Work in Canada
Greater Sudbury Seeks Employer Input for 2026 Immigration Programs
The City of Greater Sudbury is asking local employers to provide their insights for the 2026 Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot programs. With an online survey open until October 22, 2025, hiring managers can influence which sectors and occupations will be prioritized. This initiative is crucial for aligning immigration programs with the city’s workforce needs while helping skilled newcomers settle effectively.
By participating, employers can ensure their community’s labor gaps are addressed and that qualified international candidates are attracted. The feedback collected will guide RCIP and FCIP program intakes for the coming year, offering permanent residency and LMIA-exempt work permits to eligible applicants.
Why Employer Feedback Matters for RCIP and FCIP
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) are designed to bring skilled workers to Greater Sudbury and the surrounding areas. RCIP targets rural communities with labor shortages, while FCIP focuses on welcoming French-speaking candidates to Francophone-supported communities outside Quebec.
Employer input helps determine which National Occupation Classifications (NOCs) should be included in the 2026 intakes. By identifying priority sectors, these programs can match candidates with the most relevant job opportunities, ensuring that newcomers contribute to local economic growth and long-term workforce stability.
How Employers Can Participate
Employers in the Greater Sudbury region can take part in the survey by visiting investsudbury.ca/rcip. Key points for participation:
- Surveys remain open until 11:59 p.m. on October 22, 2025.
- Feedback focuses on workforce needs, priority sectors, and NOC classifications.
- Insights will directly influence the design of the 2026 RCIP and FCIP intakes.
This is a rare opportunity for local businesses to actively shape the region’s immigration programs and ensure access to skilled labor tailored to their needs.
Benefits of RCIP and FCIP Programs
Both programs provide international candidates with pathways to permanent residency and LMIA-exempt work permits. Highlights include:
| Program | Focus | Key Advantage |
| RCIP | Rural communities | Matches skilled workers with labor shortages outside urban centers |
| FCIP | Francophone communities outside Quebec | Supports French-speaking newcomers with local resources and community support |
These programs not only fill critical workforce gaps but also encourage newcomers to make Greater Sudbury their long-term home, fostering both economic and social growth.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2026 intakes approaching, the input of local employers will play a pivotal role in shaping a skilled, diverse workforce. By responding to the surveys, businesses can ensure that RCIP and FCIP continue to address real labor market needs while helping talented newcomers thrive in Greater Sudbury. Employer participation today can translate into stronger workforce solutions tomorrow, making the city more competitive and inclusive.
