New Francophone Pathway to Permanent Residence Announced in Three Canadian Regions

Three Canadian communities have announced detailed information about their streams under the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) — a new immigration pathway designed to help French-speaking foreign workers become permanent residents in Canada.

The communities currently participating are:

• Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick
• St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba
• Kelowna, British Columbia
  
  

This pilot is aimed at addressing labour shortages by connecting French-speaking candidates with Canadian employers in need of skilled workers.

What Is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)?

Launched earlier in 2025, the FCIP is an employer-driven program that allows French-speaking foreign nationals with job offers outside Quebec to apply for permanent residence. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria and receive a recommendation from the participating community.

So far, six Canadian communities have been selected to participate in the FCIP.

1. Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick

This coastal region has released its list of priority sectors, occupations, and designated employers for the pilot.

Priority Sectors and Occupations:

• Business, Finance & Administration
• Accounting technicians, admin assistants, financial clerks, financial advisors
• Health
• Nurse aides, pharmacy assistants, registered nurses
• Education, Social & Government Services
• Early childhood educators, social workers, teachers
• Sales & Services
• Cooks, cashiers, kitchen helpers, salespersons
• Trades & Transport
• Electricians, carpenters, plumbers, welders
  
  

Designated Employers (as of publication):

• Distillerie Fils du Roy (Paquetville)
• Pinokkio Pizzeria Resto Bar
• Subway (Shippagan)
• Tim Hortons (Neguac)
  
  

2. St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba

Located about 50 km southeast of Winnipeg, this village has also released its priority occupations by sector.

Priority Sectors and Occupations:

• Business & Administration
• Financial advisors, general office workers
• Education & Social Services
• Early childhood educators, teacher assistants, school teachers
• Health
• Dentists, general practitioners, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, veterinarians
• Sales & Services
• Bakers, cooks, bartenders, insurance agents, cleaners
• Trades & Transport
• Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics

Note: Designated employers for this region have not yet been announced.

3. Kelowna, British Columbia

Kelowna has shared its list of priority sectors and occupations along with two designated employers.

Priority Sectors and Occupations:

• Sales & Services
• Bakers, food servers, sales managers, hotel clerks, retail supervisors
• Trades & Transport
• Carpenters, electricians, drywall installers, roofers
• Education & Social Services
• Early childhood educators, social workers, home support workers
• Health
• Nurse aides, health service assistants, veterinarians
• Natural Sciences
• Forestry technicians
  
  

Designated Employers (as of publication):

• De Dutch Kelowna
• London Drugs Kelowna
  
  

Why Are Priority Sectors and Employers Important?

To apply under the FCIP, candidates must:

1. Receive a job offer from a designated employer in one of the priority sectors.
2. Be recommended by the local community.
3. Apply for permanent residence through the federal government.

Applicants may also be eligible for a 2-year work permit to start working while their PR application is being processed.

Other Participating Communities in the FCIP

In total, six communities are part of the pilot:

• Sudbury, Ontario – Priority sectors and employers already released
• Timmins, Ontario – Priority sectors and employers already released
• Superior East Region – Yet to launch official program details
  
  

Eligibility Criteria for the FCIP

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Work Experience: At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years (waived for eligible international graduates).
• French Language Proficiency: Minimum NCLC 5 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
• Education: At least a high school diploma (Canadian or equivalent).
• Settlement Funds: Sufficient funds to support themselves and their families.
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) is a great opportunity for French-speaking foreign nationals looking to live and work in Canada outside Quebec. With more regions joining and detailed guidelines now available, it's an ideal time for eligible candidates to explore this pathway to permanent residency.