Peace Liard RCIP Update: BC Lists In-Demand Jobs for PNP

Peace Liard, BC Announces In-Demand Occupations for Rural Immigration Pilot

If you’re dreaming of settling in a peaceful corner of British Columbia with a strong community spirit and job opportunities to match, here’s some great news! The Peace Liard region has just revealed its list of high-demand sectors and occupations for Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This employer-driven pathway to permanent residence is opening new doors for skilled workers ready to contribute to rural communities.

Key Highlights

• Peace Liard region in northeastern BC is now participating in the RCIP
• Includes communities like Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and Fort Nelson
• Five key sectors and 25 occupations have been prioritized
• Job offers must be full-time, permanent, and from designated employers
• Eligible applicants can apply directly for permanent residence
• RCIP supports the growth of rural Canadian communities

Where is the Peace Liard Region?

Located in the northeast corner of British Columbia, the Peace Liard region is known for its natural beauty, resource-rich economy, and welcoming communities. The RCIP region spans several communities, including:

• Fort St. John
• Dawson Creek
• Chetwynd
• Tumbler Ridge
• Taylor
• Pouce Coupe
• Hudson’s Hope
• Fort Nelson

It also includes the surrounding rural parts of the Peace River Regional District and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. These areas are eager to attract skilled workers who want to build a life in one of Canada’s lesser-known yet opportunity-rich regions.

What is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

The RCIP is a new permanent residence pathway designed to help rural communities fill local labour shortages. It’s employer-driven, meaning foreign nationals need a job offer from an approved local employer to be eligible. Once you’re endorsed by the community, you can submit your application to the federal government for permanent residence.

To qualify, applicants must meet a few other requirements too — we’ll cover those shortly. First, let’s take a look at the areas of work that Peace Liard is prioritizing this year.

Peace Liard’s Priority Sectors

The Peace Liard region has identified five priority sectors that reflect local employment needs. If you have skills or experience in any of these industries, you’re off to a great start:

• Natural resources and agriculture
• Natural and applied sciences
• Education, law, social, community and government services
• Sales and service
• Trades and transport

These sectors support everything from the energy industry to early childhood education and transportation — all vital to keeping Peace Liard’s rural economy thriving.

List of In-Demand Occupations in Peace Liard

Along with sector priorities, Peace Liard has published a list of 25 specific occupations. These are tied to Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes. Here’s the full list:

What Makes These Priorities So Important?

Each RCIP community — including Peace Liard — updates its list of five key sectors and 25 in-demand occupations every year. Only employers who operate within these areas can become designated to hire through the RCIP. This ensures the pilot is focused on the unique needs of each rural economy.

Job offers must be permanent, full-time, and directly tied to one of the listed occupations. This isn’t a short-term solution — RCIP is about building lasting roots in these communities and helping them grow sustainably.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

Aside from having a valid job offer from a designated employer in a priority occupation, candidates must also meet the following criteria:

• Have at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience in the last three years, or qualify as an international graduate in Canada
• Meet required language levels depending on the job level (CLB/NCLC scores)
• Hold a Canadian education credential or a recognized foreign equivalent
• Show proof of funds to support your move and settlement in the community

Once approved by the local RCIP community, applicants can then apply for permanent residence with the federal government. You may also be eligible for a work permit while your PR application is being processed.

Other Participating Communities

Peace Liard is just one of several regions across Canada taking part in the RCIP. Other communities that have already announced their priority occupations include:

• Brandon and Steinbach, Manitoba
• Claresholm, Alberta
• North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and Thunder Bay, Ontario
• North Okanagan-Shuswap, BC
• Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Each area has its own set of needs and opportunities, so it’s worth exploring which community aligns best with your background and goals.

Final Thoughts

The Peace Liard region’s participation in the RCIP is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers looking to build a life in a beautiful and welcoming part of British Columbia. With a wide range of occupations in demand — from cooks and early childhood educators to pilots and IT support — there’s something for many different skillsets.

If you’re thinking about making the move to Canada and want to explore your options for permanent residence, the RCIP might just be your perfect fit.

Want to see if you qualify? Assess your eligibility for the RCIP and start planning your journey to rural Canada today!