Canada's Thunder Bay Announces Eligible Occupations for New PR Pathway

Thunder Bay, a vibrant city in northwestern Ontario, is making headlines with a bold move in Canada's immigration landscape. The city has officially released its list of designated employers under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), opening fresh pathways to permanent residence (PR) for skilled foreign workers. For those aiming to start their Canada immigration journey, this announcement is a game-changer. With Canada Immigration policies evolving rapidly, Thunder Bay's initiative demonstrates how community-driven programs can help address critical labour shortages while welcoming newcomers into thriving rural towns.

Benefits of Thunder Bay's RCIP Designated Employer Announcement

1. Clear Job Pathways for Skilled Foreign Workers

Thunder Bay's release of designated employers creates transparency and direction for prospective immigrants. Rather than applying blindly, foreign workers now have a curated list of approved employers who are eligible to support their PR applications. This not only reduces uncertainty but increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Designated employers include a range of businesses—from healthcare and food services to transportation and manufacturing. Some notable examples include Circle K, Kasper Bus Lines, and Scott Family Dental.

To see the full list of eligible jobs and employers, refer to this authoritative CIC News report.

2. Strengthens Regional Economic Development

By empowering local employers to sponsor foreign talent, Thunder Bay’s RCIP strengthens regional economic resilience. These initiatives ensure that rural employers can fill persistent vacancies in priority sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality. This fosters local economic growth while addressing demographic challenges like an aging workforce.

According to Thunder Bay’s Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), employers must operate within the city and meet criteria that align with broader immigration goals.

This strategy supports Canada's immigration goal of revitalizing smaller towns and ensures that immigration is not just urban-focused.

3. Streamlined Immigration Route Through Employer Support

One of the most significant benefits of the RCIP is that it creates a smoother, employer-guided immigration process. Rather than navigating complex channels alone, foreign nationals receive structured support from vetted businesses and the CEDC.

Once a job offer is secured, the employer submits a candidate application to the CEDC. After community recommendation, applicants can apply to the federal government for PR—dramatically simplifying the journey.

For a detailed overview of Canadian PR options and how the RCIP aligns with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), read this 2025 Canada PR guide via ImmiNews.

4. Tailored Immigration for Priority Occupations

The RCIP doesn’t just accept any job. Thunder Bay’s designated employer list is matched with a list of eligible occupations critical to the city’s economic development. These include roles in health care, transportation, skilled trades, and hospitality.

Some of the in-demand jobs include:

• Registered Nurses

• Aircraft Mechanics

• Early Childhood Educators

• Restaurant Managers

• Personal Support Workers

This targeted approach ensures immigration policies are aligned with real labour market needs and maximizes the value immigrants bring to local communities.

Explore the full NOC 2021 classification system to understand which jobs fall under eligible categories.

5. Promotes Long-Term Settlement and Integration

Because Thunder Bay’s RCIP model is built around community engagement, immigrants aren’t just temporary residents—they become part of the social and economic fabric of the town. This enhances retention, builds local networks, and reduces the need to move to larger cities.

By offering PR through trusted local employers, the city ensures newcomers are welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed. Such a model sets a blueprint for other Canadian towns.

Other RCIP participants like Claresholm and Timmins have launched similar lists, and Thunder Bay’s proactive stance positions it as a leader among Canada’s 14 RCIP communities.

Thunder Bay Opens Doors to a New Life in Canada

Thunder Bay’s RCIP designated employer announcement is more than a list—it’s a lifeline for skilled foreign workers and a boost for the regional economy. With clear job pathways, employer support, and alignment with national immigration goals, the city is setting a new standard in community-based immigration.

Whether you're looking for a career in healthcare, trades, or hospitality, Thunder Bay’s RCIP may be your best route to Canadian PR. Ready to take the next step?

Schedule a consultation today with A2Zimmi to explore your eligibility, job matching, and visa process.

Visit A2Zimmi or schedule a consultation here to get expert advice today!