Rural Community Immigration Pilot

Who can apply

To apply for permanent residence through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), you must:

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a Canadian immigration initiative launched in early 2025. It offers a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers aiming to live and work in rural and remote communities across Canada. This program succeeds the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which concluded on August 31, 2024.

Who can apply

To apply for permanent residence through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), you must:
  • What counts as related work experience?Your work experience must
    • be at a skill level related to the NOC TEER category of your job offer
    • include the actions listed in the description of your NOC
    • include most of the main duties
    My job offer is TEER 0 or 1Your work experience must be in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
    My job offer is TEER 2Your work experience must be in TEER 1, 2, 3 or 4.
    My job offer is TEER 3 or 4Your work experience must be in TEER 2, 3 or 4.
    My job offer is TEER 5Your work experience must be in the same 5 digit NOC code
    Exception for healthcare workers
    • If your work experience is in NOC 31301 (Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses – TEER 1), you can have a job offer in one of the following occupation categories:
      • NOC 33102 (TEER 3): Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates or
      • NOC 44101 (TEER 4): Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations
    Work experience exemption if you studied and graduated in the communityYou don’t need to meet the work experience requirement if you’re an international student who graduated from a public post-secondary school in the community with
    an eligible credential in a program of 2 years or longer and you
    • studied full-time for the entire program
    • got your credential no more than 18 months before applying for permanent residence
    • were in the community for at least 16 of the last 24 months while studying
    a master’s degree or higher that took 2 years or less and you
    • studied full-time for your entire degree
    • got your degree no more than 18 months before applying for permanent residence
    • were in the community for the length of your studies
    This exemption does not apply to international graduates if your credential is from a program where
    • studying English or French made up more than half of the program
    • distance learning made up more than half of the program
    • you received a scholarship or fellowship that requires you to return to your home country to use what you learned
    What is an eligible credential?An eligible credential means a degree, diploma, certificate, trade or apprenticeship credential from a publicly funded Canadian post-secondary institution in the recommending community.
  • What counts as a Canadian educational credential or the foreign equivalent?
    For education in Canada A Canadian educational credential is a
    • Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma
    • recognized Canadian post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree
    For education outside of Canada An educational credential assessment (ECA) report that
    • is less than 5 years old on the date you apply
    • shows you completed a foreign credential equal to a Canadian secondary school diploma or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree

📝 Language Assessment

Article 1: Why Language Testing Matters for Canadian PR

Canada’s immigration programs, including the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, require you to prove your ability to communicate in English or French. Your language skills help ensure you can adapt to life and work in Canada. Your job offer type determines the minimum required language level, measured by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French. You’ll need to meet the benchmark in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

🎯 Article 2: Approved Language Testing Agencies

To prove your language proficiency, you must take a test from one of these approved agencies: English:
  • IELTS General Training (not academic)
  • CELPIP General Test
French:
  • TEF Canada
  • TCF Canada
Ensure the test you choose is for immigration purposes. Tests taken for academic or general interest purposes won’t be accepted.

💳 Article 3: Booking Your Test and Paying the Fees

Here’s how to get started with your language test:
  1. Choose the agency and preferred test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF).
  2. Book your slot online or at a test center near you.
  3. Pay the fee, which typically ranges between $250–$350 CAD, depending on the test and location.
  4. Prepare in advance, as your score plays a key role in your PR application.
Once you receive your test results, keep a digital copy ready to upload with your permanent residence application.

📊 Minimum Scores Needed

The minimum score you need depends on the NOC TEER category of your job offer:
  • TEER 0 or 1: CLB 6
  • TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5
  • TEER 4 or 5: CLB 4

🔍 How to Find Your Language Level Based on Test Results

Use your test results to find your CLB/NCLC level in the table below:    

Language Proficiency Breakdown for Canadian Immigration

CELPIP
IELTS
PTE Core
TEF Canada
TCF Canada

CELPIP (General) CLB Level Breakdown

NCLC Level Reading Writing Listening Speaking
10 10 10 10 10
9 9 9 9 9
8 8 8 8 8
7 7 7 7 7
6 6 6 6 6
5 5 5 5 5
4 4 4 4 4

IELTS (General Training) CLB Level Breakdown

NCLC Level Reading Writing Listening Speaking
10 8.0 7.5 8.5 7.5
9 7.0 7.0 8.0 7.0
8 6.5 6.5 7.5 6.5
7 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
6 5.0 5.5 5.5 5.5
5 4.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
4 3.5 4.0 4.5 4.0

