If you’re seeking a faster and less competitive pathway to obtain permanent residency in Canada, now is your golden opportunity. Pictou County, located in the scenic province of Nova Scotia, Eastern Canada, has been selected by the federal government to participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This unique program offers a direct route to permanent residency for individuals who are willing to settle in rural communities and contribute to their economic development.
What is the RCIP Program?
RCIP is a federal immigration initiative that allows selected rural communities to attract skilled international workers based on real labor market needs. Pictou County is one of 18 approved communities participating in the pilot and is currently welcoming both employers and qualified applicants.
Priority Sectors for 2025
According to the official website of the region, the following sectors have been identified as priority areas for the 2025 intake:
- Business, Finance, and Administration
- Healthcare
- Sales and Services
- Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operation
- Manufacturing and Wood Processing
Priority Occupations
Business, Finance, and Administration
NOC Code |
Occupation Title |
12200 |
Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers |
Healthcare
NOC Code |
Occupation Title |
31120 |
Pharmacists |
32124 |
Pharmacy Technicians |
33103 |
Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants |
Sales and Services
NOC Code |
Occupation Title |
60030 |
Restaurant and Food Service Managers |
62010 |
Retail Sales Supervisors |
63200 |
Cooks |
Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operators
NOC Code |
Occupation Title |
72102 |
Sheet Metal Workers |
72205 |
Telecommunications Equipment Installation and Cable Television Service Technicians |
72300 |
Plumbers |
72310 |
Carpenters |
72410 |
Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics, and Mechanical Repairers |
73102 |
Plasterers, Drywall Installers, and Finishers and Lathers |
73110 |
Roofers and Shinglers |
73200 |
Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers |
Manufacturing and Wood Processing
NOC Code |
Occupation Title |
73401 |
Printing Press Operators |
92014 |
Supervisors, Forest Products Processing |
94124 |
Woodworking Machine Operators |
94129 |
Other Wood Processing Machine Operators |
94112 |
Rubber Processing Machine Operators |
Information Technology
NOC Code |
Occupation Title |
21211 |
Data Scientists |
21220 |
Cybersecurity Specialists |
21221 |
Business Systems Specialists |
21223 |
Database Analysts and Data Administrators |
21232 |
Software Developers and Programmers |
Employer Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the RCIP program, employers must:
- Be located within the geographical boundaries of Pictou County
- Obtain RCIP employer designation
- Complete mandatory training related to immigration and cultural inclusion
- Offer full-time, long-term, non-seasonal employment opportunities
Why Choose Pictou County?
Pictou County offers stunning natural landscapes, a lower cost of living compared to major urban centers, and strong community support services for newcomers. The region fosters a community-driven lifestyle, provides stable job opportunities, and creates an ideal environment for individuals and families looking to build a new life in Canada.
If you are a skilled worker in one of the priority occupations, or an employer in Canada looking to hire international talent, the RCIP pathway through Pictou County could be your ideal immigration solution.
For personalized consultation and eligibility assessment, contact our certified advisors at UniLand Immigration today.
We will be with you every step of your immigration journey.