IRCC accepts community applications for two new pilot programs, i.e., Rural Community Immigration Pilot and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.
The two pilot programs are officially set to begin onboarding and training selected communities this fall. They both aim to support Canada’s ‘long-term growth and linguistic vitality’ according to IRCC’s press release.
Both programs were declared in March this year. Moreover, they are expected to begin accepting applications from newcomers this fall, although a date has yet to be confirmed.
IRCC states that it will process over 5,500 permanent resident applications through these programs annually.
In addition, the department explained that 15 communities total will be selected to participate in the pilot program. This will be based on their economic needs, the availability of services and programs to assist newcomers, and the capacity of their economic development organizations to partner with IRCC.
Interested organizations might apply on behalf of their communities using an IRCC questionnaire no later than July 2.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
IRCC accepts community applications for two new pilot programs, one of which is the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. Many of Canada’s immigration programs are introduced as pilot programs. This implies that IRCC is trying a new program and evaluating the results. Well, that’s to decide if there is enough positive impact to make the pilot a permanent program, like what happened with the Atlantic Immigration Program. Pilot programs can run for a maximum of five years.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot will serve as a replacement for the present RNIP. It is one of Canada’s economic immigration pathways to permanent residence.
Through RNIP, select rural communities in western Canada and Ontario obtain support from IRCC to attract and retain newcomers who can help them thrive by adding their skills to the local economy. In return, these communities offer support to newcomers to help them establish themselves.
There have not yet been any details regarding the eligibility criteria for communities or newcomer applicants.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
IRCC has a mandate to help promote the French language outside of Quebec, Canada’s only majority French-speaking province.
IRCC states that the pilot will focus on increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants/ newcomers settling in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec. It will help ensure the Francophone minority communities’s economic development while also helping to restore and increase their demographic weight.
Moreover, the pilot is a part of IRCC’s ongoing strategy to increase the number of French speakers in Canada. Other recent measures include the introduction of an Express Entry category for newcomers who can demonstrate French language proficiency. Over 30% of category-based Express Entry draws this year are expected to be for applicants in this category, more than any other.
In the recent Access To Information Request, IRCC also noted that strong abilities in one or both of Canada’s official languages are the best predictors of economic success for newcomers.
In 2023, the department passed its target of ensuring that 4.4% of all newcomers were French-speaking, going as high as 4.7%. There is now a target of endeavoring to ensure that 6% in 2024, 7% in 2024, and 8% in 2026.