Francophone Community Pilot

Program Overview Francophone

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) is a federal initiative designed to attract French-speaking newcomers to Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec. By encouraging skilled bilingual or French-speaking workers to settle in these areas, the pilot aims to support the linguistic vitality and economic growth of these communities.

This pilot aligns with Canada's commitment to increasing French-speaking immigration outside of Quebec to help preserve the French language and culture across the country.

Designated Communities (2026)

The following Francophone minority communities are designated to participate in the FCIP:

Eligibility Requirements

1. French Language Proficiency (Mandatory)

• French: Minimum NCLC 5 in all 4 abilities (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing)
• This is a mandatory requirement as the pilot focuses specifically on Francophone immigration
• Test must be taken from TEF Canada, TCF Canada, or other IRCC-approved French tests

2. Job Offer

• Genuine, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in a participating community
• At least 75% of work duties must be performed within the designated community
• Job must be in a priority sector as defined by the community
• Wages must meet or exceed Job Bank's prevailing wage

3. Work Experience

• At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of relevant paid work experience in the last 3 years
• Experience must match the NOC and TEER category of the job offer
• Can be gained inside or outside Canada

4. Education

• Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent (ECA report required, less than 5 years old)

5. Intent to Reside

• You must demonstrate a genuine intention to live and settle in the specific Francophone community
• Community may assess your ties to the region during the recommendation process

6. Community Recommendation

• You must receive a recommendation letter from the local economic development organization of the designated community

Application Process

Benefits of FCIP

• Direct PR Pathway: Community recommendation leads directly to permanent residence
• Lower Requirements: More accessible than standard Express Entry for French speakers
• Community Support: Francophone communities offer settlement services and integration support
• Family Inclusion: Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application
• Express Entry Points: French proficiency also gives bonus points in Express Entry CRS