Alternate PR Pathways for Quebec Temporary Residents Through Immigration Pilots

For Francophone international students and skilled workers in Quebec, gaining Canadian permanent residence (PR) has become more challenging with the pause on two key streams: the Regular Skilled Worker Program (soon to be replaced by the Skilled Worker Selection Program on November 29) and the Quebec Experience Program for graduates. However, alternative PR options exist for those willing to settle outside Quebec through federal pilot programs, many specifically aimed at French speakers.

Federal Immigration Pilots for Francophones and Skilled Workers

1. Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP)

Announced on August 26, the FMCSP aims to welcome French-speaking students to minority Francophone communities in Canada (outside Quebec) and provide a pathway to PR.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of an eligible Francophone country.
• Have an acceptance letter from a participating Designated Learning Institution (DLI) under the FMCSP.
• Program must be at the post-secondary level, full-time, at least two years long, and primarily taught in French.
• Demonstrate French proficiency at NCLC level 5.
• Have enough funds for tuition and living expenses.
• Provide a medical exam and police certificate (if needed).
  
  

Application Process:

• Gather necessary documents, including proof of financial support, language test results, and a DLI acceptance letter.
• Create an IRCC account and submit the application online, indicating eligibility under the FMCSP.

Successful applicants may directly apply for PR after graduation and can access settlement services and open work permits for family members.

2. Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative

This initiative began in 2018 to help French-speaking newcomers integrate into Francophone and Acadian communities outside Quebec. Renewed in January 2024, it offers settlement plans, language training, employment assistance, and community events.

Participating provinces include:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

Further details on updated candidate eligibility are forthcoming.

3. New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP)

This employer-driven pilot helps skilled workers gain PR status in New Brunswick with extensive support from their employers.

Key Requirements:

• Reside in New Brunswick for at least 12 months before applying.
• Have a valid job offer from a participating employer.
• Work in a competitive-wage position and demonstrate intent to reside in New Brunswick.
• Be licensed for regulated occupations within the province.
  
  

Application Process:

• Accept an employment offer from a participating employer.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).
• Develop a settlement plan with the employer.
• Apply for provincial nomination and, upon approval, submit an application for PR to IRCC.

Participating employers include Cooke Aquaculture Inc., Groupe Savoie Inc., J.D. Irving Ltd., and others.