New PR Pathway: Brandon and Sault Ste. Marie Select Focus Industries

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New PR Pathway: Brandon and Sault Ste. Marie Select Focus Industries

Two Canadian communities—Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario and Brandon in Manitoba—have recently announced their priority sectors under the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a federal initiative launched in January 2025 to facilitate permanent residency for skilled workers in rural areas.

Sault Ste. Marie: Priority Sectors for 2025

Sault Ste. Marie has been allocated 300 RCIP spots for 2025 and has identified the following priority sectors:​

  • Education, Law & Social, Community & Government Services

  • Healthcare

  • Sales & Service

  • Manufacturing & Utilities

  • Trades & Transport​

While specific in-demand occupations have not yet been detailed, these sectors reflect the city’s focus on essential services and skilled trades to support regional development.

Brandon: Priority Sectors and Occupations for 2025

Brandon has been allocated 180 RCIP spots for 2025, with 15% dedicated to the healthcare sector. The city has specified priority sectors and corresponding occupations, along with their National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes and minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements:​

Education, Law & Social, Community & Government Services:

  • Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202) – CLB 5​

Healthcare:

  • – Dentists (NOC 31110) – CLB 6
  • – General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102) – CLB 6
  • – Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101) – CLB 5
  • – Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102) – CLB 5
  • – Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301) – CLB 6
  • – Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (NOC 31100) – CLB 6
  • – Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101) – CLB 6​

Brandon’s emphasis on healthcare and early childhood education highlights the city’s commitment to strengthening essential community services.

About the RCIP

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence in Canada. To be eligible, candidates must secure a job offer from a designated employer approved by an economic development organization in a participating community. The program aims to attract skilled workers to rural areas facing labor shortages, supporting regional economic growth.

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