Three Canadian regions—Acadian Peninsula (New Brunswick), St. Pierre Jolys (Manitoba), and Kelowna (British Columbia)—have officially revealed the details of their streams under the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), a new pathway to permanent residence for French-speaking immigrants. Canada PNP Program – Parisa Erfani
What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)?
Launched earlier this year, the FCIP is an employer-driven immigration pilot designed to attract French-speaking foreign workers to select communities outside Quebec. The program offers a pathway to permanent residence (PR) for candidates who:
- Speak French at an intermediate level (NCLC 5 or higher),
- Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in a participating community, and
- Meet other eligibility criteria such as education, work experience, and settlement funds.
Six communities were chosen to take part in the pilot. Three of them—Acadian Peninsula, St. Pierre Jolys, and Kelowna—have now published their lists of priority sectors, occupations, and (in some cases) designated employers.
Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick
This coastal region in New Brunswick has outlined high-demand sectors and occupations, with opportunities in healthcare, education, trades, administration, and more.
Priority Sectors & Occupations
Business & Administration:
- Bookkeepers, admin assistants, financial clerks
Health:
- Nurse aides, pharmacy assistants, registered nurses
Education & Community Services:
- Early childhood educators, school teachers, social workers
Sales & Service:
- Cooks, cashiers, retail salespersons
Trades & Transport:
- Carpenters, electricians, welders, plumbers
Designated Employers (so far):
- Distillerie Fils du Roy, Paquetville
- Pinokkio Pizzeria
- Subway (Shippagan)
- Tim Hortons (Neguac)
St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba
Located about 50 km southeast of Winnipeg, this community is also participating in the FCIP with a broad range of occupations across sectors.
Priority Sectors & Occupations
Business & Administration:
- Financial advisors, office support
Education & Social Services:
- Teachers, early childhood educators, teaching assistants
Health:
- Dentists, physicians, nurses, veterinarians
Sales & Service:
- Cooks, bakers, cleaners, insurance agents
Trades:
- Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics
Note: No designated employers have been listed yet.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Known for its wineries and natural beauty, Kelowna has also joined the FCIP, focusing on both service and skilled trades sectors.
Priority Sectors & Occupations
Sales & Services:
- Cooks, bakers, food servers, hotel clerks, cleaners
Trades & Equipment Operators:
- Carpenters, electricians, plasterers, roofers
Education & Social Services:
- Early childhood educators, teacher assistants, caregivers
Health:
- Nurse aides, health service assistants, veterinarians
Applied Sciences:
- Forestry technologists
Designated Employers (so far):
- De Dutch Kelowna
- London Drugs Kelowna
Why Designated Employers and Priority Occupations Matter
To qualify for the FCIP:
- You must receive a job offer from a designated employer hiring in one of the priority occupations within a priority sector.
- Once the community recommends you for the program, you may:
- Apply directly for permanent residence to the federal government, and
- Apply for a two-year work permit while your PR application is processed.
Other Participating Communities
Besides the three above, the other FCIP communities include:
- Sudbury, Ontario (published details)
- Timmins, Ontario (published details)
- Superior East Region, Ontario (pending website launch)
General Eligibility for FCIP
To qualify under the FCIP, candidates must meet the following:
- Work Experience: At least 1 year (1,560 hours) in a related field within the past 3 years (waived for eligible international graduates).
- Language Proficiency: French-language score of NCLC 5 or higher in all four language abilities.
- Education: Minimum of a secondary school diploma (Canadian or equivalent).
- Financial Support: Proof of settlement funds for yourself and your dependents.
Ready to Start Your Francophone Journey?
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot is a promising new pathway to Canadian permanent residence—especially for French-speaking professionals and tradespeople looking to settle outside Quebec.
Need help navigating your application?
Contact a licensed immigration consultant to assess your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Three regions announce details on new francophone pathway to permanent residence | CIC News
