The Brandon RCIP Program offers skilled workers a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residency by connecting them with designated employers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Applicants must secure a full-time, permanent job offer in Brandon and meet all RCIP eligibility requirements.
Introduction to the Brandon RCIP Program
The Brandon Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a community-led immigration pathway designed to attract and retain skilled foreign workers in the vibrant city of Brandon, Manitoba. As part of the federal Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the Brandon RCIP allows qualified candidates with job offers from local employers to apply for permanent residence while integrating into one of the most welcoming communities in Canada.
👉For updated guidelines and eligibility requirements, always refer to the official Brandon RCIP page.
Who Can Apply for the Brandon RCIP Program?
To qualify under the Brandon RCIP Program, applicants must:
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Receive a job offer from a designated employer in Brandon, Manitoba
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Have at least one year of continuous, full-time work experience within the past three years
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Meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements based on the job’s NOC classification
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Hold a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential (ECA required)
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Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds (if applicable)
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Intend to live and work permanently in Brandon
Designated Employer Requirement
Your job offer must come from a company on the city’s official list of designated employers, who are approved to hire through the RCIP.
See the full list of Designated Employers in Brandon.
Priority Sectors for the Brandon RCIP Program
When applying through the Brandon RCIP, candidates with job offers in priority sectors are given preference during the community recommendation process. Brandon focuses on addressing labour shortages in key industries that are vital to the region’s economic growth.
High-Demand Sectors Include:
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Healthcare and Social Assistance (e.g., nurses, healthcare aides)
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Construction and Skilled Trades (e.g., carpenters, electricians)
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Manufacturing and Production (e.g., machine operators, welders)
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Transportation and Logistics (e.g., truck drivers, material handlers)
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Hospitality and Food Services (e.g., cooks, food service supervisors)
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Childcare and Early Childhood Education (e.g., early childhood educators)
For the most updated list of occupations and sectors in demand, visit the Brandon RCIP Priority Sectors and NOC List.
Community Recommendation – The Core of the Brandon RCIP Program
The community recommendation is the critical step in the RCIP process. It is issued by Brandon Economic Development, which assesses each candidate on:
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Relevance of job offer to local labour market needs
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Intent to live long-term in Brandon
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Spouse or partner’s adaptability (if applicable)
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Ability to integrate culturally and socially
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Financial stability and language proficiency
Strong ties to the community, such as prior visits, work experience, or family connections in Brandon, can strengthen your application.
Language Requirements by NOC TEER Level
NOC TEER Level | Minimum CLB Required |
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TEER 0 & 1 | CLB 6 |
TEER 2 & 3 | CLB 5 |
TEER 4 & 5 | CLB 4 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Brandon RCIP
Step 1: Research About Brandon
Before applying, it’s important to research Brandon to ensure it fits your long-term goals.
Resources to explore:
Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility
You must:
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Meet IRCC’s federal eligibility requirements for rural immigration.
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Complete the Brandon RCIP Self-Assessment Questionnaire.
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Secure a valid job offer from an approved employer in Brandon.
Job Search Resources:
Step 3: Submit a Community Recommendation Application
Once you have a job offer:
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Your employer must apply for employer designation (if not already designated).
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Together, prepare and submit your Community Recommendation application. Be sure to follow the official checklist for guidance.
Step 4: Attend a Community Interview
If shortlisted, you may be invited for an online or in-person interview with the Economic Development Brandon team to assess your intent and fit for the community.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
The recommendation committee will review your application and interview results. If successful, you will receive a Community Recommendation Certificate (IMM 0249).
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency
With your recommendation certificate:
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Submit a complete application for Permanent Residency to IRCC.
Step 7: Apply for a Temporary Work Permit (Optional)
While your PR application is in process, you can apply for an RCIP-specific closed work permit:
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Valid for 24 months
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Allows you to work legally in Brandon with your designated employer
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Employer must provide a Job Offer Number and pay the $230 compliance fee (they cannot charge you this fee)
Final Thoughts
The Brandon RCIP Program offers a life-changing opportunity for skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada through a simple and community-focused pathway. With a solid job offer and a strong settlement plan, you can achieve permanent residency and build a rewarding future in Manitoba.
For detailed steps, download and review the official [Brandon RCIP Foreign Skilled Worker Checklist (BRCIP-009)] or contact us for an assessment of your application.