PTE Core CLB Level Breakdown

NCLC Level Reading Writing Listening Speaking
10 88-90 90 89-90 89-90
9 78-87 88-89 82-88 84-88
8 69-77 79-87 71-81 76-83
7 60-68 69-78 60-70 68-75
6 51-59 60-68 50-59 59-67
5 42-50 51-59 39-49 51-58
4 33-41 41-50 28-38 42-50

TEF Canada CLB Level Breakdown

NCLC Level Reading Writing Listening Speaking
10 546-699 16-20 546-699 16-20
9 503-545 14-15 503-545 14-15
8 462-502 12-13 462-502 12-13
7 434-461 10-11 434-461 10-11
6 393-433 7-9 393-433 7-9
5 352-392 6 352-392 6
4 306-351 4-5 306-351 4-5

TCF Canada CLB Level Breakdown

NCLC Level Reading Writing Listening Speaking
10 549-699 16-20 549-699 16-20
9 524-548 14-15 523-548 14-15
8 499-523 12-13 503-522 12-13
7 453-498 10-11 458-502 10-11
6 406-452 7-9 398-457 7-9
5 375-405 6 369-397 6
4 342-374 4-5 331-368 4-5
 

📄 What to Include in Your Application

If you meet the minimum score in all 4 abilities, include a copy of the test results with your application. These results must be less than 2 years old when you apply. Keep a copy of them for your records and future use.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Guide
What is an ECA?
Why You Need an ECA
How to Get Your ECA

What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a process that verifies whether your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is equivalent to Canadian education standards. The ECA is crucial for individuals applying for permanent residence through immigration programs like the Express Entry System or the Rural Community Immigration Pilot.

The ECA ensures that your educational credentials meet Canadian requirements and helps determine whether you qualify for additional points in your application under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Why You Need an ECA for Canadian PR

If you earned your education outside of Canada, you’ll need an ECA to:

  • Verify the validity of your degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • Compare your credentials to Canadian standards.
  • Earn extra points in your PR application, especially for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Without an ECA, your foreign education won’t be considered in your application. This step is essential for any immigration program that requires education as a factor for eligibility.

How to Get Your ECA

To complete the ECA process, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a Designated Organization: The World Education Services (WES), IQAS, and others are authorized to assess your credentials.
  2. Submit Your Documents: Provide transcripts, diplomas, and any other required documentation to the organization.
  3. Pay the Fees: The cost for an ECA typically ranges from $200–$300 CAD.
  4. Wait for Your Report: It usually takes around 6-8 weeks for your report to be ready.

Once you receive the ECA report, you can include it in your permanent residence application.

Who can assess your credential

You need to use one of these designated organizations to get an assessment for immigration:

Regulated jobs that need a special assessment

Professional bodies regulate certain jobs and industries in Canada. It’s your responsibility to determine if your job is regulated in Canada.

If you want to work in one of these jobs and have credentials from another country, you need their assessment before you can work:

Architects (NOC 21200)

If you need a licence to practise, you must provide an assessment from the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) (professional body for architects designated on May 20, 2024) if:

  • Your primary occupation is architect (NOC code 21200)
  • You need a license to practise

For example, you would need a license if you are:

  • Using the architect title
  • Responsible for the design and construction of homes or buildings

If you don’t need a license in your position, one of the other designated organizations can assess your credentials. For example, you may not need a license to work as a project manager at a construction firm.

Note: If your primary occupation is Architect (NOC 21200), and you already have an ECA that was issued by another designated organization before October 31, 2024, we will still accept it if it is valid.

Contact the regulatory body in the province where you plan to live to find out if you need a licence to practice your intended occupation.

Doctors (NOC 31100, NOC 31101 or NOC 31102)

If your primary occupation is as a specialist in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100), a specialist in surgery (NOC 31101), or general practitioner/family physician (NOC 31102), you must provide an assessment from the Medical Council of Canada (professional body for doctors) for your primary medical diploma.

If you have a different primary occupation, another designated organization can provide your assessment.

Pharmacists (NOC 31120)

If you need a licence to practise, you must provide your assessment from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) (professional body for pharmacists).

For example, you would need a licence if you were caring for patients in a:

  • Community pharmacy
  • Hospital pharmacy
  • Long-term care facility
  • Other practice settings

If you don’t need a licence, one of the other designated organizations can assess your credentials. For example, you may not need a licence to work in the pharmaceutical industry or in a government job where you need a pharmacy degree for the job, but don’t need a licence to practise pharmacy.

Settlement Funds

To apply for permanent residence through this pilot, you need to prove you can support yourself and your family after you get to Canada.

