Canada’s rural communities are growing, but many face severe workforce shortages in key industries. The Rural Community Immigration Program (RCIP) was introduced to address these labor gaps by connecting international talent with employment opportunities in designated rural areas.

 

One of the most active RCIP regions is North Okanagan-Shuswap, where a targeted list of in-demand occupations and sectors is updated regularly to reflect the area’s real-time needs.

 

In this blog, we break down the top in-demand jobs under the RCIP for North Okanagan-Shuswap, how they’re selected, and how you can improve your chances of being recommended by the community.

 

🧭 How RCIP Prioritizes Jobs

 

Each RCIP community is allowed to identify up to 25 priority NOC codes (National Occupation Classification). These occupations reflect the community’s workforce needs and are divided into three categories of importance.

 

However, working in a priority occupation is not enough to qualify. Your employer must also operate in a priority sector. For example, an accountant working for a technology firm may be in a priority NOC but would not qualify if the tech sector isn’t considered a community priority.

 

🥇 Category 1: Highest Priority Jobs (20 Points)

 

These roles are essential to the community’s functioning and social well-being. Applicants with job offers in these occupations receive the highest job-related points in the RCIP system.

 

• Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202)
• Social and Community Service Workers (NOC 42201)
• Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)
• Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers (NOC 12200)
• Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Assistants (NOC 33103)

🛠️ Category 2: Skilled Trades and Technical Roles (15 Points)

 

These jobs are vital to infrastructure, local services, and industry growth. Employers in trades and manufacturing highly value them.

 

• Plumbers (NOC 72300)
• Welders and Related Machine Operators (NOC 72106)
• Carpenters (NOC 72310)
• Machinists and Tooling Inspectors (NOC 72100)
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (NOC 72410)
• HVAC Mechanics (NOC 72402)
• Manufacturing Managers (NOC 90010)
• Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers (NOC 75110)
• Accounting Clerks (NOC 14200)

 

🧰 Category 3: General Support and Service Roles (10 Points)

 

These positions support daily operations in key community sectors such as administration, hospitality, production, and maintenance.

 

• Labourers in Wood, Pulp and Paper Processing (NOC 95103)
• Assemblers and Inspectors – Wood Products (NOC 94211)
• Plastic Products Assemblers and Inspectors (NOC 94212)
• Hairstylists and Barbers (NOC 63210)
• Executive Housekeepers (NOC 62021)
• Accommodation Service Managers (NOC 60031)
• Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC 60030)
• General Office Support Workers (NOC 14100)
• Administrative Assistants (NOC 13110)
• Appliance Servicers and Repairers (NOC 72421)
• Heavy Equipment Operators (NOC 73400)

 

⚠️ Important Sector Restrictions

 

Some sectors under RCIP are subject to strict limits due to high demand or past misuse. These include:

 

• Fast Food Establishments –– Community cap of 40 per year, max 2 per employer
• Gas Stations – Community cap of 20 per year, max 2 per employer

 

Even if your occupation is eligible, working in a restricted subsector may make you ineligible for recommendation.

 

🎯 RCIP Selection: The Point System

 

The RCIP system assesses applicants using a pool and point-based approach. Only candidates with a minimum of 50 points can enter the pool, and those with the highest scores are prioritized.

 

Scoring is based on the following:

 

• Job Offer & Occupation Category: Up to 20 points
• Work Experience: Up to 25 points
• Language Proficiency: Up to 25 points
• Education: Up to 25 points
• Intent to Reside & Community Ties: Up to 10 points
• Spouse’s Community Work Experience: 3 points

🧭 Why Your Employer Matters

 

Being in a priority occupation isn’t enough—you must also work for an employer operating within a recognized priority sector. The community reviews this closely and has complete discretion to impose caps or reject applications that do not meet local economic goals.

 

If you’re unsure whether your position or employer qualifies, a licensed consultant can help you evaluate your eligibility before applying.

 

🤝 How Change of Phase Consulting Group Can Help

 

At Change of Phase Consulting Group, we guide international applicants and Canadian employers through the RCIP process. Our services include:

 

• Eligibility assessments
• Job search and employer matching in RCIP communities
• Application preparation and submission
• Community liaison and immigration planning

📞 Ready to explore opportunities through the RCIP?

Contact Change of Phase Consulting Group today and take your first step toward building a prosperous future in one of Canada’s welcoming rural communities.