Kelowna’s Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

Kelowna is the only BC township eligible for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot – which opened in January 2025. Kelowna’s program started intake in June 2025.

The program is designed to bring workers with some French-proficiency to areas of Canada outside Quebec. It offers a temporary work permit and a pathway to permanent residence.

Each eligible community in the pilot program is responsible for designating employers and deciding on priority occupations. Here’s what we know about Kelowna’s francophone community immigration pilot program so far:

What is the FCIP in Kelowna?

On January 30, 2025, the Government of Canada launched the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), a program designed to support French-speaking skilled workers who wish to live and work outside of Quebec. This initiative, introduced alongside a similar program for English-speaking rural areas, focuses on strengthening minority-language communities while addressing regional labour shortages. Kelowna, British Columbia, was selected as one of just six cities nationwide to participate in the FCIP, offering new opportunities for Francophone immigrants seeking permanent residency.

Despite having a relatively small Francophone population—1,5 % learned French as a mother tongue, about 7,5% of residents are bilingual, and just under 2% speak French as their first language—Kelowna was chosen due to its potential to grow as a welcoming community for French speakers. The program not only supports economic development through skilled immigration but also helps promote Canada’s commitment to bilingualism and cultural diversity in regions where French is not the dominant language.

Priority Occupations for Kelowna FCIP

As of July 30, 2025, the following 25 occupations have been listed as priority occupations for this program:

Kelowna’s Designated Employers for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot 

Employers must be designated by the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDÉCB) before they can hire through this program. This is because employers are required to support the integration of immigrant employees through cross-cultural and integration training.  

To be eligible, employers must meet the following criteria:  

• Be a bona fide business that has been active in Kelowna for at least 2 years. 

• Operate in a key sector identified as a priority by the SDECB. 

• Offer permanent, full-time, non-seasonal employment. 

• Comply with Canadian labor laws (employment standards, health and safety). 

• Have taken intercultural and integration training. 

• Be committed to helping newcomers integrate and settle into the community. 

As of July 30, 2025, the following employers are designated in Kelowna:  

• De Dutch Kelowna 

• London Drugs Kelowna.  

How to Apply for the Kelowna Francophone Community Immigration Pilot  

Embarking on the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) involves several key steps to achieve permanent residence a participating community. Here’s a concise guide to navigate the application process: 

Secure a Job Offer from a Designated Employer 

• Find Employment: Obtain a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an employer designated by the community where you intend to reside. 

 Obtain a Community Recommendation 

• Sent directly by the employer: Obtain a community recommendation that will confirm the job offer is in a priority sector or occupation, the offer is real, and the worker meets all the requirements for the pilot. 

Prepare and Submit Your Permanent Residence Application 

• Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your job offer, endorsement certificate, language proficiency results, educational credentials, and proof of funds (if applicable). 
• Complete Application Forms: Fill out the required forms accurately. 
• Submit Application: Apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal, ensuring all information is complete to avoid processing delays. 

Provide Biometrics 

• Biometric Fee: Pay the biometric fee when submitting your application. 
• Biometric Collection: Upon receiving a biometric instruction letter from IRCC, provide your fingerprints and photograph within 30 days at an authorized collection center. 

Optional: Apply for a Work Permit 

• Prepare and submit your work permit application. 

Application Processing and Decision 

• IRCC Review: Your application will be assessed for eligibility and completeness. 
• Additional Information: Respond promptly to any requests for further information or documentation. 
• Decision Notification: Receive a decision on your application. If approved, you’ll be issued the necessary documents to travel to Canada. 

Arrival in Canada 

• Travel Documents: Ensure you have your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if required, a permanent resident visa. 
• Port of Entry: Present your documents to the Canada Border Services Agency upon arrival for verification and admission into Canada OR activate your status from within Canada.