Total Number of Designated Employers
As of early 2025, there are 68 employers designated under the RCIP (Sault Ste. Marie stream). Some companies are marked as “Not currently hiring”, but they remain on the official designation list.
Top 20 Biggest Designated Employers in RCIP Sault Ste. Marie (2025)
Sault Ste. Marie’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP/RCIP) is supported by a diverse set of designated employers. While the full list contains 68 companies, a smaller group of anchor organizations account for the majority of hiring and long-term opportunities. Below we profile the 20 largest and most well-known designated employers, their sectors, scale, and where you can learn more about them.
Algoma Tubes Inc (Tenaris Canada)
A subsidiary of Tenaris, Algoma Tubes is one of the region’s most important steel and pipe manufacturers. The company employs hundreds of workers and provides opportunities for industrial mechanics, engineers, and production staff.
Website: www.tenaris.com
Sault Area Hospital
The largest healthcare employer in Sault Ste. Marie, with more than 2,000 staff, the hospital offers roles for nurses, personal support workers, medical technologists, and administrative staff.
Website: sah.on.ca
F. J. Davey Home
A leading long-term care facility with approximately 400 employees, F.J. Davey Home regularly recruits PSWs, nurses, dietary aides, and recreation staff.
Website: www.fjdaveyhome.org
Extendicare Mapleview
Part of the national Extendicare group, Mapleview is a senior and long-term care home with over 200 staff. Frequent opportunities include PSWs, nurses, and support workers.
Website: www.extendicaremapleview.com
ParaMed
Also part of the Extendicare family, ParaMed provides homecare services across Northern Ontario. The company is a consistent recruiter of home support workers, caregivers, and nurses.
Website: www.paramed.com
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd
A major hospitality and entertainment operator, Gateway Casinos employs hundreds in gaming, food services, security, and guest services.
Website: www.gatewaycasinos.com
JD Aero Technical Inc
An aviation and aircraft maintenance (MRO) company, JD Aero specializes in servicing regional airlines. It employs engineers, mechanics, and technicians, offering highly skilled jobs under RCIP.
Website: www.jdaeromaintenance.com
Viacore
A manufacturing and industrial supply company, Viacore supports mining and energy operations in Northern Ontario. Roles often include machine operators, fabricators, and technical staff.
Website: www.viacore.com
YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie
The YMCA is one of the largest non-profits in the city, employing hundreds of staff across fitness, childcare, and settlement services. It is also a hub for newcomer support programs, making it an employer of interest for immigrants.
Website: https://ssmymca.ca/
OTR Engineered Solutions
A manufacturing and industrial design firm, OTR Engineered Solutions supports the heavy equipment and mining sectors. It offers positions for engineers, machinists, and industrial technicians.
Northern Powertrain
This mechanical and industrial services provider supports automotive and industrial clients. Common roles include technicians, sales staff, and warehouse support.
Norquay Engineer Ltd
An engineering consultancy active in infrastructure and industrial projects, Norquay hires engineers, drafters, and project staff under RCIP.
RF Contracting Inc
A local leader in construction and contracting, RF Contracting provides jobs for skilled trades, supervisors, and laborers.
Algoma University
A fast-growing postsecondary institution, Algoma University employs faculty, administrative staff, and student support personnel. It is also a key driver of international student recruitment.
Website: www.algomau.ca
China Steel Inc
An industrial steel operator, China Steel provides roles for machine operators, quality control staff, and industrial technicians.
Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill
A Canadian casual dining chain, Chuck’s Roadhouse is designated under RCIP and employs cooks, servers, and food service supervisors.
Website: www.chucksroadhouse.com
Montana’s
Another national restaurant chain, Montana’s offers jobs for line cooks, servers, and supervisors — roles often supported under RCIP in the hospitality sector.
Website: www.montanas.ca
Giovanni’s Restaurant
A well-known local dining employer, Giovanni’s Restaurant has been part of the Sault Ste. Marie food scene for decades. It employs chefs, kitchen helpers, and service staff.
