Pictou County Announces RCIP Priority Sectors & Occupations for 2025

A Farm in Pictou County, Nova Scotia

The Pictou County Partnership, the region’s premier economic development organization, has proudly announced the launch of its 2025 Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) — a key initiative aimed at supporting workforce growth and enhancing community vitality in rural Nova Scotia.

As one of only 18 Canadian communities selected for this innovative federal immigration pilot, Pictou County is set to offer eligible employers and international talent a clear, structured pathway to permanent residency in Canada — tailored to the unique labour needs of our rural region.

What Is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

RCIP is designed to empower rural communities to attract and retain skilled international workers. The program enables designated employers in Pictou County to fill labour shortages with qualified foreign talent and support them on a pathway to permanent residency.

But the RCIP is more than just an economic tool — it’s about building community. Through a “community hug” approach, the Pictou County Partnership works alongside settlement service providers to help newcomers settle, integrate, and thrive.

RCIP Designated Area in Pictou County

To qualify for RCIP designation, employers must be located in the Pictou County RCIP designated area, which includes:

• Pictou Landing First Nation

• Municipality of Pictou County

• Towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton, and Westville

  
  

For detailed location information, refer to the Pictou County Statistics Canada Map.

RCIP 2025 Priority Sectors

RCIP in Pictou County focuses on attracting talent in sectors that are vital to the region’s economic growth:

• Business, Finance & Administration

• Health Occupations

• Sales & Services

• Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators

• Manufacturing

  
  

RCIP 2025 Priority Occupations

Here are the National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes that have been prioritized under Pictou County's RCIP for 2025:

Business & IT:

• 12200 – Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers

• 21211 – Data Scientists

• 21220 – Cybersecurity Specialists

• 21221 – Business Systems Specialists

• 21223 – Database Analysts and Data Administrators

• 21232 – Software Developers and Programmers

Health Care:

• 31120 – Pharmacists

• 32124 – Pharmacy Technicians

• 33103 – Pharmacy Assistants

Sales & Food Services (Capped at 10% of annual allocation):

• 60030 – Restaurant and Food Service Managers

• 62010 – Retail Sales Supervisors

• 63200 – Cooks

Skilled Trades:

• 72102 – Sheet Metal Workers

• 72205 – Telecom Equipment Technicians

• 72300 – Plumbers

• 72310 – Carpenters

• 72410 – Automotive Service Technicians

• 73102 – Drywall Installers and Finishers

• 73110 – Roofers and Shinglers

• 73200 – Residential and Commercial Installers

Manufacturing:

• 73401 – Printing Press Operators

• 92014 – Supervisors, Forest Products Processing

• 94112 – Rubber Processing Machine Operators

• 94124 – Woodworking Machine Operators

• 94129 – Other Wood Processing Machine Operators

  
  

📌 Note: For NOCs 60030, 62010, and 63200, caps apply. Additional documentation may be required for food service managers based on restaurant hours of operation.

Job Offer Requirements

Employers must ensure job offers meet these RCIP standards:

• Must be within the Pictou County RCIP designated area

• Full-time (minimum 30 hours/week)

• Non-seasonal, indeterminate (no fixed end date)

• Match the candidate’s skill level and experience

• Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not qualify

Who Can Apply?

Both existing employees on valid work permits and new international candidates may be eligible for RCIP recommendations. For a full list of documentation and eligibility requirements, visit the official RCIP Candidate Page:🔗 Rural Community Immigration Pilot – Who Can Apply

2025 RCIP Employer Intake Periods

Pictou County RCIP will accept applications from designated employers during the following periods:

• July 14 – 25

• August 1 – 15

• September 1 – 15

• October 1 – 15

• November 1 – 15

• December 1 – 10

  
  

Need Expert Guidance on RCIP or Canadian Immigration?

As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Harikrishnan Nair is here to help you make informed decisions about your immigration journey. Whether you're an employer in Pictou County navigating the RCIP process, or an international candidate exploring your options — trusted, professional guidance is just a click away.

📅 Book a personalized consultation with Harikrishnan Nair, RCIC:👉 https://www.litmusimmigration.ca/book-online

Get clarity. Get answers. Get started the right way.