West Kootenay’s New Immigration Pilot Targets Skilled Workers for Rural Growth
West Kootenay in British Columbia has revealed its priority sectors and occupations for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). The program offers a pathway to permanent residence for foreign workers willing to settle in the region.
The designated area stretches from Rock Creek in the west to Yahk in the east, and from Hughes Peak in the northwest to Duncan Lake in the northeast. It includes communities such as Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kaslo, and Nakusp.
The RCIP is an employer-driven initiative designed to attract skilled workers to rural areas. To qualify, foreign nationals must secure a full-time, permanent job offer from a designated employer in one of the region’s priority sectors. These sectors include Health, Education, Sales and Service, Trades, and Manufacturing.
Each occupation has specific language requirements, typically a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 or higher. Applicants must also meet criteria such as work experience, education, and proof of settlement funds. Additionally, they need to pass health, security, and criminality checks.
Graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions in the region may qualify without prior work experience. Employers play a key role in the process, with the ability to recommend candidates based on their business size. Companies with 1 to 65 employees can recommend up to three candidates, while those with 66 or more can recommend up to six.
The RCIP aims to address labor shortages in rural communities by offering a clear route to permanent residency. Successful applicants will need to commit to living in West Kootenay while meeting all program requirements. The initiative provides both employers and foreign workers with a structured way to fill essential roles in the region.
