On This Page You Will Find
- Overview of Canada’s 2025 immigration pilots
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
- Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
- Home Care Worker and Caregiver Work Permit
- Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
- Links to full program guides
- Frequently asked questions
Rural Community Immigration Pilot
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) helps skilled foreign workers move to rural and remote areas that face ongoing labour shortages. It builds on the success of earlier regional programs and focuses on long-term settlement.
Participating communities can designate employers to offer jobs that cannot be filled locally. Candidates who receive a valid job offer may apply for permanent residence. The program also supports employers in addressing workforce needs while helping newcomers establish roots in smaller Canadian communities.
Learn more: Rural Community Immigration Pilot
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) supports the growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec. It targets skilled workers who wish to live and work in regions where French is a minority language.
Employers approved under the pilot can recruit qualified francophone or bilingual candidates to fill vacancies. Selected applicants receive community support and may qualify for a work permit while their permanent residence application is processed.
Learn more: Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot encourages francophone international students to study outside Quebec and remain in Canada after graduation. It supports the vitality of French-speaking regions while offering students a pathway to permanent residence through post-graduation opportunities.
Participating institutions and communities receive federal support to attract and retain French-speaking students, strengthening cultural and linguistic diversity across Canada.
Learn more: Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) gives refugees and displaced persons the opportunity to immigrate to Canada through existing economic streams. It combines humanitarian protection with Canada’s labour market needs.
Eligible applicants can use their professional skills and experience to apply for permanent residence under programs such as Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program. The pilot also helps employers fill vacancies while offering displaced workers a safe and stable future in Canada.
Learn more: Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots offer a direct route to permanent residence for qualified caregivers. These pilots replace earlier caregiver programs and focus on helping experienced home support and child care workers settle permanently in Canada.
Under the new framework, eligible applicants can apply for permanent residence as soon as they have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in an approved occupation. Those already in Canada may continue working under a special caregiver work permit while their permanent residence application is processed.
Applicants must meet specific language and education standards, have relevant work experience or training, and show the ability to provide care to children, the elderly, or people with disabilities in private homes.
The pilots are designed to simplify the process for caregivers and their families to obtain permanent status while addressing Canada’s growing need for home-based care.
Learn more: Canada Caregiver Immigration Pilots
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Canada’s immigration pilot programs?
Pilot programs test new ways to meet regional or sector-specific labour needs. They often support rural, francophone, refugee, or caregiver pathways before being made permanent.
Can I apply to more than one immigration pilot at a time?
Yes, you can explore multiple options if you meet the eligibility requirements. Each pilot has separate criteria, application steps, and documentation needs.
Do I need a job offer to qualify for a pilot program?
Most pilot programs, such as the Rural and Francophone pilots, require a valid job offer from an approved employer. Some exceptions exist, such as certain refugee streams under EMPP.
Are work permits available while waiting for permanent residence approval?
Yes, some pilots allow eligible candidates to apply for an employer-specific work permit while their PR application is processed.
Will these pilot programs become permanent?
Successful pilots often inform long-term immigration policy. Programs like the EMPP and caregiver pathways may become permanent after evaluation.
