Canada raises settlement funds for rural immigration, i.e., Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a significant increase in the minimum settlement funds required for those applying through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP).
Effective July 29, 2025, the settlement fund requirement has risen by more than 30% for all applicants in these pathways.
Settlement Funds See Sharp Increase
For single applicants, the required settlement funds have increased from $7,963 to $10,507, marking a 31.94% rise, a difference of $2,544.
The RCIP and FCIP are employer-driven permanent residence (PR) programs aimed at attracting skilled workers to rural or francophone communities outside Quebec.
Updated Settlement Fund Requirements
The amount of money you need to qualify under these programs depends on the size of your family. Both the RCIP and FCIP have identical financial requirements:
| Number Of Family Members | Funds Required (CAD) From July 29, 2025 | Previous Minimum Fund Requirement |
| 1 | $10,507 | $7,963 |
| 2 | $13,080 | $9,692 |
| 3 | $16,080 | $12,069 |
| 4 | $19,524 | $15,056 |
| 5 | $22,143 | $17,145 |
| 6 | $24,975 | $19,015 |
| 7 | $27,806 | $20,884 |
| For each additional member over 7 | $2,831 | $1,869 |
How To Determine Your Family Size?
Your family size includes:
- Yourself
- Your spouse or common-law partner
- Your dependent children, as well as those of your spouse or partner
You must include these family members even if they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and even if they are not accompanying you to Canada.
Accepted Proof Of Funds By IRCC
As Canada raises settlement funds for rural immigration, below is the accepted roof of funds by IRCC. Take a look!
- Bank account statements
- Bank drafts
- Certified cheques
- Money orders
The funds must be readily available both at the time of application and when a PR visa is issued.
Overview Of The RCIP And FCIP
Launched earlier in 2025, both the RCIP and FCIP aim to help rural and francophone communities address ongoing labour shortages.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a job offer from a designated employer in a participating community
- Obtain endorsement from a local economic development organization
- Meet requirements for education, work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds
For the FCIP specifically, applicants must demonstrate French language proficiency.
Successful candidates can apply directly to the federal government for PR. They may also obtain a work permit to begin employment while their PR application is in process.
Currently, 14 communities are part of the RCIP, while six communities participate in the FCIP. Each selects priority sectors and occupations according to its economic objectives and workforce needs.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
