Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled details of the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, a program designed to attract and retain skilled French-speaking immigrants to Canada. This initiative focuses on fostering vibrant Francophone communities in designated regions across the country.
The five-year pilot was announced in March 2024 as one of two pilots replacing the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, which recently expired.
The other is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot. The criteria for the two pilots are effectively the same, aside from language. The RCIP allows language ability in English or French, while the FCIP is only for French speakers.
The details were announced in Canada’s Official Gazette this week.
In 2025, Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan targets 10,920 new immigrants through pilot programs, including the Francophone Community Immigratio Pilot, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, Caregiver pilots, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot and the Economic Mobility Pathways pilot.
On This Page You Will Find:
- An overview of the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.
- Key eligibility criteria for applicants, including work experience, language proficiency, and education requirements.
- Financial and residency requirements for applicants.
- The role of economic development organizations in identifying priority occupations and approving employers.
- Employer responsibilities, including training and settlement support for newcomers.
- Program goals to foster vibrant Francophone communities and support economic growth.
- Answers to frequently asked questions about the program.
Applicant Eligibility
Status Requirements
Applicants must hold valid temporary resident status when applying and maintain it until permanent residency is granted.
Work Experience
Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the past three years. The work must align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for the job offer, meeting specific TEER levels:
- TEER 0/1: Experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
- TEER 2/3: Experience in TEER 1, 2, 3, or 4
- TEER 4/5: Experience must match the specific NOC unit group
Exemptions: Nursing professionals with relevant experience may qualify for related roles. International graduates from eligible programs within 18 months may also qualify without meeting the work experience requirement, provided they meet program length and residency conditions.
Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in French, achieving a benchmark of 5 or higher across all skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing) under the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). Language test results must be less than two years old.
Education
Applicants must hold at least a secondary school education credential. Canadian credentials require a copy of the document, while foreign credentials need an equivalency assessment completed within the last five years.
Intention to Reside
Applicants must provide evidence of their intention to live in the designated Francophone community.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family. The required amount equals half of the low-income cut-off for rural areas as published by Statistics Canada.
Role of Economic Development Organizations
Priority Occupations
By March 31 each year, economic development organizations must establish a list of priority occupations based on local labor market needs, applicant qualifications, wages, work experience, education, and French language proficiency.
Employer Designation
Organizations designate employers who meet specific criteria. Employers must:
- Operate a genuine business active for at least two years or demonstrate significant contributions after relocation.
- Conduct 75% of business activities related to priority occupations in the designated community.
- Complete mandatory intercultural competency and onboarding training.
- Commit to providing settlement support for applicants and their families, ensuring access to settlement and social services.
- Adhere to labor standards and occupational health and safety regulations.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers must offer genuine job opportunities aligned with priority occupations and support the integration of newcomers by facilitating settlement resources and services.
Program Goals
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot aims to strengthen Francophone communities in Canada’s rural and smaller urban areas by attracting French-speaking immigrants. By addressing labor shortages and fostering economic development, this program also preserves and enhances Canada’s Francophone cultural heritage. It provides a structured pathway for French-speaking immigrants to integrate into welcoming and supportive communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot is a five-year program launched in 2024 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It aims to attract skilled French-speaking immigrants to designated communities across Canada. The program supports economic growth, addresses labor shortages, and preserves Francophone cultural heritage. It provides pathways for immigrants to integrate into smaller urban and rural areas while fostering vibrant, French-speaking communities.
Who is eligible for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?
To be eligible, applicants must have valid temporary resident status in Canada and meet requirements for work experience, French language proficiency, and education. Applicants must also show intent to reside in the designated Francophone community and provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their family. International graduates of eligible programs may qualify without work experience if they meet additional residency and program criteria.
What are the language requirements for this program?
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in French by achieving a benchmark of 5 or higher in listening, speaking, reading, and writing under the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). Language test results must be less than two years old at the time of application. This ensures that applicants can contribute effectively to Francophone communities and integrate into local life.
What are the work experience requirements for applicants?
Applicants need at least one year of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the past three years. The work must align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for the job offer and correspond to the appropriate TEER level. Nursing professionals and eligible international graduates may qualify without meeting the standard work experience requirements if they fulfill specific conditions.
How are employers involved in the program?
Employers must be designated by economic development organizations and meet specific criteria, including operating a genuine business active for at least two years in the community. Employers must provide genuine job opportunities, complete intercultural and onboarding training, and support newcomers through settlement services. They must also ensure compliance with labor standards and occupational safety regulations.
What is the role of economic development organizations?
Economic development organizations identify priority occupations each year and approve employers participating in the program. They consider local labor market needs, applicant qualifications, and community requirements when creating the list of occupations. These organizations also ensure that employers provide adequate support for immigrants, promoting successful integration into Francophone communities.
What are the financial requirements for applicants?
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family. The required amount equals half of the low-income cut-off for rural areas, as published by Statistics Canada. These funds must be unencumbered by debts or financial obligations, ensuring applicants can sustain themselves while settling into the community.
