The Government of Canada has launched its two new immigration programs to support economic growth and community development: the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, these pilots provide a permanent residence pathway for newcomers who can fill key jobs and contribute to the long-term development of 18 selected communities across Canada.
The pilots have been put in place while the government works on making the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot a permanent program.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of the Immigration Pilots – Purpose, benefits, and selected communities.
- Eligibility for Skilled Workers – Job offer requirements, work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
- Employer Designation Process – Steps for businesses to hire skilled workers through these pilots.
- Application Process for Candidates – Steps to secure a job offer and apply for permanent residence.
- Why These Pilots Matter – Impact on labor shortages, local economies, and Francophone communities.
Purpose of the Immigration Pilots
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
The RCIP aims to address labour shortages in rural communities by helping local businesses find skilled workers. Many smaller communities struggle to attract and retain workers, which can hinder economic growth. This pilot ensures that rural areas benefit from immigration programs tailored to their specific workforce needs.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
The FCIP focuses on increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants settling in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. This initiative supports economic development while also strengthening the linguistic and cultural identity of these communities. By restoring and growing their demographic weight, Canada aims to preserve and enhance French-speaking populations in smaller towns and cities.
How the Pilots Work
Each of the 18 selected communities is represented by a local economic development organization. These organizations will work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to:
- Identify critical labour shortages in their region.
- Designate trusted employers who can offer jobs to newcomers.
- Recommend suitable candidates to IRCC for permanent residence.
To ensure a smooth rollout, IRCC has already started training economic development organizations. Each community will soon provide more details about its application process, including when employers can hire through the pilots and when skilled workers can apply for permanent residence.
What’s Next?
The RCIP and FCIP will soon be open for applications. Employers and skilled workers interested in participating should stay updated by following announcements from their respective communities and IRCC. These pilots offer a unique opportunity to secure permanent residence while contributing to the success of smaller communities across Canada.
Canada’s ongoing commitment to rural and Francophone immigration ensures that smaller communities remain strong, economically viable, and culturally diverse for generations to come.
All You Need To Know About Canada’s Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots
Canada’s Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots provide pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers who want to live and work in one of 18 rural and smaller communities. These pilots aim to boost local economies and address labor shortages by attracting skilled immigrants to areas outside major cities.
Participating Communities
Rural Immigration Pilot Communities
- Nova Scotia: Pictou County
- Ontario: North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay
- Manitoba: Steinbach, Altona/Rhineland, Brandon
- Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw
- Alberta: Claresholm
- British Columbia: West Kootenay, North Okanagan Shuswap, Peace Liard
Francophone Immigration Pilot Communities
- New Brunswick: Acadian Peninsula
- Ontario: Sudbury, Timmins, Superior East Region
- Manitoba: St. Pierre Jolys
- British Columbia: Kelowna
How the Immigration Pilots Work
To qualify for permanent residency under these pilots, candidates must have a valid job offer from an employer in a participating community and meet eligibility requirements for work experience, education, and language proficiency.
Employer Designation Process
Employers in participating communities must become designated before hiring skilled workers through these pilots. The steps to become a designated employer include:
- Complete Required Training: Employers must complete onboarding and intercultural competency training.
- Apply for Designation: Employers must submit an application to their local community. Each community has its own process for designation.
- Meet Eligibility Requirements:
- Business must have been operating in the community for at least two years.
- At least 75% of business activities must be within the community.
- Employer must be in good standing with labor and employment laws.
- Support Newcomer Integration: Employers must commit to helping immigrants and their families settle into the community.
Hiring Through the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots
Once designated, an employer can offer jobs to skilled foreign workers. The job must be:
- Full-time (minimum 30 hours per week)
- Non-seasonal (year-round employment)
- Permanent (no end date)
- At a similar skill level to the candidate’s previous work experience
Job Offer Requirements for Specific Occupations
Certain exemptions apply to candidates who studied in a community or are healthcare workers. For example:
- Healthcare workers (NOC 31301) can receive job offers in related occupations such as:
- Nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates (NOC 33102)
- Home support workers, caregivers (NOC 44101)
Requirements for Skilled Workers
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for permanent residence under these pilots, candidates must:
- Have a Valid Job Offer: From a designated employer in a participating community.
