Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has recently been selected as one of the 14 Canadian communities participating in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
This initiative is designed to attract skilled workers to rural areas by providing a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who meet the program’s eligibility criteria and secure job offers from designated employers in the participating communities.
It provides skilled workers with the chance to build a future in a community with key industries that contribute to its development, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
The program gives foreign workers and their families a pathway to live and work in Sault Ste. Marie and provides stability and long-term opportunities in this vibrant and growing community in Northern Ontario.
What is RCIP?
Launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a federal economic immigration initiative designed to help rural communities attract and retain skilled talent.
Through RCIP, eligible Sault Ste. Marie’s employers can:
- Hire skilled foreign workers from outside Canada for approved roles
- Support existing temporary foreign workers in obtaining permanent residency
Why Choose Sault Ste. Marie?
Sault Ste. Marie offers a unique mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for individuals and families looking for an affordable, active lifestyle. With a strong commitment to economic development, the city is eager to welcome skilled newcomers who want to live, work, and grow there.
Designated Employers in Sault Ste. Marie RCIP
Here’s a list of the current employers who are offering job opportunities through the RCIP
- Algoma Tubes Inc (Tenaris Canada)
- Meadow Park Montessori School
- Northern Power Train
- Child Care Algoma
- China Steel Inc
- Sault Ste. Marie YMCA
- JD Aero Technical Inc
- Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill
- Giovanni’s Restaurant
- OTR Engineered Solution
- Extendicare Mapleview
- Viacore
- Sault Area Hospital
- F. J. Davey Home
- Para Med
- Montanas
The list of designated employers is subject to change over time.
Employers in Sault Ste. Marie who operate within a priority sector and are looking to hire foreign nationals in eligible occupations, can apply for designation through the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, the organization responsible for overseeing the RCIP in the community.
Located in Northern Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie has been allocated 300 spots under the RCIP for 2025, offering newcomers a clear pathway to permanent residence.
Priority Sectors and Occupations in Sault Ste. Marie RCIP
A. Health Sector
- Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124) – CLB 5
- Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301) – CLB 6
- Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101) – CLB 5
- Personal Support Workers (NOC 33102) – CLB 5
B. Education, Law, Social, Community and Government Services
- Therapists in Counseling and Related Specialized Therapies (NOC 41301) – CLB 6
- Social and Community Service Workers (NOC 42201) – CLB 5
- Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202) – CLB 5
C. Sales and Services
- Food Service Supervisors (NOC 62020) – CLB 5
(Hotels and dine-in restaurants only – cap of 10; max 2 recommendations per employer) - Guest Service Supervisors (NOC 62022) – CLB 5
- Security Guard Supervisors (NOC 62029) – CLB 5
D. Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operators
- Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301) – CLB 6
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310) – CLB 6
- Drafting Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22212) – CLB 5
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22301) – CLB 5
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22310) – CLB 5
- Supervisors in Metal, Electrical, Construction Trades (NOC 72010, 72011, 72014) – CLB 5
- Machinists and Tooling Inspectors (NOC 72100) – CLB 5
- Industrial Electricians (NOC 72201) – CLB 5
- Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (NOC 72400) – CLB 5
- Aircraft Instrument and Avionics Technicians (NOC 72404) – CLB 5
- Transit Operators (NOC 73301) – CLB 4
- Trade Helpers and Labourers (NOC 75119) – CLB 4
E. Manufacturing and Utilities
- Production Workers (NOC 94107) – CLB 4
Caps and Intake Periods
The RCIP has annual caps on certain occupations to ensure a balanced intake of applications.
For example:
- Food Service Supervisor (NOC 62020): 25 annually (maximum of 2 per employer for 2025).
- Guest Service Supervisor (NOC 62022): 10 annually (hotels only).
- Security Guard Supervisor (NOC 62029): 20 annually.
Applications will be accepted during the following intake periods for 2025:
- April 27 – May 10, 2025
- May 25 – June 7, 2025
- June 22 – July 5, 2025
- July 20 – August 2, 2025
- August 17 – August 30, 2025
- September 14 – September 27, 2025
- October 12 – October 25, 2025
- November 9 – November 22, 2025
How to Apply?
The Sault Ste. Marie RCIP is an employer-driven immigration program, meaning candidates must first secure a job offer from a designated employer in Sault Ste. Marie to be considered for permanent residency through this pilot.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify under the Sault Ste. Marie RCIP, candidates must:
Receive a valid job offer from a designated employer located within Sault Ste. Marie city boundaries
Have at least 1 year of continuous, full-time 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 equivalent foreign credential (ECA required)
Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds (if applicable)
For Employers:
Employers must first apply for designation and meet the eligibility criteria set by Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. After receiving designation, they can submit community recommendation applications on behalf of foreign skilled workers.
Employer Designation Requirements:
Must be located within the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
Must have been actively operating in the city for at least two years.
Must provide documentation outlining labour needs and business operations.
Must have no outstanding compliance orders under Ontario employment or health and safety legislation.
Must not be in violation of federal immigration laws.
Job Offer Requirements:
- Must be full-time (30+ hrs/week) and permanent (not seasonal).
- Must offer a wage consistent with local standards for the occupation.
- The employer must show that the candidate is qualified to perform the job, based on past experience and interviews.
- No payment or compensation may be accepted in exchange for the job offer.
Special Provisions for Healthcare Workers and International Students
The pilot includes flexible options for:
Healthcare workers: Those with experience in NOC 31301 (Registered Nurses) may be eligible with job offers in related support roles like nurse aides (NOC 33102) or home support workers (NOC 44101).
International students: Graduates from public post-secondary institutions in the community may be exempt from the work experience requirement if they meet specific conditions, including recent graduation and minimum duration of study within Sault Ste. Marie.
Ready to Explore These Opportunities?
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 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 Sault Ste. Marie 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
