Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

The Pictou County Partnership, the leading economic development organization for the Pictou County region, is pleased to be one of 14 selected communities to take part in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). Developed for economic development organizations to support rural workforce growth, Pictou County RCIP assists local employers in filling critical roles specific to our region’s labour needs.

As a permanent resident pathway, RCIP also prioritizes the success of newcomers who choose to build their futures in our rural region of Nova Scotia. The Partnership looks forward to supporting successful applicants with a ‘community hug’ through connections to our settlement service delivery partners and our community integration initiatives as they settle, thrive, and contribute to the vibrant growth of our community.

RCIP enables Pictou County employers to attract and retain international talent, helping local businesses thrive and build diverse, skilled teams.

RCIP 2026 – Employer Designations Open February 17

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) 2026 is launching soon. Employer designation applications open February 17, 2026, with the first recommendation intake running March 1–15, 2026 and additional intakes scheduled throughout the year. The 2026 priority sectors and occupations are listed below.

RCIP is a community-driven program that aligns immigration with regional labour-market needs. If you’re interested in participating in RCIP 2026, we encourage you to connect with our team to learn how to get started and explore next steps.

We look forward to working with employers and community partners to support workforce development, welcome newcomers, and help people build their lives in Pictou County — creating a more prosperous home for all.

Pictou County RCIP Designated Area

To apply for the Pictou County RCIP designation, employers must be located within the Pictou County RCIP designated area which includes our municipal partners: Pictou Landing First Nation, the Municipality of Pictou County, and the towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton, and Westville.

Pictou County RCIP Priority Sectors 2026

Business, finance, and administration

Health occupations

Sales & Services

Trades, transport and equipment operators

Manufacturing

Education, social, and community

Pictou County RCIP Priority Occupations 2026

Accounting technicians and bookkeepers – 12200

Data scientists – 21211

Cybersecurity specialists – 21220

Business systems specialists – 21221

Software developers and programmers – 21232

Drafting technologists and technicians – 22212

Mechanical engineers – 21301

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians – 22301

Pharmacists – 31120

Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy technicians – 33103

Early childhood educators and assistants – 42202

Retail and wholesale trade managers – 60020

Cooks – 63200

Bakers – 63202

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors – 72100

Carpenters – 72310

Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics – 72400

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics – 72402

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers – 72410

Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators – 72411

Construction trades helpers and labourers – 75110

Supervisors, forest products processing – 92014

Industrial sewing machine operators – 94132

Binding and finishing machine operators – 94152

Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers – 94201

Use of an Immigration Consultant

 

Engaging an immigration representative is optional and will not impact an applicant’s eligibility for a recommendation under the RCIP. The Pictou County Partnership does not endorse or collaborate with any immigration consultants.

If you choose to use an immigration consultant, ensure they are authorized by the Government of Canada. Only representatives who are members in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) or a Canadian law society may charge a fee. You can verify their credentials on the IRCC website.

Using a representative is a personal choice and will not affect the outcome or processing time of your application.

Nova Scotia Labour Standards

 

In Nova Scotia, employers must adhere to specific regulations when recruiting foreign workers. Individuals or agencies assisting in recruiting foreign workers must hold a valid Foreign Worker Recruiter Licence from Labour Standards, unless an exemption applies.

Employers who conduct their own recruitment do not require a recruiter licence. For more information, visit the Licensed Foreign Worker Recruiters page.

For comprehensive information on foreign worker recruitment regulations, please refer to the Foreign Workers page.

Employers

Steps for Employers to Participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

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Candidates

Steps for Candidates to Participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

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