: Confirm Employer Eligibility
The business must meet all of the following conditions:
1. Business Operations
The business must be genuine and have been in continuous and active operation under the same management for at least two years within the Brandon RCIP boundaries.
If the business recently relocated to Brandon, it must prove:
It has been actively operating elsewhere under the same management for a minimum of two years.
The relocation has made or will make a substantial contribution to Brandon's economy (evaluated on a case-by-case basis).
2. Priority Occupation & Location
The business must operate within at least one priority NOC (National Occupation Classification) listed in Brandon’s Sector and Labour Market Priorities. 15% of Brandon's allocation for 2025 will be allocated to the health sector, while the rest will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
At least 75% of business operations must be conducted within the Brandon RCIP community.
Brandon RCIP- Sector & Labour Market Priorities list
3. Compliance with IRPA/IRPR; The business must not be in violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) or the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), including the employer compliance regime.
4. Settlement Support; The employer must actively support the newcomer’s settlement in Brandon. This includes: Facilitating access to settlement/social services (e.g. Westman Immigrant Services) and encouraging social integration (e.g. attending community events together).
Step 2: Confirm Position Eligibility
The job position offered must meet all the following criteria:
a. Occupational Relevance; The position must be on Brandon’s current Sector & Labour Market Priorities list.
b. Job Structure
Full-time (minimum 30 hours/week).
Non-seasonal and indeterminate (i.e., permanent, with no end date).
Paid employment only (volunteer roles and unpaid internships are not eligible).
c. Wage; The job must offer a guaranteed wage that meets or exceeds the federal minimum wage listed on the Canada Job Bank for that specific NOC code.
d. Location; The work must be performed within the Brandon RCIP boundaries.
e. Demonstrated Labour Market Need (for vacant roles); If the job is vacant, employers must:
Prove extensive efforts to hire Canadians or Permanent Residents.
Show the length of vacancy and where/for how long the position was advertised.
Post the job on the Canada Job Bank for at least 1 month.
Provide a summary of recruitment outcomes and a screenshot of the Canada Job Bank employer page showing number of applications or a PDF summary of current matches.
Confirm that hiring a foreign worker does not displace existing employees.
✅ Note: Employers sponsoring an existing employee on temporary status (e.g., a work permit holder) for PR, Canada Job Bank advertising is not required.
Application Process
Review Eligibility: Ensure compliance with both federal and community-specific eligibility criteria.
Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a valid job offer from a designated employer in Brandon.
Community Recommendation: Apply for a community recommendation through the Brandon RCIP.
Permanent Residence Application: Upon receiving a community recommendation, submit an application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Start Your PR Journey Through Brandon RCIP
If you are a foreign worker interested in this pathway, now is the time to start gathering your documents, securing a qualifying job offer in Brandon, and preparing to meet the application requirements. If you are an employer, begin by ensuring your business and job position meet the RCIP eligibility criteria so you can support candidates through this immigration stream.
At InfoPlace Canada, we specialize in guiding both applicants and employers through the RCIP process with clarity, professionalism, and personalized support. Whether you need help assessing eligibility, preparing documentation, or navigating the recommendation and application stages, our expert team is here to assist you every step of the way.
👉 Book a Permanent Residency Consultation with InfoPlace today and let us help you make Canada your new home—or help your business grow with the right global talent. To get started, Contact us today or book a consultation directly through our website.