Three regions have shared details on the Francophone PR pathway.
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) is an employer-driven program designed to help French-speaking foreign nationals secure permanent residence (PR) in communities outside Quebec.
So far, the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, St. Pierre Jolys in Manitoba, and Kelowna in British Columbia have released details about their specific priorities for the pilot.
How The FCIP Works?
Launched earlier this year, the FCIP is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to strengthen francophone communities across the country, particularly in areas with smaller French-speaking populations.
To qualify, applicants must secure a job offer from a designated employer in an eligible community. They must also meet certain work experience, education, language, and settlement fund requirements.
A total of six communities have been selected for the pilot program. Here’s what we know so far about the three that have announced details.
Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick
The Acadian Peninsula is a coastal region in northeastern New Brunswick known for its strong Acadian heritage and vibrant francophone community.
This community has outlined its priority sectors, occupations, and a list of designated employers that can hire through the FCIP.
| Priority Sector | Priority Occupation |
| Business, Finance and Administration | – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200) – Administrative assistants (NOC 13110) – Banking, insurance and other financial clerks (NOC 14201) – Financial advisors (NOC 11102) |
| Health | – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) – Other assisting occupations in support of health services (NOC 33109) – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (33103) – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301) |
| Education, Law, Social, Community and Government Services | – Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) – Business development officers and market researchers and analysts (NOC 41402) – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) – Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) – Social and community service workers (NOC 42201) |
| Sales and Services | – Cashiers (NOC 65100) – Cooks (NOC 63200) – Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations (NOC 65201) – Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) – Sales and account representatives – wholesale trade (non-technical) (NOC 64101) |
| Trades, Transport, Machinery and Related Fields | – Carpenters (NOC 72310) – Construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) – Electricians (except industrial and power system) (NOC 72200) – Material Handlers (NOC 75101) – Plumbers (NOC 72300) – Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 72301) – Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) |
The Acadian Peninsula has also listed four designated employers approved to hire under this pilot:
- Distillerie Fils du Roy, Paquetville
- Pinokkio Pizzeria, Resto Bar
- Subway, Shippagan
- Tim Hortons, Neguac
St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba
Three regions have shared details on the Francophone PR pathway, one of which is St. Pierre Jolys in Manitoba.
St. Pierre Jolys is a small village about 50 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg. Known for its strong francophone roots, it is hoping to attract French-speaking newcomers to strengthen its local workforce.
Below are the priority sectors and occupations outlined by the community for the FCIP:
| Priority Sector | Priority Occupation |
| Business, Finance and Administration | – Financial advisors (NOC 11102) – General office support workers (NOC 14100) |
| Education, Law, Social, Community and Government Services | – Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) – Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) |
| Health | – Dentists (NOC 31110) – General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) – Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) – Other assisting occupations in support of health services (NOC 33109) – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301) – Veterinarians (NOC 31103) |
| Sales and Service | – Bakers (NOC 63202) – Bartenders (NOC 64301) – Cooks (NOC 63200) – Customer service representatives – financial institutions (NOC 64400) – Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations (NOC 65201) – Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100) – Light duty cleaners (NOC 65310) |
| Trades, Transport, Equipment Operators and Related Occupations | – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (NOC 72410) – Carpenters (NOC 72310) – Construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) – Electricians (except industrial and power system) (NOC 72200) – Plumbers (NOC 72300) – Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) |
St. Pierre Jolys has not yet named any designated employers under its stream as of the time of writing.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Kelowna, located in BC’s Okanagan Valley, is another community that has stepped forward with its priorities for French-speaking candidates.
| Priority Sector | Priority Occupations |
| Sales and Service Occupations | – Bakers (NOC 63202) – Cleaning supervisors (NOC 62024) – Cooks (NOC 63200) – Corporate sales managers (NOC 60010) – Food and beverage servers (NOC 65200) – Food service supervisors (NOC 62020) – Hotel front desk clerks (NOC 64314) – Light duty cleaners (NOC 65310) – Other customer and information services representatives (NOC 64409) – Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010) |
| Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations | – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (NOC 72410) – Carpenters (NOC 72310) – Construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) – Electricians (except industrial and power system) (NOC 72200) – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers (NOC 73102) – Roofers and shinglers (NOC 73110) |
| Occupations in Education, Law, Social, Community and Government Services | – Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) – Social and community service workers (NOC 42201) – Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) |
| Health Occupations | – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) – Other assisting occupations in support of health services (NOC 33109) – Veterinarians (NOC 31103) |
| Natural and Applied Sciences and Related Occupations | – Forestry technologists and technicians (NOC 22112) |
At present, only two designated employers have been announced for Kelowna:
- De Dutch Kelowna
- London Drugs Kelowna
Why Priority Sectors And Designated Employers Matter?
Only employers working within the defined priority sectors and occupations can receive designated status under the FCIP.
For a foreign national to apply under this pathway, they must secure a job offer from one of these designated employers. Once they receive a community recommendation, they can apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence. Many candidates can also receive a two-year work permit, allowing them to work for their employer while their PR application is processed.
Other FCIP Communities To Watch
As three regions have shared details on the Francophone PR pathway, it is vital to note that in total, six Canadian communities have been chosen for the pilot:
- Sudbury (priority sectors, occupations, and employers published)
- Timmins (priority sectors, occupations, and employers published)
- Superior East Region (website launch pending)
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For FCIP?
In addition to securing an eligible job offer, candidates must meet these requirements:
- Work Experience: At least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant experience within the last three years. Certain international graduates may be exempt.
- Language: Minimum NCLC level 5 in French for speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
- Education: At least a secondary school credential (Canadian or equivalent).
- Settlement Funds: Enough funds to support themselves and their families while settling.
The FCIP aims to boost Canada’s smaller francophone communities while giving skilled French-speaking newcomers a clear path to permanent residence. Those interested should keep an eye on updates from their community of choice and consult a trusted immigration advisor for the latest details and help with applications.
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