Your proof can be 1 or more of the following:

  • Bank account statements
  • Bank drafts
  • Cheques
  • Money orders

You need to make sure your money is available:

  • When you apply
  • When we issue your permanent resident visa (if we approve your application)

How much money you need

First, you need to calculate your family size. You must include:

  • Yourself
  • Your spouse or common-law partner
  • Your dependent children
  • Your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children

Include your spouse or common-law partner and all dependent children, even if they’re:

  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Not coming to Canada with you

Minimum amount of money you need to immigrate to Canada based on the size of your family

Updated Sep 17, 2024

Number of Family Members Funds You Need (in Canadian Dollars)
1 $7,963
2 $9,692
3 $12,069
4 $15,056
5 $17,145
6 $19,015
7 $20,884
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member, add $1,869

Get a Job Offer

Before you apply for permanent residence through this pilot, you need a job offer.

Each community has designated certain employers to make job offers. Check their website to see the list of designated employers.

Choose a Rural Community

Choose a Rural Community

Get a community recommendation

Once you have a valid job offer from a designated employer, they will send your community recommendation application directly to the community for review.

Communities will check to make sure:

  • Your job is in a priority sector or occupation and the offer is real.
  • You meet all the requirements for the pilot.

If the community decides to recommend you, you can then apply for permanent residence.

Apply for permanent residence

After you’ve received a community recommendation, you can apply online for permanent residence.

  1. Create an account or sign in

    You must apply online using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal.

    Apply using the PR Portal
If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

If you (or your representative) can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for a disability, you may ask for an alternate format.

After we review your request, we’ll send you the application package in one of these formats:

  • paper
  • braille
  • large print
How to request another format
  1. Open a new email.
  2. In the subject line of your email, include
    • the format you need (paper, braille, or large print)
    • the application package you want
  3. In the body of your email, include
    • your full name as shown on your passport
    • the full name of your anchor person in Canada
    • a statement explaining that you’re asking for an alternate format
    • if you want the application in English or French
    • how we should send it to you (by email or regular mail)
      • Include your email address if you want us to send it electronically so you can print it yourself. This will save you the time it would take to mail it.
      • Include your mailing address if you want it mailed to you.
  4. Send your email to IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.

We will only reply to requests for alternate formats. We won’t reply to any other emails.

After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.

How to submit your application
  • Fill out and sign any paper forms.
  • Return the application by mail or courier to the mailing address provided in our instructions.

For more information about applying with an alternate format, call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).

If you’re getting help with your application from someone else

You can ask someone to help you with your immigration application.

There are special requirements depending on what kind of help you’re getting:

If you’re using a paid immigration representative

Paid immigration representatives need to be authorized.

If you want to use a paid representative, you must

A paid representative can fill out forms and communicate with us for you through their own account. They can also

  • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
  • answer questions about the forms

They can’t

  • open a portal account on your behalf
  • electronically sign the application for you
  • sign in to the portal using your username and password

After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.

You don’t need to hire a representative. Using one will not draw special attention to your application and doesn’t mean we’ll approve it.

If you’re using an unpaid representative

Unpaid representatives don’t need to be authorized or certified. They can be

  • family members
  • friends
  • anyone else who doesn’t charge you a fee

If you want to use an unpaid representative, you must

An unpaid representative can

  • open an account for you
  • fill out forms for you
  • communicate with us for you
  • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
  • answer questions about immigration forms

They can’t electronically sign the application for you.

After you read the declaration, you must be the one to type your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed” according to Canada’s immigration law.

If you’re getting help from someone who isn’t a representative

You don’t need to tell us that you’re getting help from someone as long as they don’t

  • advise you on which program to apply for
  • complete or update your application as you
  • act as you when dealing with us

They can help you

  • use our website to find information
  • access a computer, scanner or printer
  • navigate our portals and accounts
  • view and open electronic forms
  • download/upload documents
  • get your documents translated
  • make travel plans

  1. Get your forms and documents ready

    You must use the document checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.

    Make sure you

    • fill out each form completely
    • answer all questions truthfully
    • sign all forms
Get your documents translated if they’re not in English or French

Each supporting document that isn’t in English or French must have 4 parts:

  1. a copy of the original document
  2. a certified copy of the original
    1. This means it’s been signed or stamped by the translator.
  3. a translation of the original
  4. an affidavit stating that the translation is true and accurate
    1. You don’t need an affidavit if your translator is certified.
Who can translate documents?
  • A translator certified by a professional association
    • Their certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp that shows the translator’s membership number.
  • A person who is fluent in both languages (English or French and the language of the document)
    • These translators need to sign an affidavit in front of an authorized person swearing their translation is true and accurate.
Who can’t translate documents?
  • Your family members
  • Your immigration representative or consultant

