By Sanjay Prasher (SP), M.B.A, CICC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) | Member, College of Immigration & Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
Licensed by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) | Gold Member, CAPIC
Thunder Bay, a vibrant city in Northern Ontario, has unveiled its list of eligible occupations under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)—a fast-track pathway to Canadian permanent residency (PR) for skilled workers. If you’re a foreign national with experience in healthcare, trades, or education, this could be your ticket to settling in Canada. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) is targeting five key sectors to address local labor shortages. Below are the approved occupations and their NOC codes:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Administrative Assistants | 13110 |
| Financial Advisors | 11102 |
| General Office Support Workers | 14100 |
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Kinesiologists & Therapy Professionals | 31204 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 32101 |
| Nurse Aides & Patient Service Associates | 33102 |
| Pharmacy Assistants | 33103 |
| Registered Nurses & Psychiatric Nurses | 31301 |
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Educators & Assistants | 42202 |
| Home Support Workers & Caregivers | 44101 |
| Social & Community Service Workers | 42201 |
| Social Workers | 41300 |
| Counselling Therapists | 41301 |
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Food Service Supervisors | 62020 |
| Retail Sales Supervisors | 62010 |
| Retail Salespersons | 64100 |
| Store Shelf Stockers | 65102 |
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians | 72410 |
| Construction Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics | 72400 |
| Heavy Equipment Operators | 73400 |
Only employers approved by Thunder Bay’s CEDC can hire through the RCIP.
These employers can retain current foreign workers or recruit internationally to fill labor gaps.
Employers, not candidates, must apply to the CEDC for a community recommendation.
Once recommended, submit your PR application to IRCC with proof of:
1+ year of relevant work experience (see TEER requirements below).
Language test results (CLB 4-5).
Educational credentials (Canadian equivalent).
Sufficient funds to support your family.
| Job Offer TEER Level | Eligible Work Experience TEER Levels |
|---|---|
| TEER 0 or 1 | TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| TEER 2 | TEER 1, 2, 3, or 4 |
| TEER 3 or 4 | TEER 2, 3, or 4 |
| TEER 5 | Same 5-digit NOC code |
Exceptions: Healthcare workers and graduates from Thunder Bay institutions may qualify under relaxed rules.
No Direct Applications: Employers must initiate the process.
Funds Required: Prove financial stability for relocation (e.g., savings, employment contracts).
Stay Updated: Thunder Bay has not yet announced designated employers—monitor CEDC updates.
Thunder Bay’s RCIP targets five priority sectors:
Healthcare: Nurses, nurse aides, pharmacy assistants.
Trades: Automotive technicians, construction millwrights.
Education: Early childhood educators, social workers.
Sales & Service: Retail supervisors, food service staff.
Business & Finance: Administrative assistants, financial advisors.
View full list of NOC codes here.
The RCIP is a PR pathway for skilled workers with job offers from designated employers in rural communities like Thunder Bay. Employers apply to the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) to recommend candidates for PR.
No. You need a valid job offer from a Thunder Bay employer approved by the CEDC.
The CEDC:
Identifies priority sectors and occupations.
Approves designated employers.
Reviews employer-submitted candidate applications.
Lower cost of living (affordable housing, utilities).
Faster PR processing under the RCIP.
Community support for newcomers.
1+ year of full-time experience in a role matching your job offer’s NOC TEER level (e.g., TEER 2 job requires TEER 1-4 experience).
Healthcare workers and local graduates may qualify under relaxed rules.
Yes! Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your PR application.
3–6 months for employer/CEDC processing.
6–12 months for federal PR approval.
The CEDC updates sectors annually. Check for 2025 revisions later this year or explore other Ontario PNP streams.
The CEDC will announce approved employers in 2025. For updates, subscribe to our newsletter or consult an RCIC.
11. Can I apply without a job offer?
No. A valid offer from a designated employer is mandatory.
Expect 6–12 months for PR approval after employer recommendation.
Yes! Spouses and dependent children are included in your application.
The CEDC reviews sectors annually. Check for 2025 updates later this year.
Affordable Living: Lower housing costs vs. Toronto/Vancouver.
Community Support: Designated employers often assist with relocation.
Nature & Lifestyle: Access to Lake Superior and outdoor activities.
Navigating the RCIP requires precision. At CTIV, we:
Identify eligible employers.
Streamline document preparation (work experience proofs, language tests).
Ensure compliance with TEER and NOC requirements.
Book a Consultation with Sanjay Prasher: “Your pathway to Thunder Bay starts here
.Need Help Applying? Contact Sanjay Prasher, RCIC, for tailored guidance on Thunder Bay’s RCIP. Call today at 416-857-0100
To work in Canada on a temporary basis, foreign workers need the work permit. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approve Canada work visas under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Canada is one of the top choices of international students for education owing to its multicultural society, high academic standards, affordability, exiting campus lifestyles and world-class education among many other attributes.
