New Francophone Pathway to Permanent Residence: Key Updates from Three Canadian Communities

Canada continues to welcome French-speaking immigrants through a new employer-driven initiative: the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Recently, three communities—Acadian Peninsula (New Brunswick), St. Pierre Jolys (Manitoba), and Kelowna (British Columbia)—have unveiled specific details about their participation in this pilot, outlining priority sectors, eligible occupations, and designated employers.

In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about these newly announced regional pathways, including eligibility requirements and real-life applications for skilled workers and international graduates.

What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)?

The FCIP is a new immigration program designed to support French-speaking foreign nationals seeking permanent residence (PR) outside Quebec. The initiative is employer-focused, meaning that applicants must secure a job offer from an approved employer in one of the participating communities.

Once recommended by the community, eligible candidates can apply for Canadian PR and may also qualify for a two-year work permit to begin employment while their PR is processed.

Newly Participating Communities: Key Insights

1. Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick

A scenic coastal region, the Acadian Peninsula has prioritized occupations across six sectors, including finance, healthcare, education, and trades.

Top Priority Occupations:

• Registered nurses (NOC 31301)

• Administrative assistants (NOC 13110)

• Early childhood educators (NOC 42202)

• Carpenters (NOC 72310)

• Cooks and kitchen helpers (NOC 63200, 65201)

Designated Employers:

• Distillerie Fils du Roy (Paquetville)

• Pinokkio Pizzeria

• Subway (Shippagan)

• Tim Hortons (Neguac)

Real-time example: A French-speaking nurse aide working in Morocco with 3 years of experience could secure a job with one of the region’s healthcare facilities and apply for PR via this route.

2. St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba

Located just 50 km from Winnipeg, this charming community is focused on healthcare, education, finance, and trades.

In-Demand Occupations:

• General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)

• Financial advisors (NOC 11102)

• Elementary school teachers (NOC 41221)

• Plumbers and electricians (NOC 72300, 72200)

• Customer service reps and insurance agents (NOC 64400, 63100)

Designated employers have not yet been announced, but the list is expected to grow as the community onboards more local businesses.

Real-time example: A French-speaking dentist from Tunisia could transition directly into Canada’s workforce in St. Pierre Jolys through this program, gaining both PR and employment in their field.

3. Kelowna, British Columbia

A growing hub for tourism and services, Kelowna’s focus areas are sales, customer service, education, healthcare, and trades.

Key Priority Occupations:

• Cooks and bakers (NOC 63200, 63202)

• Early childhood educators (NOC 42202)

• Nurse aides (NOC 33102)

• Electricians and construction labourers (NOC 72200, 75110)

• Retail and hotel service staff (NOC 62010, 65200)

Designated Employers:

• De Dutch Kelowna

• London Drugs Kelowna

Real-time example: A French-speaking cook from Algeria with hotel experience could apply for a position in Kelowna’s hospitality sector and gain a clear PR pathway under FCIP.

✅ Eligibility Requirements for the FCIP

To qualify for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Language Proficiency: A minimum French language level of NCLC 5 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

• Work Experience: At least 1,560 hours (1 year) of related experience in the past 3 years (can be waived for eligible international graduates).

• Education: Minimum secondary school diploma (Canadian or equivalent).

• Job Offer: From a designated employer in a priority occupation within one of the FCIP communities.

• Settlement Funds: Sufficient financial resources to support themselves and accompanying family members.

How Does FCIP Work?

1. Secure a Job Offer: From an approved employer in one of the participating FCIP communities.

2. Receive a Community Recommendation: This endorsement allows you to apply for PR.

3. Apply to IRCC: Submit your PR application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

4. Apply for a Work Permit (optional): To begin working while your PR application is in process.

What Other Communities Are Participating?

In addition to the three above, three more communities are part of FCIP:

• Sudbury, Ontario – Stream launched.

• Timmins, Ontario – Stream launched.

• Superior East Region, Ontario – Program pending launch.

Why This Matters for French-Speaking Professionals

With Canada focusing more on linguistic diversity and regional growth, this pilot is a golden opportunity for skilled French-speaking candidates to gain permanent residence and professional stability in vibrant, fast-growing communities.

Use case for international graduates: A French-speaking graduate of a Canadian college in culinary arts could directly transition into the workforce in Kelowna through the FCIP, bypassing more competitive federal programs like Express Entry.

Final Thoughts

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot is part of Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, enhance labour market integration, and create pathways to settlement in smaller but thriving regions.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, educator, tradesperson, or service industry worker, this pilot could be your direct path to Canadian PR—with fewer barriers and greater community support.