Forms you’ll fill out in the portal

You’ll fill out these digital forms inside the portal (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older):

PDF forms you’ll upload

PDF forms you’ll sign and upload, if they apply to you

Other documents you’ll upload

  • What your work experience should include

    This proof should include

    • a copy of your most recent work permit in Canada, if you have one
    • employer reference letters for the jobs that you are counting as part of your work experience, which include
      • specific period of your employment (to/from dates)
      • description of your main responsibilities and duties
      • the corresponding NOC code (if known)
      • your total annual salary and benefits
      • the number of hours you worked per week
      • your employer’s name, signature, full address, telephone number and email address (if applicable)
      • Copies of your T4 tax information slips and your Notice of Assessment (if applicable)
    • work contracts
    • pay stubs
  • Requirements for passports and travel documents

    You must hold a valid regular passport. It can’t be a diplomatic, official, service or public affairs passport.

    Include a scan of your passport pages which show

    • the passport number
    • date of issue and expiry
    • the photo, name, date and place of birth
    • pages showing any changes to the name, date of birth, expiration, etc.
    If you aren’t living in the country on your passport

    Include a scanned copy of your visa for the country you’re living in.

  • Requirements for identity and civil status documents

    You must provide the following documents for you and your spouse or common-law partner:

    • birth certificates
    • legal documents showing name or date of birth changes (if applicable)
    • marriage certificate(s), final divorce or annulment certificate(s)
      • If you have been married more than once, include certificates from each marriage and divorce or annulment you, your spouse or common-law partner have had.
    • death certificate for former spouse(s) or common-law partner(s) (if applicable)
    • national IDs, family/household registry/book (if applicable)
    If you have a common-law partner

    Fill out and upload the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409). You need to prove you’ve been living with your partner for at least 1 year consecutively. You can do this by including documents with both of your names:

    • copies of joint bank account statements
    • copies of leases
    • utility bills, etc.

    You and your partner must read the declaration and sign the form by hand.

  • Requirements for police certificates

    You need to submit a police certificate for each country you’ve lived in for 6+ months since the age of 18. You can wait until we request them, but this may delay your application processing.

    Police certificates are usually valid for 1 year from the date they’re issued.

  • What is a valid photo?

    You need 1 photo for yourself and one for each member of your family, even if they aren’t coming to Canada.

    The photo can’t be older than 6 months when you apply.

    Check our photo requirements.

  • Uploading my receipt

    When you successfully pay your fees, make sure you print a PDF copy of the receipt page. We’ll also email you a copy. You need to upload this with your application.

Get help with your application

If you want us to release information from your application to someone else

If you want us to give information from your application to someone else (not a representative)

  1. Download the Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) form.
  2. Complete and sign it (digitally or by hand).
  3. Get the person who needs your information to sign it too.
  4. Upload it with your application.
If you’re having technical issues

If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form.

  1. Select your problem.
  2. Under Tell us about yourself:
    • If you don’t have a unique client identifier number, enter 1111111111.
    • If you haven’t submitted an application yet, and don’t have an application number, enter 0000000.
  3. Under Tell us about your technical issue:
    • Specify the program you’re trying to apply under.
    • Explain any problems that you’re having.
    • Upload screenshots from your account that show us both
      • the page and fields where you’re having problems, and
      • any error messages you’re getting.

  1. Pay your application fees

    Fees: From $1,365

    You have to pay your fees online and include your receipt with your application.

    Processing fees You need to pay processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.
    Right of permanent residence fee You need to pay the right of permanent residence fee before your application is approved.
    Biometrics fee Pay your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) fee when you submit your application to avoid delays.
    Other fees Most people will have to pay fees for

  2. Submit your completed application

    Before you submit your application, make sure you

    • answer all questions
    • sign and upload all your forms
    • upload all your supporting documents

    If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.

After you apply

On this page

Keep your information up to date

Use the web form if you need to:

  • update your contact information
  • tell us about changes to your family situation like a marriage, birth, divorce or death

Update your personal information

Get your fingerprints and photo taken

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics). This is true even if you gave your biometrics in the past and they’re still valid.

We’ll email you instructions after you’ve paid your biometrics fee and submitted a complete application. This can take up to several weeks.

  • You have 30 days from the date on the letter to get your biometrics done.
  • All appointments are in-person at collection sites.

Book your medical exam

You and your family (partner and children) must have a medical exam before you come to Canada. We’ll email you instructions on how to get your medical exam done.

