Candidate Information

How do I qualify for RCIP?

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the federal requirements as per IRCC. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Having at minimum completed a Canadian High School diploma or proof of the equivalent valid foreign credential
  • Having accumulated at least one year of work experience (1560 hours) in the previous 3 years prior to applying for recommendation OR be eligible for the international student exemption as per IRCC:

  • Having a genuine job offer in the Community from a designated employer. The job offer must be full-time, non-seasonal, indeterminate (with no end date) and one of the 25 priority NOCs for the Moose Jaw region.
  • Current Designated Employers
  • Having valid language test results from the last two years
  • If you are applying from outside of Canada, you must prove you have the funds available to support yourself in your transition to settling in Canada
  • Your intention to reside in the community

How to Apply?

Once you have a valid job offer from a designated employer, the employer is responsible for submitting the application for community recommendation on your behalf, during one of the monthly intake periods. Ensure that you have provided them with all the necessary documentation required for a complete application. Any incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Moose Jaw RCIP community recommendation applications are processed on a PASS/FAIL model:

  • The monthly intake period will open at 8:00AM local time on the first day of the intake period, and close at 4:00PM on the last day of the intake period.

  • Per intake period, the Moose Jaw RCIP will issue up to 12 recommendations on a first come, first served basis

  • Applications that contain multiple errors, are incomplete, or missing any relevant documents will lose their place in line and be returned to the employer. It is up to employers to ensure the applicant meets the program requirements and that the application is complete. A returned application can be corrected / completed and resubmitted during an eligible intake period.

  • Applications that do not make the cut-off for the current intake window will be invited to apply during the next eligible intake window.

What Happens Next?

If your employer’s community recommendation application is approved, you will receive a community recommendation certificate. The community recommendation certificate is valid for a period of 6 months after it’s issued.

Note: Receiving a community recommendation certificate from Moose Jaw RCIP does not guarantee that your permanent residence application will be approved. All PR applications are at the discretion of IRCC processing officers.

If you already are working on a valid work permit and working for the employer who applied for your community recommendation, then there is no immediate need to apply for the RCIP-work permit. Continue working as usual while your PR is in processing.

If your PR is still in processing when your current work permit is nearing its expiration date, then apply for the RCIP-specific work permit shortly before your existing work permit expires.

If you do not have a valid work permit, then apply for the RCIP-specific work permit as soon as possible after applying for PR, so that you can begin working for the employer and settling in the Community.

Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for a spousal open work permit at the same time you apply for your RCIP-specific work permit. Your spouse’s work permit will allow them to work in the same community as you while your PR is in processing.