Changes in Settlement Funds for Canada's Rural Community Immigration Pilot Program

Canada's Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) program has recently updated the amount of settlement funds required for applicants. This program provides skilled workers an avenue to permanent residency in rural and remote communities, addressing labor shortages while supporting local businesses. The new fund requirements have seen a roughly 30% increase to reflect living costs more accurately.

Key Takeaways

The updated settlement fund requirement is based on 50% of the low-income cut-off for rural areas, as reported in May 2025 by Statistics Canada. For individuals, the requirement increased from $7,963 to $10,507, and for a family of two, from $9,692 to $13,080. Applicants must also demonstrate a valid job offer, language skills, and relevant work experience, among other criteria. The settlement fund requirement is waived for those already working in Canada.