On January 30, 2025, Canada is making it easier for skilled workers to settle in smaller communities! The government has just launched two new immigration pilots to help rural and Francophone minority communities attract newcomers and fill job shortages. If you're looking for a fast-track to permanent residence (PR) in Canada and want to live in a welcoming town with great opportunities, this could be your chance!
What Are These New Pilots?
The two new programs, announced on January 30, 2025, are:
✅ Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) – Designed to help rural areas attract skilled workers and boost local economies.
✅ Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) – Aimed at increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec.
These programs build on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which has already helped thousands of newcomers settle in smaller communities across Canada.
Who Can Apply?
If you have the right job skills and want to live in a smaller city or town, these pilots offer a direct pathway to PR. Each selected community has an economic development organization that will:
🔹 Identify job openings in the area
🔹 Work with local businesses to find workers
🔹 Recommend eligible candidates for permanent residence
🌾 Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) - 14 Communities
This pilot is designed to support businesses and employers in rural communities facing labour shortages. By streamlining the immigration process, the RCIP helps match newcomers with jobs in critical sectors, ensuring that local businesses can thrive.
- 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
🇨🇦 Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) - 6 Communities
Canada remains committed to increasing Francophone immigration outside of Quebec to strengthen the presence of French-speaking communities across the country. The FCIP aims to restore and grow the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities while meeting local labour needs.
The communities selected for the FCIP include:
- New Brunswick: Acadian Peninsula
- Ontario: Sudbury, Timmins, Superior East Region
- Manitoba: St. Pierre Jolys
- British Columbia: Kelowna
How the Pilots Work
Each participating community is represented by a local economic development organization, which will:
✅ Identify critical labor shortages in the region
✅ Work with IRCC to select trustworthy employers
✅ Recommend qualified candidates for permanent residence
IRCC has already begun training these organizations, and further details on application timelines for employers and prospective candidates will be released soon.
Why These Pilots Matter
These programs offer a win-win situation:
✔️ Rural communities gain much-needed skilled workers to support economic development.
✔️ Francophone communities strengthen their linguistic and cultural identity.
✔️ Newcomers get a clear pathway to permanent residence in Canada with strong local support for integration.
Proven Success!
The RNIP, which inspired these new pilots, has already helped over 8,500 newcomers get PR and settle in rural Canada. 87% of them have stayed in their communities, proving that these programs create real opportunities for long-term success!
How to Apply?
Each participating community will soon release more details about how and when candidates can apply. IRCC is currently training local organizations to start processing application
Stay Informed with Dodo Immigration
At Dodo Immigration, we stay up to date on the latest immigration policies and programs to help you navigate your journey to Canada. Whether you’re interested in these new pilots or other immigration pathways, we can guide you through the process and connect you with the right opportunities.
Contact us today to explore your options and take the next step toward a successful future in Canada!