Moose Jaw RCIP Launch: New Pathway to Canadian PR

Moose Jaw Joins Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot: Priority Sectors & Occupations Revealed

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan has officially launched its participation in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), becoming the final of 14 communities across Canada to join this exciting pathway to permanent residence. If you’re considering making a move to a smaller Canadian city, this could be your golden ticket.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means for potential newcomers, which jobs are in demand, and how this pilot could help you build a life in one of Saskatchewan’s most charming prairie cities.

Key Highlights

• Moose Jaw is now part of Canada’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
• Only job offers in designated sectors and occupations qualify for community endorsement.
• There are specific limits and restrictions for employers and job categories.
• Applicants must meet additional eligibility criteria, including language and education requirements.
• Successful candidates may apply for permanent residence and a work permit simultaneously.
• This pilot helps address labour shortages in Moose Jaw and strengthens the local economy.

What is the RCIP?

The RCIP is an employer-driven immigration program designed to support economic development in smaller communities across Canada by attracting skilled foreign workers. Through this pathway, a candidate can gain permanent residence if they meet the program’s criteria, including securing a job offer from a designated employer in a participating community.

Moose Jaw is the latest and final city to roll out this pilot, offering new opportunities to those looking to live, work, and settle in this welcoming part of Saskatchewan.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify under the RCIP in Moose Jaw, you must:

• Have a valid job offer from a designated employer.
• Be working in one of the priority occupations listed by the community.
• Be employed within a priority sector.
• Receive a recommendation from Moose Jaw’s economic development organization.
• Meet additional eligibility criteria such as language proficiency, work experience, and education.

Let’s break down each of these components.

Moose Jaw’s Priority Sectors

Only businesses operating within these sectors can have their job offers considered under the RCIP:

• Business, finance, and administration
• Sales and service
• Trades and transport
• Manufacturing and utilities
• Education, law and social, community and government services

However, there are a few restrictions:

• Gas stations (except truck stops) and convenience stores are excluded.
• IT and web development roles are not eligible.
• Employers with fewer than 10 full-time staff in certain industries like food service, finance, and transport are limited to one recommendation per year.
• TEER 5 roles (typically lower-skilled positions) are capped at 25% of total applications per year, and each employer can only submit three TEER 5 applications per intake period.

These rules help ensure the program is filling real labour market gaps while maintaining fairness and quality job opportunities.

Moose Jaw’s Priority Occupations

To be eligible, your job must not only fall under a priority sector but also match one of the following National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes:

It’s worth noting that if you have a job in one of these occupations but your employer isn’t in a priority sector—or isn’t designated—you won’t qualify under the Moose Jaw RCIP. This dual requirement helps make sure immigration supports real local employment needs.

Other Eligibility Requirements

In addition to working in an eligible occupation and sector, applicants must also:

• Have at least one year (or 1,560 hours) of relevant work experience in the past three years, or have graduated from an eligible school in Moose Jaw.
• Meet language proficiency requirements, ranging from CLB 4 to CLB 6 depending on the occupation.
• Hold a Canadian high school diploma or higher, or an equivalent foreign credential.
• Demonstrate that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family members.

Once all these criteria are checked off, the employer submits a recommendation request to the community. If approved, the candidate can apply to the federal government for permanent residence—and even get a work permit to start working while their application is being processed.

Why the RCIP Matters for Moose Jaw

This pilot is a big deal for Moose Jaw. Like many rural and smaller cities across Canada, the community faces labour shortages in key industries. The RCIP gives local businesses a way to fill those gaps with skilled, motivated newcomers looking to build a life in Canada.

It also offers a more straightforward path to PR for foreign workers who are willing to live and contribute to a smaller, welcoming Canadian community. It’s a win-win for employers and immigrants alike.

Thinking About Immigrating to Manitoba Too?

If you’re exploring other options in the Prairies, you might also be interested in the Manitoba PNP, another excellent pathway to permanent residency in Western Canada.

Final Thoughts

Moose Jaw’s launch of the RCIP opens up exciting opportunities for skilled workers looking to settle in Saskatchewan. With clear sector and occupational priorities, plus community support, this rural immigration pilot can be a fantastic option for those seeking a balanced life outside of big city centres.

Ready to see if you qualify? Reach out to learn more, assess your eligibility, or explore similar immigration options across Canada.

Contact us today to get started on your immigration journey!