Work Permit Update for RCIP & FCIP PR Applicants in Canada

What Is the Update About?

Recently, Canada’s immigration department shared clear rules about special work permits for people who applied for Permanent Residence (PR) under:

• Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)

In simple words, if someone has already applied for PR under these programs, they may also get a work permit while waiting for approval.

Who Can Get This Work Permit?

To qualify, an applicant must:

• First, submit a complete PR application
• Then, receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
• Also, have a valid job offer
• And, pass the completeness check

If all these conditions are met, they may receive a work permit valid for up to 2 years.

Good News: No LMIA Required

Normally, many work permits need something called an LMIA.

However, this special work permit is LMIA-exempt, which means:

• The employer does not need Labour Market Impact Assessment approval.
• The process is faster and simpler.

These permits are issued under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP).

Can Family Members Work Too?

Yes, Family members included in the PR application may also:

• Get LMIA-exempt open work permits
• Work in the same region as the main applicant

Their permits are issued under administrative code C17.

Important Documents Officers Will Check

When applying for the work permit, officers will look at:

• The Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
• The community recommendation letter
• An LMIA-exempt job offer submitted through IRCC’s Employer Portal
• Proof that the applicant is qualified for the job

Additionally, the job details in the work permit application must match the PR application.

What About the Community Recommendation Validity?

Usually, community recommendation forms:

• IMM 0247
• IMM 0251

are valid for only 6 months.

However, even if the form has expired, it is still acceptable as long as it was not revoked.

How Should Applicants Apply?

Although visa-exempt applicants can apply at the port of entry, officials are encouraging everyone to:

• Apply online
• Use administrative code C15

This helps avoid confusion and processing delays.

Can Applicants Get a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

No, Since this work permit is employer-specific, applicants under RCIP and FCIP:

• Are not eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

However, if their permit expires before PR approval, they can apply to extend the same work permit.

What Are RCIP and FCIP Programs?

Both programs:

• Started in 2025
• Will run until 2030
• Are employer-driven federal immigration pilots

To qualify, applicants must:

• Get a job offer from a designated employer
• Work in a participating community
• Meet other eligibility requirements
• Get approval from the local economic development organization

After that, they can apply directly to IRCC for Permanent Residence.

Why Is This Important?

In conclusion:

• Applicants don’t have to wait to work.
• They can legally work in Canada while their PR is being processed.
• The process is simpler because no LMIA is required.
• Even family members can benefit.

Overall, this update makes the transition to Permanent Residence smoother and more secure for eligible applicants.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. 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).