B.C. Regions Announce 2026 RCIP Priority Occupations
Three regions in British Columbia participating in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) have confirmed the sectors and occupations they will target in 2026. The update outlines the workforce areas where foreign workers will be prioritized for permanent residence consideration.
The RCIP is a federal initiative aimed at addressing labour shortages in smaller Canadian communities while providing qualified foreign workers with a pathway to permanent resident status.
- Participating regions: North Okanagan–Shuswap, Peace Liard, and West Kootenay
- Newly added sectors include business, finance, and administration in multiple regions
- Each region has published detailed lists of priority occupations and National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes
- Job offers must come from designated employers approved under the pilot
- Wage requirements vary by community and occupation
Overview of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot
Launched in 2025, the RCIP connects rural employers facing labour gaps with foreign workers seeking permanent residence. Fourteen rural areas across Canada, excluding Quebec, participate in the program. Each region identifies sectors critical to its local economy and designates employers authorized to recruit RCIP candidates.
Applicants must secure a job offer from a designated employer and receive community endorsement before applying for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
North Okanagan–Shuswap Priorities for 2026
The North Okanagan–Shuswap region, located in British Columbia’s southern interior, has retained most of its 2025 focus areas while adding the business, finance, and administration sector. Priority sectors include health, education and social services, sales and service, trades and transport, manufacturing and utilities, and business and administration.
Among the 25 listed priority occupations are administrative officers, carpenters, early childhood educators, nurse aides, transport truck drivers, and accounting technicians. The minimum qualifying wage begins at $22 per hour, with rates varying by occupation.
The regional list of designated employers is reviewed and updated monthly to reflect evolving workforce needs.
Peace Liard Announces Updated Sector List
Peace Liard, situated in northeastern British Columbia, has also expanded its focus for 2026. Health and business-related roles have been added to its existing priorities in education and social services, trades and transportation, sales and service, and natural resources and agriculture.
The 25 priority occupations include administrative assistants, cooks, computer network technicians, social and community service workers, and transport truck drivers. Only local truck driver positions qualify under this category. Wage offers must meet or exceed Job Bank minimums for the region.
West Kootenay 2026 Focus Areas
West Kootenay, a southeastern B.C. region known for its mountainous terrain, has maintained most of its 2025 priorities while introducing the business, finance, and administration sector. The six sectors prioritized are health, education and community services, sales and service, trades and transportation, manufacturing and utilities, and business administration.
Twenty-five occupations have been identified for 2026, including chefs, licensed practical nurses, accountants, restaurant managers, and retail supervisors. Certain occupational categories require that work experience match the specific NOC code, while others restrict eligibility to designated job titles. The minimum qualifying wage is set at $21 per hour or the regional median wage, whichever is higher.
Industries such as fast-food franchises and law firms are excluded from participation, though limited exceptions apply to some gas stations within the region.
Program Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the RCIP involves meeting federal and community-specific criteria. Candidates must demonstrate at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the past three years, meet language benchmarks aligned with job classification, possess valid educational credentials, and show proof of settlement funds.
Language proficiency requirements correspond to job type: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 6 for TEER 0–1 occupations, CLB 5 for TEER 2–3, and CLB 4 for TEER 4–5. Educational credentials earned outside Canada must be supported by a recognized assessment report.
Settlement funds range from $10,507 for a single applicant to $27,806 for a family of seven. These financial thresholds ensure that newcomers can support themselves during the initial settlement period.
National Context and Relevance
Within Canada’s broader immigration strategy, the RCIP complements other regional and community-based initiatives such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. Both programs prioritize regional labour needs and place emphasis on long-term community integration.
By identifying local labour shortages and aligning immigration with economic priorities, British Columbia’s RCIP participation supports population growth and workforce stability across rural parts of the province.
Further updates on RCIP developments and regional employer designations are expected to be released throughout 2026 as communities adjust their recruitment targets based on demand.
Follow ongoing coverage of Canadian immigration news and provincial programs for verified updates on pathways to permanent residence.