Francophones seeking Canadian permanent residence (PR) may find success through Canada’s immigration pilot programs. While Quebec’s international students and skilled workers may face challenges due to the suspension of two important PR streams—the Regular Skilled Worker Program and the Quebec Experience Program for Graduates—those willing to relocate outside Quebec can explore several federal pilot options, many of which cater to French speakers.

Here are some pilot programs to consider:

  • The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot: Available in various locations depending on the Designated Learning Institution (DLI), this pilot is aimed at students pursuing post-secondary education in French outside Quebec, as well as post-secondary students from eligible Francophone countries.
  • Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative: This program targets specific communities across Canada in British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. It’s designed for Francophone immigrants who have been accepted to live in one of these communities outside Quebec.
  • New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot: Targeting various regions in New Brunswick based on employer locations, this pilot is intended for workers with specialized skills in industries such as agriculture, aquaculture, manufacturing, farming, transportation, or forestry.

Canada Launches FMCSP to Attract French-Speaking Students to Minority Francophone Communities 

On August 26, Canada introduced the French-speaking Minority Communities Student Program (FMCSP), which aims to attract French-speaking students to minority francophone communities across Canada, outside of Quebec. The initiative also provides these students with an opportunity to apply for permanent residency (PR) after completing their studies.

To be eligible to apply for PR under this program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • They must be residing in Canada, specifically outside of Quebec, when submitting their PR application.
  • They should maintain valid temporary status in Canada when applying for PR.
  • They must have completed an eligible degree or diploma as part of their participation in the FMCSP program.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying Under the French-speaking Minority Communities Student Program

To qualify for the FMCSP, candidates must:

  • Be a citizen of an eligible francophone country.
  • Have an acceptance letter from a participating Designated Learning Institution (DLI), confirming that they are applying through the FMCSP.

The program of study must:

  • Be at the post-secondary level.
  • Be a full-time program.
  • Last at least two years.
  • Result in a degree or diploma.
  • Be primarily taught in French (with more than 50% of the courses in French).
  • Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:
  • Tuition fees.
  • Living expenses for themselves and any accompanying family members.
  • Submit a medical exam (if required).
  • Provide a police certificate (if necessary).
  • Show proof of French language proficiency at a level 5 or higher (in all skills) according to the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale.

Ways to Apply For the FMCSP 

Candidates wishing to apply under the FMCSP must first collect the necessary documents, which include:

  • A letter of acceptance from a participating Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Proof of financial support
  • Approved language test results confirming French language proficiency at NCLC level 5
  • A medical exam (if necessary)
  • Police certificates (if needed)

It’s important to remember that applicants under the FMCSP do not require a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) when applying for a study permit. Once all the required documents are ready, applicants should create an IRCC account to submit their application and pay the processing fees. This can be done using the same form and system as for standard study permit applications.

Applicants must ensure they select the option “applicant who meets another exception listed on the IRCC website” in the “which exception do you qualify for?” section and upload their language test results in the “additional documents” or “client information” section of the application.

Successful applicants under the FMCSP will have access to settlement services upon their arrival in Canada, and they can also apply for open work permits (OWPs) for their spouses or dependent children.

The Francophone Communities Welcome Initiative

Launched in 2018 as a pilot project, the Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative was developed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in partnership with Francophone and Acadian communities outside Quebec. As of January 2024, this pilot has been renewed and officially integrated into Canada’s broader Francophone immigration strategy.

Through this initiative, Francophone and Acadian communities outside Quebec support the settlement of French-speaking newcomers. These communities help new arrivals settle by providing tailored settlement plans, language and employment services, and organizing local events. IRCC also provides funding to these communities to enhance service delivery and community integration efforts. Although the initiative is now a major component of Canada’s immigration strategy for Francophones, updated eligibility criteria for candidates under the new model are still under development, with more details expected soon.

New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP)

The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is an immigration pathway developed in partnership with IRCC, aimed at skilled workers seeking permanent residency in New Brunswick. It focuses on helping workers settle in the province, with substantial assistance provided by their employers.

Program Highlights:

Eligible candidates apply through select employers who support the transition and settlement of their international hires. Six employers currently participate in this pilot, all known for their strong hiring practices and contribution to New Brunswick’s economy:

  • Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
  • Groupe Savoie Inc.
  • Groupe Westco
  • Imperial Manufacturing
  • J.D. Irving Ltd.
  • McCain Foods

Employers assist with a range of settlement needs:

  • Help with housing, transportation, and language training.
  • In-house skills development and training.
  • Support for pursuing Canadian secondary education equivalency, if needed.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates applying through NBCWP must:

  • Be current residents of New Brunswick and have resided in the province for the 12 months leading up to their application;
  • Work for one of the approved employers, with valid authorization to work in the province;
  • Demonstrate a genuine intent to reside in New Brunswick;
  • Have a valid job offer from a pilot participant;
  • Be working in a position that offers competitive wages;
  • Possess any required licenses if their profession is regulated in the province.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

The NBCWP application follows these steps:

  • Secure a job offer from an eligible employer.
  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the NBPNP pool, facilitated by the employer.
  • Receive an ITA for provincial nomination.
  • Collaborate with the employer on a settlement plan.
  • Apply for provincial nomination from New Brunswick within 45 days of receiving the ITA.
  • Pay the application processing fee.
  • Await and receive the provincial nomination.
  • Submit an application for PR to IRCC.
  • Await the PR decision from IRCC and secure PR status if approved.

Through the NBCWP, eligible candidates gain not only employment but also essential support for settling into life in New Brunswick, ultimately leading to Canadian PR.