Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC) Scheme:
Canada announced that the Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs) of nearly 7.66 lakh international students are set to expire by the end of next year and the Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC) scheme provides a pathway for foreign nationals and students.
- It is a new programme launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in December 2024.
- It aims to address labour shortages and promote development in smaller rural communities by attracting individuals willing to settle long-term in these areas.
- Eligibility:
- Education Level: Applicants can include those with 10+2, graduation, or secondary school qualifications.
- Studies: Students who have completed at least 18 months of study in one of the designated communities are eligible to apply for PR directly. Those who studied outside these communities can also apply but must meet additional conditions.
- Job Offer: Applicants need a job offer letter from a registered or designated employer in the community. This job offer can be in any category, including non-skilled roles. The offer must be submitted to the community, which will then issue a certificate supporting the PR application.
- Work Experience: Relevant work experience is typically required, though this condition may be waived for international graduates who meet certain criteria.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements based on the job’s NOC TEER (National Occupational Classification Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) level: TEER 0-1: CLB 6,TEER 2-3: CLB 5 and TEER 4-5: CLB 4
- Financial Proof: Applicants must demonstrate they have at least half of the low-income threshold for rural areas (as determined by Statistics Canada) to sustain themselves for one year.
- Intent to Reside: Candidates must provide genuine proof of their intention to live in the designated rural community.
