North Bay & Area, one of the 14 communities selected under the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), has officially launched its priority sectors and occupations list for 2025.
This marks a major opportunity for skilled foreign nationals seeking permanent residence and for employers in need of talent to fill critical labour gaps.
About the Pilot
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) was created by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help rural and smaller communities attract and retain skilled immigrants.
North Bay & Area is proud to be one of the selected communities. This employer-driven program is built to:
- Address local labour shortages
- Help employers connect with skilled talent
- Encourage long-term economic and community growth
North Bay & Area includes the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts, as well as the Town of Latchford. Through this pilot, employers can fill vacancies that cannot be met locally, and newcomers can find real opportunities to live, work, and thrive in a welcoming community.
Priority Sectors in North Bay & Area
For the 2025 intake, the following sectors have been identified as priorities:
- Business, Finance, and Administration
- Health
- Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services
- Sales and Service
- Trades and Transport
Priority Occupations and NOC Codes
Below is the approved North Bay RCIP occupations list, organized alphabetically along with each occupation’s corresponding National Occupational Classification (NOC) code:
| Occupation Code | Occupation Name |
|---|---|
| 11100 | Financial auditors and accountants |
| 11200 | Human resources professional |
| 12200 | Accounting technicians and bookkeepers |
| 13110 | Administrative assistants |
| 14201 | Banking, insurance and financial clerks |
| 14400 | Shippers & Receivers |
| 32101 | Licensed practical nurses |
| 33100 | Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient services associates |
| 33103 | Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants |
| 42201 | Social and community service workers |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants |
| 43100 | Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants |
| 44101 | Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations |
| 60010 | Corporate sales manager |
| 64314 | Hotel front desk clerks |
| 64410 | Security guards and related security service occupations |
| 72100 | Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors |
| 72106 | Welders and related machine operators |
| 72200 | Electricians |
| 72310 | Carpenters (includes apprentices) |
| 72402 | Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics |
| 72404 | Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors |
| 72410 | Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers |
| 75110 | Construction trade helpers and labourers |
Note: Fast food and retail occupations, including convenience store and gas station roles, are excluded from this pilot. The list of occupations is reviewed and updated annually.
How to Apply
The North Bay & Area RCIP is an employer-driven immigration program, meaning candidates must first secure a job offer from a designated employer within the North Bay & Area region to be considered for permanent residence through this pilot.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants:
To qualify under the North Bay & Area RCIP, candidates must:
- Receive a valid job offer from a designated employer located in North Bay, Nipissing District, Parry Sound District, or Town of Latchford
- Have at least 1 year of full-time, continuous work experience in the past 3 years
- Meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement based on the NOC of the job offer
- Hold a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential
- Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds (if applicable)
For Employers
If you’re an employer in North Bay & Area looking to hire a foreign worker:
- There is no cost to apply for employer designation
- You may apply in advance or once you’ve identified a candidate
- Applications for designation are accepted year-round
Employers will play a central role in identifying talent that meets local labour needs. This helps ensure that immigration efforts benefit both the economy and the community in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Prepare Now
While the North Bay & Area RCIP website is still under development, we encourage both potential applicants and employers to start preparing early. With the priority sectors and occupations already confirmed, this is a great time to identify opportunities and begin gathering the required documents to take part in this exciting pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
Need Help Navigating RCIP?
If you’re considering applying through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) or the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), our experienced immigration consultants at Northern Connections Canada Immigration are here to guide you.
Here’s how we can help:
Employers
Need help filling key roles in your organization? We provide recruitment support to connect you with skilled international talent. If you’re not yet a designated employer under the North Bay & Area RCIP, we can assist with your designation application and help you understand program requirements. Email us at info@nccanadaimmigration.com to get started.
Candidates
Already have a job offer from a North Bay & Area employer? We can assist with submitting a strong and compelling application ensuring all program requirements are met and your application is poised for success.
Contact us today and take the next step toward permanent residency in Canada.
Stay Updated
To stay informed about the latest developments regarding the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) or Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), including when other communities release their priority occupation lists, follow us on our social media channels:
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nccanadaimmigration?lang=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nccanadaimmigration
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaywilsoncoach/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nccanadaimmigration/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nccanadaimmigration
We post updates as soon as new information becomes available from participating communities or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The Team at Northern Connections Canada
