Canada Launches Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) will provide designated communities with a pathway to attract and retain skilled newcomers who want to live and work in these areas, while applicants benefit from a direct path to Canadian permanent residency and a fast-track way to work in Canada.  

Here is what you need to know about the two programs.  

Key Takeaways 

• The RCIP and FCIP will help rural and Francophone minority communities address labour shortages. 
• 18 communities across Canada have been selected to participate in these initiatives. 
• Workers who have applied for permanent residency under one of these pilot programs may also apply for a two- year work permit to work in Canada during the processing of their file. 
• If you’re eligible, you should apply as soon as possible since we aren’t sure how long these pilot programs will remain in place.  

Background on the New Pilots  

Canada has long recognized the contributions of immigrants to its economy and culture, but rural and remote communities have struggled with population decline and labor shortages (even though those who live in rural communities are often happier and have higher life satisfaction).  

To address this issue, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) was introduced in 2019 as a temporary initiative, successfully granting over 8,500 permanent residencies by the end of 2024.  

Building on this success, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) were first announced in March 2024 and, after months of planning, officially launched on January 30, 2025. 

RCIP aims to assist rural communities by ensuring local businesses have access to skilled workers, while FCIP focuses on increasing French-speaking newcomers in minority Francophone communities outside Quebec, strengthening economic development and cultural preservation. 

Speaking on the launch of these pilots, Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized: 

“Rural and Francophone communities are vital to Canada’s growth and cultural diversity. By welcoming skilled immigrants, we are addressing labor shortages and promoting the benefits of smaller-town living. Our commitment to these regions reflects our belief that each one matters.” 

Participating Communities 

The selected communities for each pilot program are: 

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) 

• Pictou County, NS 

• North Bay, ON 

• Sudbury, ON 

• Timmins, ON 

• Sault Ste. Marie, ON 

• Thunder Bay, ON 

• Steinbach, MB 

• Altona/Rhineland, MB 

• Brandon, MB 

• Moose Jaw, SK 

• Claresholm, AB 

• West Kootenay, BC 

• North Okanagan Shuswap, BC 

• Peace Liard, BC 

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) 

• Acadian Peninsula, NB 

• Sudbury, ON 

• Timmins, ON 

• Superior East Region, ON 

• St. Pierre Jolys, MB 

• Kelowna, BC.

Eligibility to Participate 

Employers in Participating Communities 

To participate, employers must apply to become designated through their community’s local economic development organization. This process involves completing required training, demonstrating a genuine labor need, and committing to providing support to newcomers for successful integration.

Once designated, employers can offer qualifying jobs to international candidates and support their permanent residence applications. 

Applicants Looking to Immigrate Through the New Pilot Programs 

Applicants looking to immigrate to Canada through the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots must secure a job offer from a designated employer in a participating community. In addition to a job offer from a designated employer, the applicant must also meet additional eligibility criteria depending on which program they are applying to. 

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)  

• Have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years. Graduates from a public post- secondary school in the community are exempt from the work experience requirement. 

• Prove language abilities by taking an approved test. The score needed depends on the NOC TEER category of the job being offered For TEER 0 or 1: CLB 6 language skills are required; for TEER 2 or 3, language at the CLB 5 is needed; and for TEER 4 or 5: it’s CLB 4. 

• Have a Canadian educational credential or the foreign equivalent 

• Have enough money to support your transition into the community.  

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) 

• Have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years. Graduates from a public post- secondary school in the community are exempt from the work experience requirement. 

• Prove French language abilities by taking an approved French test and scoring a minimum of CLB level 5 in all 4 abilities.  

• Have a Canadian educational credential or the foreign equivalent 

• Have enough money to support your transition into the community. 

The amount needed depends on application family size, with the amounts as follows: 

• For one family member, you need CAD 7,963.
• For two family members, you need CAD 9,692.
• For three family members, you need CAD 12,069.
• For four family members, you need CAD 15,056.
• For five family members, you need CAD 17,145.
• For six family members, you need CAD 19,015.
• For seven family members, you need CAD 20,884.
• If you have more than seven family members, add CAD 1,869 for each additional family member.

Work Permit Options for Applicants

Applicants who have already submitted their permanent residence application through the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots may be eligible for a two-year work permit while awaiting a decision. This work permit allows applicants to start working for their designated employer and settle into their community before their permanent residence is finalized. 

To qualify for a work permit as a permanent residence applicant, individuals must: 

• Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in a participating community. 

• Obtain a referral letter from the local economic development organization. 

• Provide proof of a submitted permanent residence application through the RCIP or FCIP. 

• Meet the general work permit eligibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

In addition to the main applicant being able to work, their spouse or common-law partner can also apply for a two-year open work permit that permits them to work in the same community.  

Is There a Cap on the Number of Applications That Will Be Accepted? 

The announcement does not indicate a limit on the number of applications to be accepted under these pilot programs.  

How Long Will These Pilot Programs Be Available For?  

The announcement does not indicate how long these pilot programs will be available for. Pilot programs are normally available for a limited period so any applicant who qualifies for these programs should apply as soon as possible.