New Immigration Pilots: RCIP, FCIP Ottawa, January 30, 2025 – The Canadian government is taking a major step toward addressing labor shortages and boosting economic growth in rural and Francophone minority communities.
With most newcomers settling in urban centers, many smaller communities face unique demographic and workforce challenges. To bridge this gap, the government is introducing two new immigration pilots:
✅ Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) – Designed to help rural areas attract skilled newcomers to fill critical job shortages.
✅ Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) – Aimed at increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, ensuring their economic development and cultural preservation.
Key Highlights of the New Immigration Pilots:
✔️ 18 communities selected across Canada will offer a direct pathway to permanent residence for skilled immigrants.
✔️ Local economic development organizations will collaborate with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to identify workforce gaps and recommend suitable candidates for permanent residency.
✔️ Training for participating communities is already underway, and timelines for applications will be announced soon.
Communities Participating in the RCIP
🔹 Pictou County, NS
🔹 North Bay, ON
🔹 Sudbury, ON
🔹 Timmins, ON
🔹 Sault Ste. Marie, ON
🔹 Thunder Bay, ON
🔹 Steinbach, MB
🔹 Altona/Rhineland, MB
🔹 Brandon, MB
🔹 Moose Jaw, SK
🔹 Claresholm, AB
🔹 West Kootenay, BC
🔹 North Okanagan Shuswap, BC
🔹 Peace Liard, BC
Communities Participating in the FCIP
🔹 Acadian Peninsula, NB
🔹 Sudbury, ON
🔹 Timmins, ON
🔹 Superior East Region, ON
🔹 St. Pierre Jolys, MB
🔹 Kelowna, BC
Government’s Commitment to Regional Growth
Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating:
“By welcoming skilled immigrants to rural and Francophone communities, we are addressing labor shortages while promoting the benefits of living in smaller cities and towns. Our commitment is to make the RNIP a permanent program while introducing these new pilots to help communities thrive.”
Minister of Rural Economic Development, Gudie Hutchings, added:
“When our rural and remote communities succeed, Canada succeeds. These initiatives will fill jobs, boost local economies, and improve the quality of life for everyone.”
Why These RCIP, FCIP Pilots Matter
📌 The RNIP has already granted permanent residence to 8,580 newcomers, successfully filling workforce gaps in key industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
📌 Surveys show 87% of RNIP newcomers plan to stay in their communities long-term.
📌 These new pilots align with IRCC’s Francophone Immigration Policy and efforts to strengthen regional immigration programs.
With these programs, Canada is making it easier for skilled workers to build successful futures in welcoming, smaller communities. Stay tuned for application details!
Discover Welcoming Francophone Communities in Canada
Looking to build a new life in a French-speaking community in Canada? Fourteen Welcoming Francophone Communities are going the extra mile to support French-speaking newcomers with essential settlement services, cultural integration, and employment opportunities.
These communities offer a unique opportunity for Francophone immigrants to settle in a supportive, vibrant environment while enjoying the benefits of smaller cities and towns.
Explore the 14 Welcoming Francophone Communities:
📍 Prince Edward Island: Évangéline Region
📍 Nova Scotia: Clare
📍 New Brunswick: Haut-Saint-Jean
📍 Newfoundland & Labrador: Labrador City–Wabush
📍 Ontario: Hawkesbury, Sudbury, Hamilton
📍 Manitoba: Seine River Region
📍 Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw–Gravelbourg
📍 Alberta: Calgary
📍 British Columbia: Prince George
📍 Northwest Territories: Yellowknife
📍 Yukon: Whitehorse
📍 Nunavut: Iqaluit
Stay tuned for updates on 10 new communities added in August 2024!
Canada launches Rural and Francophone Community Immigration pilots – Canada.ca