Thunder Bay Immigration Pilot Hits Major Milestone in First Year

Driving a car through a mountain road that leads through the Canadian Rockies and watching the beautiful scenery in the rearview mirror in the icefields parkway, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission) has concluded a strong first year of its Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), reaching its full annual allocation and supporting hundreds of skilled workers and their families.

First-Year Results of the Thunder Bay RCIP

During its first year, the RCIP issued 475 recommendation certificates to skilled workers in priority sectors, including healthcare, business, and trades.

The employer-driven pilot, which is scheduled to run through 2029, designated 358 employers across the Thunder Bay region and reviewed nearly 900 applications.

Addressing Local Labour Gaps

Jamie Taylor, CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, highlighted the pilot’s role in addressing local labour shortages while providing pathways to permanent residence for skilled workers.

In total, the initiative supported 831 individuals, including principal applicants and their family members, and successfully filled its entire annual allocation.

Learning More About the RCIP

For immigration practitioners looking to better understand the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, including its structure, eligibility framework, and current state, LPEN is offering an upcoming course focused on the RCIP:

👉 https://lpen.ca/rcip-overview-and-current-state-26/

Join 10,000+ Professionals and get courses updates, news and free premium content and videos.

$50 off all course passes this January. Use code EBS2026 at checkout. Offer ends January 31. 
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