On March 22, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the launch of two new immigration pilots aimed at strengthening rural and Francophone minority communities across the country. These initiatives—the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot—are designed to attract and retain skilled newcomers who can help local economies thrive.
These pilots build upon the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which has connected skilled workers with businesses in remote areas since its inception in 2022. As part of its commitment to regional economic development, the Canadian government has also confirmed its plan to transition RNIP into a permanent immigration program.
What Are the New Immigration Pilots?
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
The RCIP will assist 14 rural communities across Canada in addressing critical labour shortages by offering a dedicated permanent residence (PR) pathway to newcomers who fill in-demand roles. Employers in these communities will be able to recruit and retain workers with skills essential to their local economies.
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
The FCIP is designed to increase the number of French-speaking newcomers in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. This initiative not only helps sustain the cultural and linguistic diversity of these regions but also contributes to the long-term economic growth of these communities.
Which Communities Will Participate?
The Canadian Government has selected a total of 14 rural communities for the RCIP, are as follows:
- Nova Scotia: Pictou County
- Ontario: North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay
- Manitoba: Steinbach, Altona/Rhineland, Brandon
- Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw
- Alberta: Claresholm
- British Columbia: West Kootenay, North Okanagan Shuswap, Peace Liard
Additionally, 6 Francophone communities participating in the FCIP include:
- New Brunswick: Acadian Peninsula
- Ontario: Sudbury, Timmins, Superior East Region
- Manitoba: St. Pierre Jolys
- British Columbia: Kelowna
Each participating community is represented by a local economic development organization, which will work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to identify labour shortages, designate trustworthy employers, and recommend eligible candidates for PR. Preparation by their communities’ regional municipalities has already begun, and communities and IRCC will soon release details about the process and timelines for accessing both programs.
What This Means for Prospective Immigrants
Rural immigration is expected to play a larger role in Canada’s long-term immigration strategy. As set out in the immigration levels plan last fall, nearly 40% of PR admissions in 2025 will come from individuals already residing in Canada; therefore securing work in one of these communities could be a strategic advantage for those seeking PR.
For skilled workers looking to settle in Canada, these pilots provide new opportunities to secure permanent residence while living and working in smaller Canadian communities. The RCIP and FCIP present alternative pathways for skilled newcomers to integrate into the workforce and contribute to local economies.
What’s Next? Stay Tuned and Be Prepared!
If you are thinking of applying for one of these new programs, it is essential to stay on top of any announcements by IRCC and/or the designated communities about the details of the program such as eligibility criteria, employer designations and application requirements and timelines. IRCC’s newest way of operating is to announce programs first and details later! The latest Caregiver program announced on February 26, 2025, which takes effect on March 31, 2025, where the program details were only recently announced within the past few days. Prospective applicants are well advised to be prepared! Be sure to have valid Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs), language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF and TCF) and employment reference letters that conform to IRCC specifications.
For more information on taking an IRCC-recognized language test, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/rural-franco-pilots/rural-immigration/eligibility/language-test.html. For guidance on what is required in an employment reference letter, please see our blog “Getting the Reference Letter Right”. These basic requirements are generally essential for any and all IRCC pathways for PR and you are well advised to have these steps completed BEFORE the program details are announced.
IRCC is routinely announcing new programs and changes to current programs. It is advisable to regularly check IRCC’s website for program specific updates and requirements to ensure you are in a position to prepare and file a complete immigration application. We are here to assist you in determining your best Canadian immigration strategy.
For further information please refer to our recent blogs: “Parlez-Vous Francais? The new approach to achieving Canadian permanent residency” and “Home Care Worker Programs Reopening: Are you prepared?”.
