Claresholm lists top job areas for new PR program
About Claresholm’s Role in the RCIP
The town of Claresholm, located in southern Alberta, actively participates in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This pilot covers a 25-kilometre radius around Claresholm, including the nearby communities of Granum and Stavely.
Through this initiative, Claresholm aims to attract skilled workers who can support local employers and strengthen the regional economy.
What Is the RCIP?
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a targeted federal immigration program designed to help rural communities address labour shortages.
Importantly, RCIP operates as an employer-driven program. This means foreign workers must:
- Secure a valid job offer from a designated local employer
- Obtain a community endorsement before applying for permanent residence (PR)
As a result, both employers and applicants play an active role in the process.
How Claresholm’s RCIP Works
For 2025, Claresholm can endorse up to 30 applicants for permanent residence. To manage demand fairly and efficiently, the town applies monthly limits:
- Only three endorsements are issued per month
- Unused spots roll over and may be allocated later in the year
In addition, Claresholm places a strict limit on certain occupations. Specifically, only five endorsements will be available for Sales and Service roles for the entire year.
Why Priority Sectors Matter
Each RCIP community selects five priority sectors based on local labour needs. Only employers operating within these sectors can become designated RCIP employers.
Therefore, as a foreign national, you must:
- Receive a job offer in a priority occupation
- Ensure the employer is already designated or qualifies for designation under RCIP
Without both conditions, an application cannot move forward.
Other Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
Beyond securing a job offer, applicants must also meet standard RCIP requirements. These include:
- Relevant work experience
- Required language proficiency
- Appropriate educational qualifications
- Proof of settlement funds
Together, these criteria ensure applicants can successfully integrate into the community.
About the RCIP Program
Canada launched the RCIP as a five-year pilot program in 2025. Its primary objectives include:
- Helping rural employers access skilled labour
- Encouraging economic growth in smaller communities
- Addressing regional workforce shortages
If the program delivers strong results, the federal government may consider making RCIP a permanent immigration pathway.
Other Communities Participating in the RCIP
In addition to Claresholm, several other communities have already announced their priority sectors, including:
- Timmins
- Brandon
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Thunder Bay
- North Okanagan–Shuswap
- North Bay
Altogether, 14 communities currently participate in the RCIP. Moreover, additional towns are expected to release their employer lists and sector priorities in the coming months.
Final Thoughts
Claresholm’s participation in the RCIP offers a valuable pathway to permanent residence for foreign workers willing to live and work in rural Alberta. However, success depends heavily on securing the right job offer and meeting all eligibility criteria.
As RCIP continues to expand, staying informed and planning early will be essential for both employers and applicants.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
