Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
New Pathway to Canadian Residency

Table of Contents

What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?

IRCC has launched a new pilot program in Canada to strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec. The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot was officially introduced on January 30,2025. The program offers French-speaking workers and francophone international students the chance to obtain permanent residence (PR) for those who want to work and settle in rural and more remote Francophone-minority communities, supporting French immigration to Canada.

Who Can Apply for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?

This unique pilot program in Canada is open to two main categories of applicants:

Francophone International Students
Skilled Workers

Below, we break down the eligibility criteria for each category to help you determine if you qualify for this French immigration to Canada initiative.

What are the requirements for Francophone Community Immigration Pilot ?

Francophone International Students

If you are an international student with French language skills, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot offers a direct pathway to Canadian residency.

Eligibility Requirements:

French Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate a minimum French language proficiency of CLB 5 (NCLC 5).
Educational Credentials: You must have graduated from a public post-secondary institution in one of the participating Francophone communities. Eligible credentials include:
- A diploma or degree from a program that lasted 2 years or longer (studied full-time).
- A master’s degree or higher, even if completed in less than 2 years.
Timing of Graduation: You must have received your credential no more than 18 months before applying for the pilot program.
Settlement Funds: You need to demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your transition to Canada.

Benefits :

No job offer is required, making it easier for recent graduates to apply.
A streamlined pathway to Canadian residency without the need for extensive work experience.

Skilled Worker

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot also welcomes skilled workers who meet the program’s requirements. If you have work experience and French language skills, this pilot program in Canada could be your ticket to permanent residence.

Eligibility Requirements:

French Language Proficiency: You must prove your French language skills by achieving at least CLB 5 (NCLC 5) on an approved language test.
Job Offer: You need a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating Francophone communities. The job must fall under NOC TEER 0-5 categories.
Work Experience: You must have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience within the past 3 years.
Educational Credentials: You need a Canadian educational credential (e.g., high school diploma, post-secondary certificate, or degree) or a foreign equivalent assessed by a designated organization.
Settlement Funds: You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your transition to Canada.

Benefits:

Priority processing for French-speaking applicants.
A direct pathway to Canadian residency without the need for high CRS scores in Express Entry.

🍁Click here to learn more about the requirements for Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

Which cities are under Francophone Community Immigration Pilot program?

Rural Participating Communities	Francophone Participating Communities
Pictou County, NS	Acadian Peninsula, NB
North Bay, ON	Sudbury, ON
Sudbury, ON	Timmins, ON
Timmins, ON	Superior East Region, ON
Sault Ste. Marie, ON	St. Pierre Jolys, MB
Thunder Bay, ON	Kelowna, BC
Steinbach, MB
Altona/Rhineland, MB
Brandon, MB
Moose Jaw, SK
Claresholm, AB
West Kootenay, BC
North Okanagan Shuswap, BC
Peace Liard, BC

Documents Required for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

To apply for permanent residence through the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), you’ll need to prepare the following documents:

Essential Checklist for Your Application

Job Offer: A valid job offer from a designated employer in a participating Francophone community.
Work Experience Proof: Documents showing at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years. Exception: Recent graduates from a public post-secondary school in the community may be exempt.
Language Test Results: Proof of French proficiency (minimum CLB 5/NCLC 5) from an approved test like TCF or TEF.
Educational Credentials: A Canadian diploma, degree, or foreign equivalent with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Settlement Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family.
Identity Documents: Valid passport, birth certificate, and other civil documents.

🍁Click here to learn more about the document required for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

How much does it cost to apply for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?

Applying for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) involves several fees. Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs:

Fee Category	Cost (CAD)	Notes
Application Processing Fee	$850	Per adult applicant.
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)	$515	Paid before receiving PR status.
Language Test Fee	$200– $300	For approved French tests like TCF or TEF.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)	$200– $400	Required for foreign education credentials.
Biometrics Fee	$85 per person	$170 per family (2 or more people).
Settlement Funds	Varies	Proof of funds required (amount depends on family size).

How Long Does It Take to Apply for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?

Phase	Duration	Key Activities
Preparation Phase	Depends	Take the French Language Proficiency Test
Job Offer & Community Connection	Depends	Secure a valid job offer from a designated employer. Build connections with the Francophone community.
Application Submission	1–2 months	Complete and submit your permanent residence application. Pay required fees (processing, biometrics, etc.).
Processing Time	6–12 months	IRCC reviews your application. Provide additional documents if requested. Attend an interview (if required).
Decision	1 month	Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Pass the French language proficiency test within 4 months!

Reach CLB 5 (NCLC 5) in 4 months!

At CCC College, our French courses are designed to help you achieve CLB 5 in just 4 months and CLB 7 within 8-10 months. Our programs are tailored to meet the needs of international students and professionals aiming for Canadian PR.