We won’t accept your application if your health:

  • is a danger to Canada’s public health or safety or
  • would cause too great a demand on health or social services in Canada

Learn more about medical exams

Check your application status

Once you have an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter, you can begin to track the status of your application.

Check the status of your application

Processing your application

If you want to withdraw your application

You can submit a webform to withdraw or cancel your application. You might get some of the fees you paid refunded, depending on whether we’ve starting processing it or not.

Withdraw or cancel your application

If we approve your application

We’ll let you know right away. We’ll also email you instructions on what to do next.

If we refuse your application

If your application is refused, we’ll send you a letter that explains why.

If we choose your application for a special review

Our Quality Assurance Program randomly selects applications for a special review. If your application is selected, we’ll

  • let you know by email or mail
  • ask you to provide additional information
  • schedule an interview with our official, which will help us to
    • confirm the accuracy of the documents and information you provided
    • make sure you filled out your application correctly
    • verify that you meet all the citizenship requirements

Settling in Canada

Once we’ve approved your application, you can start the process of settling permanently in Canada. Your next steps will depend on where you currently live.

 
Prepare to live in Canada

You can get free help to prepare to live in Canada. These services will help you learn about life and work in Canada.

Pre-arrival services

Before you arrive, get free services to help you prepare for life in Canada.

Publications for newcomers

Find information in different languages to help you during your first weeks in Canada.

Arrive at the border

Everyone wants their border crossing to go smoothly, with as few delays as possible. The best way to make sure this happens is to know what to expect and prepare before you and your family members arrive at the border.

The Canada Border Services Agency provides helpful tools to help you when crossing the border.

After you’ve arrived

You need to complete a few important tasks as you settle into your new life as a permanent resident.

Get your permanent resident card

After your first landing in Canada, we’ll start the process to mail your permanent resident (PR) card, your new identification document, to your address in Canada.

Make sure we have your mailing address

If you didn’t provide your Canadian mailing address when you became a permanent resident, use our online address notification tool within 180 days to avoid the cancellation of your PR card. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for another one and pay new processing fees.

Get settlement support

Settling in a new country can be exciting, but challenging. Once you’re in Canada, our free services are here to help you transition smoothly into everyday life in Canada.

Find newcomer services near you.

Protect yourself from fraud

In a world full of scams, it’s important to protect yourself. Discover simple ways to avoid scammers and learn what to do if you become a victim of fraud.

Learn more about immigration and citizenship fraud and scams.

Learn the steps before arriving in Canada

This video can help you get ready for your new life in Canada. It covers key areas such as language, job search preparation, the education system and health coverage.

 

Help  for new immigrants

Take some time to learn more about how to settle as a newcomer in Canada.

You can contact friendly and experienced settlement professionals in Canada to get free newcomer services. These organizations offer services such as

  • help finding a job
  • language assessment or training
  • help signing up kids for school
  • help connecting with others in your community

Find newcomer services near you


Confirm your permanent resident status

We’ll send you 2 emails:

  1. The first email will ask you to respond with some basic information.
  2. The second will let you know we’re ready to confirm your permanent resident (PR) status.

If you didn’t get our email, check your junk mail or spam folder to see if a message from us is there.

Learn more about how you confirm your permanent residence from inside Canada.

Get your permanent resident card

After your first landing in Canada, we’ll start the process to mail your permanent resident (PR) card, your new identification document, to your address in Canada.

Make sure we have your mailing address

If you didn’t provide your Canadian mailing address when you became a permanent resident, use our online address notification tool within 180 days to avoid the cancellation of your PR card. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for another one and pay new processing fees.

Apply for a social insurance number

While you wait for your permanent residence card, you can use your signed confirmation of permanent residence to apply for a social insurance number to work in Canada or access government programs and benefits.

Protect yourself from fraud

In a world full of scams, it’s important to protect yourself. Discover simple ways to avoid scammers and learn what to do if you become a victim of fraud.

Learn more about immigration and citizenship fraud and scams.

Learn the steps before arriving in Canada

This video can help you get ready for your new life in Canada. It covers key areas such as language, job search preparation, the education system and

Optional: Work permit

If you have applied for permanent residence under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), you may also be eligible for a 2-year work permit. The work permit lets you work while your permanent residence application is being processed.

This work permit:

  • is only for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot
  • is valid for 2 years
  • only lets you work for the employer who offered you the job

To qualify for a work permit, you must:

Work permits for spouses or common-law partners

Your spouse or common-law partner
can apply for an open work permit
at the same time as you apply for your 2-year work permit.

Their work permit will only let them work in the same community as you.

How to apply for the work permit

The application forms and process you need to follow depend on where you’re applying from.