Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): Apply Through Canada’s Dedicated Pilot Program for French Speakers
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) offers a streamlined route to permanent residence (PR) for skilled workers who wish to live and work in French-minority, rural or remote communities across Canada.
If you’re fluent in French and looking to immigrate to Canada, this program is designed for you.
About the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
This pilot program is part of Canada’s strategy to:
- Support the vitality of rural and remote Francophone communities
- Address labour shortages in rural areas
- Encourage settlement outside Quebec for French-speaking newcomers
It is different from Express Entry or other PNPs. Instead, it’s a community-focused initiative where selected rural regions work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to bring in French-speaking foreign nationals who are ready to contribute to local life.
Participating Communities (as of 2024)
French-speaking applicants can apply to specific communities approved by IRCC. These communities are located in Ontario, Manitoba, BC and New Brunswick.
Ontario
- Sudbury
- Timmins
- Superior East Region
Manitoba
- St. Pierre Jolys
New Brunswick
- Acadian Peninsula
British Columbia
- Kelowna
Each community must meet criteria showing their capacity to welcome, support, and retain French-speaking immigrants. This includes:
- Available jobs for newcomers
- Existing Francophone services
- Education and settlement supports in French
Who Can Apply
To qualify for permanent residence through the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), applicants must meet the following requirements:
Have a Valid Job Offer
You must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer located in one of the participating Francophone communities.
Work Experience
You must have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience within the last 3 years.
- The work experience must be in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) code that matches the job you’re being offered.
- Work experience can be in Canada or abroad, as long as it is relevant.
French Language Proficiency
You must prove your ability to communicate in French by taking an approved language test (e.g. TEF Canada or TCF Canada). The required level depends on the job offered and the associated NOC skill level, but the minimum is typically CLB/NCLC 4 or 5.
Education
You must have:
- A Canadian high school diploma or higher, or
- A foreign educational credential with a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) confirming it is equivalent to a Canadian credential
Settlement Funds
You must show that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your family during your transition to life in the community. The required amount depends on your family size.
Updated Sep 17, 2024
| Number of family members | Funds you need (in Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $7,963 |
| 2 | $9,692 |
| 3 | $12,069 |
| 4 | $15,056 |
| 5 | $17,145 |
| 6 | $19,015 |
| 7 | $20,884 |
| If more than 7 people, for each additional family member, add | $1,869 |
Why This Program Matters
Canada has committed to increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec and has launched this pilot to test what works best at the community level.
This program:
- Helps revitalize rural Francophone communities
- Encourages economic development and cultural preservation
- Offers French speakers a realistic, supported pathway to Canadian permanent residence
Benefits of the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
- A clear immigration route for French speakers living outside Quebec
- Access to French-language services for settlement, healthcare, and education
- Community support and integration for newcomers and families
- May offer lower eligibility thresholds compared to Express Entry or PNPs
- Pathway to permanent residence with long-term opportunity
How Doherty Fultz Immigration Can Help
At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we specialize in helping Francophone clients identify the most strategic pathway to Canadian permanent residence. This pilot program is an exciting opportunity but also involves multiple steps, including:
- Finding a participating community aligned with your background and goals
- Securing a qualifying job offer (if required)
- Navigating the community recommendation process
- Completing your PR application under the pilot’s guidelines
We are here to ensure your application is well-prepared, complete, and compelling.
Take the First Step Toward Life in a Francophone Canadian Community
If you’re a French speaker looking to immigrate to a welcoming, smaller Canadian town that values your language and cultural background, this pilot program may be your ideal pathway.
Book a consultation with our team to determine your eligibility and the best-fit community
