New Francophone Immigration Pilot Offers Direct Pathway to Permanent Residence in Canada
Canada has taken a major step toward strengthening its Francophone communities outside Quebec through the newly launched Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)—a specialized pathway to permanent residence for French-speaking foreign workers.
Three Canadian regions—Acadian Peninsula (New Brunswick), St. Pierre Jolys (Manitoba), and Kelowna (British Columbia)—have officially revealed detailed requirements for job sectors, occupations, and designated employers participating in the pilot.
This program is a vital part of Canada’s long-term strategy to attract skilled French-speaking immigrants and address labour market gaps in key industries across smaller communities outside Quebec.
What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)?
The FCIP is a community-driven and employer-focused pilot program that enables French-speaking foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence, provided they:
- Receive a job offer from a designated employer in a participating community;
- Meet eligibility requirements related to work experience, language proficiency, and education.
The program offers a direct path to PR and may include a two-year work permit, allowing successful applicants to begin working immediately while their permanent residence application is processed by IRCC.
A total of six Canadian communities were selected for the pilot. As of now, three have officially released full program details:
1. Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick
This scenic seaside region has prioritized the following job sectors and occupations:
- Business & Finance: Accountants, Administrative Assistants, Financial Advisors
- Health: Nurses, Pharmacy Assistants, Patient Service Associates
- Education & Social Services: Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Community Workers
- Sales & Service: Cooks, Retail Salespeople, Restaurant Staff
- Trades & Construction: Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians, Welders
Designated Employers in Acadian Peninsula:
- Distillerie Fils du Roy
- Pinokkio Pizzeria, Resto Bar
- Subway (Shippagan)
- Tim Hortons (Neguac)
2. St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba
Located 50 km southeast of Winnipeg, St. Pierre Jolys targets multiple essential occupations:
- Finance & Administration: Financial Advisors, Office Workers
- Education: Teachers and Assistants
- Healthcare: Dentists, General Practitioners, Nurses, Veterinarians
- Service Sector: Bakers, Cooks, Cleaners, Customer Service
- Skilled Trades: Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanics
As of this update, designated employers have not yet been announced for this region.
3. Kelowna, British Columbia
The thriving city of Kelowna is seeking French-speaking professionals in the following sectors:
- Retail & Hospitality: Bakers, Hotel Clerks, Sales Managers, Cooks
- Skilled Trades: Roofers, Electricians, Drywall Installers, Carpenters
- Education & Community Services: Teachers, Social Workers, Home Support Workers
- Healthcare: Nurse Aides, Health Support Workers, Veterinarians
- Applied Sciences: Forestry Technicians
Designated Employers in Kelowna:
- De Dutch Kelowna
- London Drugs Kelowna
What Makes This Program Unique?
To participate in FCIP:
- Only designated employers in participating communities can offer eligible job positions.
- Applicants must be matched to priority occupations aligned with regional labour shortages.
- Once recommended by the community, applicants may apply for PR and obtain a 2-year work permit to start working immediately.
Who Can Apply? – FCIP Eligibility Criteria
- Job Offer: From a designated employer in a participating FCIP community.
- Work Experience: 1,560 hours (1 year full-time) in the last 3 years (exceptions apply for international graduates).
- Language: Minimum NCLC 5 in French across reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Education: Secondary school completion (Canadian or equivalent).
- Settlement Funds: Proof of funds to support themselves and accompanying family members.
Other Participating Communities
In addition to the three detailed above, the FCIP includes:
- Sudbury, Ontario – Full program details available
- Timmins, Ontario – Full program details available
- Superior East Region, Ontario – Awaiting official launch
Why This Matters
The FCIP is a golden opportunity for French-speaking skilled workers, especially those currently outside Canada, to obtain direct entry into the Canadian labour market and secure permanent status. With regional communities actively supporting applicants, this program fosters diversity and strengthens French-speaking populations in key economic zones.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
