Canada Identifies Key Occupations, Sectors in Pictou County for Rural PR Program

Pictou County in Canada's Nova Scotia has taken a significant step toward boosting rural immigration opportunities by releasing its priority sectors and occupations for 2025. This move is part of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), aimed at attracting skilled talent to support local growth and community development.

Located about two hours from Halifax, Pictou County’s RCIP zone includes Pictou Landing First Nation, the Municipality of Pictou County, and the towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton, and Westville. With this initiative, Pictou County is positioning itself as a welcoming destination for newcomers ready to contribute to its economic and social development.

Priority Sectors in Pictou County Under RCIP

For the 2025 Rural Community Immigration Pilot, Pictou County has selected five primary sectors to recruit foreign workers. These sectors are central to the region’s workforce needs and economic goals. Here are the priority sectors.

• Business, Finance, and Administration
• Health
• Sales and Service
• Trades, Transport, and Equipment Operators
• Manufacturing

Only businesses that identify within these sectors can become designated employers. Once designated, they are eligible to offer employment that leads international candidates toward permanent residency under the RCIP.

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Priority Occupations of Pictou County

Pictou County has outlined a list of specific in-demand occupations eligible under the RCIP. Here is the list of occupations along with their NOC codes:

For the 2025 RCIP, Pictou County has been granted a total of 60 nomination slots. The following roles will each be capped at no more than 10% of the total annual allocation.

• Cooks (NOC 63200)
• Restaurants and food service managers ( NOC 60030)
• Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010)

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Requirements for Pictou County’s RCIP

The RCIP in Pictou County is driven by local employers and requires foreign workers to secure a job offer within a designated occupation. Only then candidates begin the pathway to permanent residency.

To be eligible for the RCIP, applicants and employers must meet the following requirements.

• Job Offer Requirement: Applicants must have a valid job offer from an employer designated under the RCIP and working in a priority occupation.

• Employer Recommendation: Employers must submit a Recommendation Application to the Pictou County Parntership after identifying a suitable candidate.

• Monthly Application Window: Applications are accepted from the 1st to 15th of each month (until the 10th in December).

• RCIP Recommendation: A recommendation must be issued before the applicant can apply to IRCC for permanent residence or a work permit.

• Work Experience: At least 1,560 hours of related work experience in the past three years is required, unless eligible under the international graduate stream.

• Language Proficiency: Candidates must meet minimum language test scores based on the occupation’s skill level.

• Educational Qualification: A Canadian credential or an equivalent foreign qualification is required.

• Settlement Funds: Applicants must show they have enough financial resources to support themselves and their families during settlement.

Connect with GetGIS for Seamless Canada Immigration Process

Pictou County’s RCIP for 2025 offers a clear, employer-led pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in rural Nova Scotia. With defined sectors, priority roles, and a structured process, it is a promising route for eligible candidates. GetGIS can guide you through every step of your Canada PR journey, right from job search to visa success.

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