Sault Ste Marie, Brandon name key jobs for PR pathway launch

Two more Canadian cities have announced which jobs they want to prioritize for permanent residency under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). Sault Ste. Marie in Northern Ontario and Brandon in Manitoba have released the details this week. These cities are offering job opportunities to people who want to live and work in smaller communities.

Sault Ste. Marie’s Job Focus

Sault Ste. Marie listed five major work sectors that will get special attention in 2025. These sectors include education, law and social services, healthcare, manufacturing and utilities, sales, and trades and transport. However, the city has not yet named the exact job roles. Sault Ste. Marie has received 300 PR spots under this program for the year.

Brandon’s Detailed List of Jobs

Brandon has not only named the key sectors but also listed specific jobs, language score needs, and job codes.

Here are some important roles Brandon is focusing on:

• Education and Services: Early childhood educators.
  
• Healthcare: Dentists, nurses, doctors, and support staff.
  
• Manufacturing: Butchers and meat cutters.
  
• Engineering and Tech: Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and tech support.
  
• Trades and Transport: Carpenters, plumbers, welders, painters, and equipment mechanics.
  

Each job has a required minimum English level, ranging from CLB 4 to 6, depending on the role. Brandon has been given 180 PR slots for 2025. The city said that 15% of those will go to healthcare workers. The rest will be open for other jobs listed above. Applications will be processed in the order they are received.

What Does RCIP Mean for Job Seekers?

RCIP is a special immigration program started this year. It helps smaller towns in Canada bring in workers to fill job gaps. To qualify, a person needs a job offer from a business approved by the town’s economic development team. But not all employers can take part. Only those working in the chosen sectors will likely get approved. That means candidates must have work experience in those jobs.

Even though the job sectors are announced, Sault Ste. Marie and Brandon have not shared the names of approved employers yet. More updates are expected soon.

Recently, the town of Timmins became the first to publish its full list of jobs and sectors. In total, 14 towns are part of this new RCIP program. More communities are expected to release their lists soon.

RCIP Program Basics

RCIP is a five-year program. It aims to bring new people to smaller towns across Canada who are ready to live and work there. The program helps local businesses find the workers they need.

To apply, candidates must:

• Have work experience,
  
• Meet education and language requirements,
  
• Show proof of funds,
  
• Have a job offer in a listed community, and
  
• Plan to live in that community long-term.
  

People already in Canada need to have valid temporary status when applying and keep it until they become permanent residents. Since RCIP has a yearly limit, it’s best to apply early.