Website: www.giovannis.ca
Child Care Algoma
A leading childcare and early learning provider, Child Care Algoma operates multiple centers across the city. It frequently hires early childhood educators and support staff.
Website: www.childcarealgoma.ca
Meadow Park Montessori School
A private Montessori school, this employer offers positions for teachers, ECEs, and support staff.
Top 10 Most Common Jobs Among Designated Employers
Based on the employer types, the most in-demand job categories include:
Registered Nurses & Practical Nurses
Personal Support Workers (PSWs)
Home Support Workers
Cooks & Food Service Supervisors
Servers, Bartenders, and Kitchen Staff
Industrial Mechanics & Millwrights
Machine Operators & Production Workers
Engineers & Technicians (mechanical, industrial, aviation)
Childcare Workers & Early Childhood Educators
Customer Service & Hospitality Roles
Top 10 Sectors of Designated Companies
The RCIP Sault Ste. Marie designated employers fall into these top industry sectors:
Healthcare & Long-Term Care
Steel & Manufacturing
Homecare & Community Services
Hospitality & Food Services
Aviation & Aerospace (MRO services)
Education & Childcare
Engineering & Contracting
Non-Profit & Social Services
Casinos & Entertainment
Retail & Service Providers
Top Tips for Immigrants to Land a Job Faster in Sault Ste. Marie
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Target Healthcare and Homecare First – PSWs, nurses, and homecare workers are in constant demand. Certifications and willingness to work shifts are key advantages.
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Be Strategic with your Application - Take advantage of QuestJobs to strategically apply for RCIP and FCIP eligible jobs. The portal gives you everything you need to know about a job before applying for any. The portal also provides the PR roadmap, TEER /NOC information , Company restrictions and job restrictions.
- Make Sure to Customize your CV - Do not use a general CV to appply for multiple listings. Customize each and every CV to improve your ATS. Take advantage of the QuestJobs AI job matching and CV analyzer.
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Don’t Overlook Industrial Roles – Steel (Tenaris/Algoma Tubes), aviation, and manufacturing employers hire foreign workers when local skills are limited.
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Apply to Food Service Chains – Restaurants like Chuck’s Roadhouse and Montana’s sponsor many newcomers for supervisor and cook positions.
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Leverage Non-Profit Networks – YMCA and Child Care Algoma not only hire but also connect newcomers with settlement services.
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Highlight “rural commitment” – Employers want assurance you’ll stay long-term in Sault Ste. Marie; emphasize community involvement and permanent settlement intentions.
RCIP/PNP Quotas for 2025
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Total Ontario RNIP/RCIP allocation (Sault Ste. Marie + other participating communities): 875 spaces for 2025 (federal cap distributed across all RNIP communities).
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Remaining (as of August 2025): Based on IRCC records, 150 spaces were still open in Sault Ste. Marie at the end of August 2025.
How to Apply for RCIP Jobs in Sault Ste. Marie
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is employer-driven, which means the first step toward permanent residency is securing a valid job offer from a designated company. With 68 approved employers in Sault Ste. Marie — and more than 1,700 PR-eligible jobs across RCIP and FCIP communities listed on QuestJobs.io — immigrants have a wide range of opportunities to explore.
Pro Tip: Focus your applications on sectors with the highest hiring demand (Healthcare, Homecare, Hospitality, and Manufacturing). Employers in these industries are not only actively hiring but are also highly experienced in supporting international candidates through RCIP.
By targeting the right employers, customizing your CV with Canadian standards, and clearly showing your commitment to living in Sault Ste. Marie, you can dramatically improve your chances of securing a job — and your pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
Sources:
RCIP / FCIP Review and Analysis 2025
Strategic Ways to Find Jobs Under RCIP / FCIP
RCIP Designated Community: Pictou NS
Designated Community : Greater Sudbury
FCIP Designated Community: Brandon Manitoba
RCIP Designated Community: West Kootenay
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