Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) Program Canada

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot helps skilled foreign workers get permanent residency by working in 6 rural French-speaking communities of Canada where there are job shortages. Approved employers in these communities can hire them.

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The FCIP is different from points-based immigration systems like Express Entry. It focuses on matching skilled workers with real job opportunities in small French-speaking communities that need their abilities. This program provides a clear and easy path to permanent residency, especially for those who speak French. The FCIP offers several advantages over other immigration pathways:

Direct Path to Permanent Residence: No temporary status is required before applying for PR.
No LMIA Required: Designated employers are pre-approved, eliminating the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Reduced Work Experience Requirements: Only 1 year of work experience is needed instead of the typical 3+ years.
Flexible Experience Matching: Your past work experience doesn’t need to perfectly match your job offer.
Student Pathway: Recent graduates from local institutions in the selected communities are exempt from the work experience requirements.
Lower Cost of Living: Rural communities typically offer more affordable housing and living expenses.
Enhanced Settlement Support: Smaller communities often provide more personalized integration assistance.

6 French-Speaking Communities

Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick – A coastal region with a strong Acadian culture, fishing, and tourism industries.
Sudbury, Ontario – A bilingual mining and tech hub with a vibrant Franco-Ontarian community.
Timmins, Ontario – A northern city with mining, forestry, and a historic Francophone presence.
Superior East, Ontario – Rural towns along Lake Superior with forestry and healthcare labour needs.
St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba – A small prairie village known for its French heritage and agriculture.
Kelowna, British Columbia – A growing Okanagan Valley city with wine, tourism, and tech sectors seeking bilingual workers.

Each community has identified priority sectors and occupations based on their local economic needs.

Eligibility Requirements: Francophone Community Immigration Program

1. Job Offer

The participating community has designated certain employers. You will need a valid job offer from one of the employers. Some of these communities have official websites listed below:

2. Work Experience

1 year of work experience (accumulated last within 3 years)
NOC TEER code related to work experience can differ from the job offer requirements.
Example: If you have a TEER 1 job offer, you can apply with TEER 2 work experience.

Job Offer TEER	Eligible Work Experience TEER Levels
TEER 0 or 1	TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
TEER 2	TEER 1, 2, 3, or 4
TEER 3 or 4	TEER 2, 3, or 4
TEER 5	Must be in the same 5-digit NOC code
Healthcare Exception	Work Experience NOC 31301 (TEER 1) → Job Offer in: – NOC 33102 (TEER 3) – NOC 44101 (TEER 4)

Exemption for International Students Studying in the Community: If you have graduated from a public post-secondary school in the community, you don’t need any work experience to apply for the FCIP.

3. Language Proficiency

You must know how to communicate in the French language by taking one of the two approved tests:
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
You must score CLB 5 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking skills.
Learn more about French Tests for Canada PR.

4. Education Requirements

Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma OR
Canadian post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree from a DLI.
Education attained outside Canada must be assessed through an ECA Report.
An educational credential assessment (ECA) report is typically valid for 5 years. You must apply before it expires.
Your foreign education must be equivalent to either a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma OR a Canadian post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree

4. Education Requirements

Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma OR
Canadian post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree from a DLI.
Education attained outside Canada must be assessed through an ECA Report.
An educational credential assessment (ECA) report is typically valid for 5 years. You must apply before it expires.
Your foreign education must be equivalent to either a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma OR a Canadian post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree

5. Proof of Funds

To apply for permanent residence in Canada through this Francophone Community Immigration pilot program, you must show that you can support yourself and your family financially when you arrive.
You can use bank account statements, bank drafts, cheques, or money orders as proof.
You must have enough funds at the time you apply and when you receive your permanent resident visa, if it is approved.
Your required amount depends on your family size.
The updated minimum funds needed as of September 17, 2024, range from $7,963 CAD for one person to $20,884 CAD for a family of seven, with an additional $1,869 CAD per extra family member.

Application Process: Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

Find a Designated Employer

Research job opportunities with designated employers in the six participating communities. Each community maintains a list of approved employers on their website.

Secure a Job Offer

Once you receive a valid job offer from a designated employer, they will submit your community recommendation application on your behalf directly to the community for review.

Step 3: Obtain Community Recommendation

The community will assess:

The authenticity of your job offer
Is the position in a priority sector
Your eligibility for the program

If approved, you will receive a recommendation to apply for permanent residence.

Prepare Your Application

Gather all required documents:
Personal Documents:
- Valid passport/travel documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates (if applicable)
- Divorce or separation documents (if applicable)
- Police certificates from countries where you’ve lived
Program-Specific Documents:
- Proof of language proficiency (test results)
- Educational credentials or ECA report
- Work experience documentation (reference letters, pay stubs, etc.)
- Proof of settlement funds
- Community recommendation
- Job offer documentation (IMM 0251 form)

Submit Your Application Online

Apply using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal, where you will:
- Complete digital forms (IMM 0008, IMM 5669 etc.)
- Upload supporting documents
- Upload signed PDF forms

Pay Application Fees

The total fee is approximately $1,525, which includes:

Processing fees
Right of permanent residence fee
Biometrics fee

Biometrics and Medical Examination

After submission, you will be instructed to:

Provide fingerprints and photo (biometrics) within 30 days
Complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician

Application Processing

IRCC will process your application and may request additional information if necessary. Processing times vary but are typically faster than those of other economic immigration programs.

Approval and Landing

If approved, you will receive:

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Permanent resident visa (if applicable)

Upon arrival in Canada, you will officially become a permanent resident.

Take Professional Help from Licensed Consultants

Navigating Canada’s immigration process can be complex and overwhelming, especially with a specialized program like the FCIP. Elaar Immigration, led by Keshav Sharma, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), offers expert guidance through every step of your FCIP journey. With extensive experience in Francophone immigration pathways, our team provides: