French Speakers From Select Nations Get Direct Study-to-PR Pathway

Canada now offers French-speaking students from certain countries a direct way to gain permanent residence after graduation. The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) lets eligible students skip the usual work permit route and apply for permanent residency right after finishing their studies.

This program benefits those who want more certainty than the traditional study-to-work-to-PR path, which can be competitive and unpredictable. It also accepts a lower French language score than other French-specific immigration draws—NCLC 5 instead of NCLC 7.

Who Can Apply

Only citizens from 33 countries can apply, including Bénin, Morocco, Senegal, Haiti, Lebanon, and several African, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern nations. Applicants must:

• Live outside Canada when applying
  
• Hold a letter of acceptance from a participating designated learning institution (DLI) outside Quebec
  
• Show enough funds for tuition and living expenses
  
• Meet the French proficiency requirement of NCLC 5 in all language skills
  
• Enroll in a full-time, two-year post-secondary program where over 50% of classes are in French
  

Some may also need to provide police certificates and medical exams.

Schools That Qualify

There are 14 participating French-language or bilingual DLIs outside Quebec. These include Collège Boréal, Université de Moncton, University of Ottawa, University of Alberta, and York University’s Glendon campus. Many institutions have multiple campuses taking part. More schools may join in the future.

How to Apply

First, students must secure a letter of acceptance that clearly states the program meets FMCSP requirements. Then, they can apply online through the immigration department’s secure account or in some cases via their local visa office.

Applicants must provide proof of acceptance, financial support, and French language test results from TEF Canada or TCF Canada. If biometrics are needed, they must be given within 30 days.

Successful applicants get a port of entry letter to show when arriving in Canada. Depending on their situation, they also receive an electronic travel authorization or visitor visa.

Financial Requirements

Students must prove they can pay tuition and living costs. Living expenses range from $14,206 to $20,635 for one person, depending on the school’s location. Proof can include Canadian bank accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, student loan documents, bank statements, receipts for tuition or housing, and scholarship letters.

From Study to PR

Once students complete their program under the FMCSP, they can apply for PR without needing a job offer or going through Express Entry. They must live outside Quebec, hold valid temporary resident status, and have earned an eligible diploma or degree.

The pilot launched on August 26, 2024, with a cap of 2,300 applications in its first year. The 2025 cap will be announced in August.