SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – A new immigration pathway is becoming clearer for international skilled talent seeking to build a life in Canada. Sault Ste. Marie, a city in Northern Ontario, has taken a significant step by officially announcing its first list of certified designated employers under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
The RCIP is a federal initiative designed to help rural and northern communities attract and retain skilled foreign workers to support their economic development. The core of the program requires foreign nationals to secure a genuine job offer from a designated employer within a participating community. In addition to the job offer, applicants must meet all other eligibility criteria set by the pilot, including relevant work experience, language proficiency (English or French), educational qualifications, sufficient settlement funds, and obtain a community recommendation before applying to the federal government for permanent residence.
Located in Northern Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie is actively participating in the RCIP, leveraging its unique position and growth potential. The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation acts as the local lead organization, responsible for vetting and designating local employers for the program. Notably, Sault Ste. Marie has received an allocation from the federal government to recommend up to 300 individuals (and their families) for permanent residence through the RCIP in 2025.
Sault Ste. Marie RCIP Designated Employers
The following is the current list of designated employers in Sault Ste. Marie for the RCIP. It's important to note that this list may evolve as the community's needs change and more employers participate.
Sault Ste. Marie RCIP designated employers
- Algoma Tubes Inc (Tenaris Canada).
- Child Care Algoma.
- China Steel Inc.
- Chuck's Roadhouse Bar and Grill.
- Extendicare Mapleview.
- F. J. Davey Home.
- Giovanni's Restaurant.
- JD Aero Technical Inc.
- Meadow Park Montessori School.
- Montanas.
- Northern Power Train.
- OTR Engineered Solution.
- Para Med.
- Sault Area Hospital.
- Sault Ste. Marie YMCA.
- Viacore.
For other employers in Sault Ste. Marie interested in participating in the RCIP and wishing to hire foreign skilled workers, designation is possible. If their business falls within the city's priority sectors and they intend to hire a foreign national in a priority occupation, they can apply to the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation to become a designated employer.
Sault Ste. Marie RCIP Priority Sectors
To ensure that incoming talent aligns with local labour market needs and long-term economic development plans, Sault Ste. Marie has identified the following priority sectors for the RCIP:
- Education, law and social, community and government services;
- Health;
- Manufacturing and utilities;
- Sales and service; and
- Trades and transport.
Job offers must be in an occupation that falls under Sault Ste. Marie’s priority occupation list and within these priority sectors.
RCIP Progress in Other Communities
Across Canada, Sault Ste. Marie is not alone in this endeavor. As of this report, other communities participating in the RCIP, such as Timmins and Thunder Bay, have also revealed their lists of designated employers, collectively contributing to the revitalization of Canada's rural regions and the attraction of international talent.
The steady implementation of the RCIP and the active participation of communities like Sault Ste. Marie are not only adding vitality to Canada's multicultural society but also providing valuable opportunities for global skilled talent to achieve their "Canadian Dream." Prospective applicants should continuously monitor official announcements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and participating communities for the latest program updates and opportunities.
