Francophone Immigration Pilot Program (FCIP) in 2026

Canada is proud to be a bilingual country where both English and French hold official status.
To strengthen the presence of French-speaking residents outside Quebec, the Government of Canada has launched the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)  a new permanent residence pathway designed to attract skilled French-speaking immigrants to specific communities across the country.

This program offers a unique opportunity for eligible applicants to obtain Canadian permanent residence while contributing to the growth of vibrant Francophone communities outside Quebec.

What Is the FCIP?

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) is a community-driven immigration program that allows French-speaking foreign nationals to live and work in designated Francophone communities outside Quebec.

The program’s primary goals are to:

• Support the economic and cultural development of Francophone communities;
• Encourage population growth in smaller regions; and
• Address local labour market shortages through skilled immigration.

The FCIP follows a similar model to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). To qualify, candidates must receive a community recommendation after obtaining a valid job offer from a designated employer.

Participating Communities

As of 2025, six Francophone communities across Canada are participating in the pilot:

1. Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick
2. Sudbury, Ontario
3. Timmins, Ontario
4. Superior East Region, Ontario
5. St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba
6. Kelowna, British Columbia

Each community maintains its own list of designated employers and available job opportunities. Applicants must secure a job offer from one of these employers before applying for community recommendation.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in French at a minimum of NCLC 5 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
Accepted French language tests include TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
English language test results are not mandatory but may provide additional points or help in job placement.

2. Valid Job Offer

You must obtain a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer located in one of the participating communities.
The job offer should match your previous work experience and skill set.

3. Community Recommendation

After receiving a job offer, you (or your employer) must apply for a community recommendation.
The local economic development organization of the community will review your profile and issue a recommendation if approved.

4. Work Experience

You must have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the past three years in a related occupation.

5. Proof of Funds

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
The required amount depends on the size of your family.
Applicants already working in Canada with a valid work permit are exempt from this requirement.

6. Intention to Reside

Applicants must intend to live and work in the community that provides the recommendation.

Required Documents

When applying through FCIP, prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport
• French language test results (TEF or TCF)
• Valid job offer letter from a designated employer
• Community recommendation letter
• Proof of work experience (employment letters, payslips, insurance documents)
• Proof of funds (if required)
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical examination results

Application Process

1. Select a participating community from the official FCIP list.
2. Search for job openings with designated employers in that community.
3. Obtain a valid job offer that meets the program’s requirements.
4. Apply for a community recommendation and await approval.
5. Submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
6. (Optional) Apply for a two year work permit while your PR application is being processed.
7. Receive Canadian permanent residence after final approval.

Benefits of the FCIP Program

• Direct pathway to Canadian permanent residence
• Lower competition compared to federal programs such as Express Entry
• Lower minimum French language requirement (NCLC 5)
• Opportunity to work while waiting for PR approval
• Lower cost of living in smaller communities
• Inclusion of family members in your PR application
• Active community support for settlement and integration

Processing Time

IRCC estimates that FCIP permanent residence applications take approximately 6 to 12 months to process, depending on the completeness of the file and individual circumstances.

Program Costs

• Permanent Residence application fee: around CAD 850 for the principal applicant
• Optional work permit fee: around CAD 155
• Additional costs: language test, document translation, and proof-of-funds verification.

Key Tips for Applicants

• Ensure your job offer is from a designated employer approved under the FCIP.
• Check each community’s website for in-demand occupations before applying.
• Use an approved French language test (TEF or TCF Canada) not older than two years.
• Prepare your documents carefully to avoid delays.
• Seek advice from a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for a smoother application process.

Conclusion

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) is one of Canada’s most promising new immigration pathways in 2025.
It provides French-speaking professionals the opportunity to settle permanently in Canada while strengthening Francophone communities across the country.

If you are fluent in French and wish to build a new life in Canada, the FCIP could be the perfect route for you  combining professional growth, cultural connection, and the dream of permanent residence.