Step 3: submit during an intake window

Step 3 of 5 · updated 2026-08-16 · compiled from GSDC's own pages

In one line: your employer files, GSDC takes files in eight windows across the year, and missing one means waiting for the next.

Most of the work in this step is the employer's: they file the recommendation with GSDC while you assemble the evidence, which means test results, the ECA, reference letters, the statement of intent and proof of funds.

How the intake windows work

• The 2026 community allocation is 525 RCIP spots and 45 FCIP spots, released across eight intake windows.
• This is not a monthly draw but batched intake, so the file has to be complete before a window opens. Assembling it during one does not work.
• The allocation is consumed window by window, so later windows have less of it left. Earlier is better.
• Opening dates, volumes and any early closure come from GSDC's notice for that window, and this site does not forecast them.

What the employer has to do

• Issue a formal Offer of Employment form, which is the pilot's official form rather than an ordinary offer letter.
• Complete and submit the recommendation application, one per candidate, confirming the role meets the pilot's requirements and committing to settlement support.
• Incomplete files are not assessed, so go through the checklist with your employer before filing rather than losing a whole window to a missing page.
• Which forms the current intake needs, and how they are submitted, is on GSDC's candidate page and its notice for that window.

GSDC's candidate page is the first thing to read at this step. Go through it with your employer. GSDC: RCIP and FCIP candidates

Where the score comes from

• The grid has five categories: the job (sector points plus occupation points, capped at 25), work experience, language, education, and intent to reside with local ties. 125 in total.
• Intent to reside is a flat 10, and local ties (previous work or study here, a close family member, volunteering, renting or owning, a partner's local experience) add up to 15 more, with the category capped at 25.
• Sector points come from the role's NOC, not from what the employer does: health, natural resources and agriculture, and trades and transport are worth 15, the other priority sectors 10.

Compiled by the lakebbs editorial desk from GSDC's (Invest Sudbury) RCIP / FCIP and candidate pages. It is navigation, not immigration advice; the rules for any given intake are whatever GSDC's notice for that window says, and policy changes.