Key takeaways
- SOR/2026-217 adds a permanent rural community immigration class (new section 87.4 of the IRPR)
- You must intend to live in a rural community outside Quebec that the Minister designates
- Designated economic development organizations make the recommendations
- The regulation is in force on the day of registration
- Transition rules for current pilot applicants are not confirmed yet
What the regulation does
The regulation is published in the Canada Gazette as SOR/2026-217. It amends the IRPR to create a permanent “rural community immigration class” in a new section 87.4.
The class is added to the language-test and economic establishment provisions. These provisions already cover the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades and Atlantic Immigration Program classes.
Who the class is for
Under the regulation, an applicant must intend to live in a community that the Minister designates. The community must be rural and outside Quebec (section 87.4(2)(a) and section 87.41).
The Minister must post the designated communities on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
How communities and employers are designated
| Topic | What the regulation says |
|---|---|
| Recommendations | Designated economic development organizations make them (section 87.42). |
| Priority sectors | Each organization must keep a list of priority sectors and occupations and submit it to the Minister every year (section 87.42). |
| Employer designation | The business must have operated for at least 2 years under the same ownership in the community, or the organization must judge that it makes a substantial contribution (section 87.43). |
| Losing designation | An employer with a compliance order or penalty can lose its designation (section 87.43). |
| In force | On the day of registration (section 6). The Gazette index lists registration as October 22, 2026. |
Background from the regulatory impact statement
The Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS) says the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) admitted over 12,500 workers and their families from 2019. The Rural Community Immigration (RCI) Pilot launched in December 2024. The RIAS says 14 communities currently take part in the pilot.
What is not confirmed yet
We have not confirmed the transition rules for current RCI Pilot applicants. We have also not confirmed a new list of designated communities. Check IRCC’s rural community page before you plan. IRCC must post the designated communities on its website.
What this means for you
- You want to live in a small community outside Quebec: the pathway is now a permanent class. Check whether your community is designated.
- You have a job offer from a rural employer: the employer must be designated under section 87.43.
- You live in a large city or in Quebec: this class does not apply to your plan. See our Provincial Nominee Program guide for other options.
What to do next
- Read the regulation text on the Canada Gazette page.
- Look for the designated communities list on the IRCC website when it is updated.
- Compare other routes in our PNP guide, our Express Entry guide and our PNP draws page.
Related coverage: BC PNP rural and remote health invitations.
Frequently asked questions
What is SOR/2026-217?
It is a regulation published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on November 4, 2026. It creates a permanent rural community immigration class in the IRPR.
Does the class cover Quebec?
No. The community must be rural and outside Quebec.
Who recommends candidates?
Designated economic development organizations make the recommendations.
When does it take effect?
The regulation is in force on the day of registration. The Gazette index lists registration as October 22, 2026.
Sources
Facts as provided in our research brief dated November 4, 2026.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
