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Immigration
By Stephanie Ford
Posted on August 6, 2025
But recent reports out of the North Okanagan-Shuswap region suggest that some RCIP job offers are being exchanged for money, gifts, or personal favours. This is not permitted – and it’s a form of immigration fraud. So, it’s important for newcomers to recognize red flags, and know how to protect themselves and their immigration status.
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The Rural and Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in North Okanagan-Shuswap is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at helping smaller communities attract and retain skilled immigrants. The region endorses eligible employers who offer jobs to foreign workers, enabling those workers to apply for permanent residency through the RCIP pathway.
The idea is simple: match newcomers with genuine job opportunities in smaller Canadian towns, and help these communities thrive with new talent. To qualify, the job offer must come from an approved local employer, and the process must follow strict federal and community guidelines—without exception.
Recent reports have raised concerns about misuse of the RCIP in North Okanagan-Shuswap. Some employers are allegedly offering RCIP-endorsed jobs in exchange for money, gifts, or services. In some cases, applicants themselves have offered compensation in hopes of securing a qualifying job offer that can lead to permanent residency.
These arrangements violate community trust and break federal immigration laws. Under Section 127 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), it is an offence to misrepresent or withhold important facts from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To be perfectly clear: offering or accepting money for a job offer falls under this category of misrepresentation.
If you’re applying for a job linked to any Canadian immigration pathway, no form of payment or benefit (outside of your wages for the work you complete) should ever be exchanged.
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Whether you’re already in Canada or applying from abroad, be aware of these warning signs:
If you experience or witness any of these behaviours, report them immediately to the RCIP community team at [email protected].
It’s important to include as much detail as possible, such as copies of emails, contracts, or other communications that may serve as evidence.
Why It Matters
Programs like the RCIP are designed to help newcomers build honest, sustainable lives in Canada’s smaller communities. But if fraud becomes widespread, the entire program may be suspended—hurting both the individuals who follow the rules and also local economies that rely on newcomer contributions and that are genuinely excited to welcome newcomers through these pathways.
And remember, participating in a fraudulent job scheme – even if you aren’t aware of the fraud — can result in refused permanent residency, a five-year re-entry ban, or legal action for misrepresentation. Not knowing that you shouldn’t pay for a job offer is Canada is not a valid defense to a charge of misrepresentation.
Always ensure that your job offer is legitimate, that you haven’t paid or been asked to pay for employment, and that your application reflects the truth. If something feels off, it probably is.
Stay informed, ask questions, and protect your pathway to permanent residency by not participating in fraudulent schemes.
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Canada Abroad is a transparent Canadian immigration consultancy with advice you can trust. Led by Deanne Acres-Lans (RCIC #508363), the team delivers professional, regulated, and efficient service.
Led by Anthony Doherty (RCIC #510956) and Cassandra Fultz (#514356), the Doherty Fultz team uses their 40+ years of experience to empower you towards settling in Canada.
Led by Jenny Perez (RCIC #423103), Perez McKenzie Immigration is a Canadian immigration consultancy based in British Columbia, with offices in Vancouver and Whistler.
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