- Meet Work Experience Requirements:
- At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the last 3 years.
- Exceptions exist for recent graduates from public post-secondary institutions in the community.
- Meet Language Requirements:
- English or French Proficiency: CLB 6 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs, and CLB 4 for TEER 4 or 5 jobs.
- Approved language tests include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.
- Education Credential Assessment (ECA):
- Required for candidates who studied outside Canada to verify that their education is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
- Proof of Settlement Funds:
- Applicants must show they have enough financial resources to support themselves and their families when moving to Canada.
Application Process for Candidates
- Secure a Job Offer: Find a designated employer in a participating community.
- Gather Required Documents: Including language test results, ECA, work experience proof, and proof of funds.
- Submit an Application for Community Recommendation: The community must approve and recommend the candidate.
- Apply for Permanent Residence: Once recommended, candidates can submit their PR application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Optional Work Permit
Candidates applying for permanent residency may qualify for a temporary work permit, allowing them to work in Canada while their PR application is processed.
Work Permit Details:
- Valid for 2 years
- Employer-specific (must work for the designated employer offering the job)
- Requires employer compliance fee ($230) and a job offer submitted through the Employer Portal
Why These Immigration Pilots Matter
- Addressing Labor Shortages: Many rural and Francophone communities struggle to fill job vacancies. These pilots help bring skilled workers to areas in need.
- Strengthening Local Economies: Skilled immigrants contribute to economic growth and community development.
- Boosting Francophone Populations: The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot helps maintain the French-speaking population outside Quebec.
- Supporting Newcomer Settlement: Employers and communities play an active role in helping immigrants integrate.
Next Steps for Employers and Skilled Workers
For Employers
- Complete the required training and apply for designation.
- Offer job opportunities to eligible candidates.
- Assist employees with settlement and integration into the community.
For Skilled Workers
- Research and apply for jobs with designated employers.
- Prepare necessary documents for PR application.
- Work with the community to get a recommendation.
- Apply for permanent residency and, if eligible, a temporary work permit.
Canada’s Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots create opportunities for skilled workers to build a future in smaller communities while addressing labor shortages. Whether you are an employer looking for talent or a skilled worker seeking permanent residency, these programs offer a streamlined pathway to a stable and rewarding life in Canada.
FAQ: Canada’s Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots
What are the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots?
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) help smaller Canadian communities attract skilled workers. These pilots provide a permanent residence pathway for newcomers who can fill essential job vacancies in 18 selected communities. RCIP focuses on addressing rural labor shortages, while FCIP aims to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec to support linguistic and cultural diversity.
Who can apply for permanent residency through these programs?
Skilled workers who receive a valid job offer from a designated employer in a participating community can apply. Applicants must meet work experience, language proficiency, education, and financial requirements. Those who studied in a community may be exempt from work experience requirements. Healthcare workers in select occupations also have unique job offer exemptions, making it easier for them to qualify.
How do employers participate in these immigration pilots?
Employers in participating communities must first become designated by completing required training and applying through their community’s economic development organization. To qualify, a business must have operated in the community for at least two years, comply with labor laws, and demonstrate a need for skilled workers. Once designated, employers can hire foreign workers and support their integration into the community.
What are the job requirements for skilled workers under these pilots?
Jobs offered under the pilots must be full-time, non-seasonal, permanent, and located within a participating community. The job must align with the worker’s previous experience based on the NOC 2021 TEER system. Language proficiency requirements vary depending on the job’s skill level, with TEER 0 or 1 jobs requiring CLB 6, TEER 2 or 3 requiring CLB 5, and TEER 4 or 5 requiring CLB 4.
What are the next steps for skilled workers and employers?
Skilled workers should start by researching designated employers in participating communities and preparing their application documents, such as language test results and education assessments. Employers should complete the designation process, offer jobs to eligible candidates, and support their settlement and integration. Once a worker is recommended by the community, they can apply for permanent residence, with the option to apply for a temporary work permit while waiting for approval.