Sudbury's New Immigration Gateway Opens
Sudbury's New Immigration Gateway Opens Jun 9, 2025
The City of Greater Sudbury is excited to announce the official launch of the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP/FCIP) programs, approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Building on the success of previous initiatives, these programs are designed to address local workforce needs by helping employers attract and retain skilled international talent.
"We saw tremendous success through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program, which concluded in 2024, welcoming over 2,700 new residents to our community,” said Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “Now, we’re proud to be one of only two communities in Canada selected to host both the RCIP and FCIP programs moving forward. These new initiatives will support local businesses in filling critical skilled roles and help us continue building a stronger, more inclusive Greater Sudbury.”
Extensive consultations with over 300 employers and community leaders identified five priority sectors for each program. These sectors will guide employer eligibility for designation under the RCIP and FCIP programs.
RCIP Priority Sectors:
Natural and applied sciences
Health
Education, law and social, community and government services
Trades and transport
Natural resources and agriculture
FCIP Priority Sectors:
Business, finance and administration
Health
Education, law and social, community and government services
Art, culture, recreation and sport
Trades and transport
Only employers within these sectors and designated program boundaries, hiring for priority occupations, will be eligible. "Programs like the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots are vital to the long-term growth and sustainability of our city," added Shari Lichterman, Chief Administrative Officer.
The City has already received 525 candidate allocations for RCIP (selected via a points-based draw) and 45 for FCIP (first-come, first-served). The Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) administers the programs, with support from City staff and Community Selection Committees, ensuring program integrity.
The City of Greater Sudbury thanks FedNor and the GSDC for their instrumental support and funding.
Greater Sudbury Launches New Immigration Programs to Support Local Workforce
