New French PR Pathway Opens in Three Canadian Communities

Three regions in Canada have shared new details about a special program that helps French-speaking foreign nationals become permanent residents. This program is part of the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), which started earlier this year.

It focuses on helping French speakers who want to work and live outside Quebec. To qualify, they must have a job offer from an approved employer and meet other basic conditions.

The three regions that just announced their details are:

• Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick
  
• St. Pierre Jolys in Manitoba
  
• Kelowna in British Columbia

Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick

This coastal area has shared its top job sectors and roles for the FCIP.

Main job sectors include:

• Health – Nurses, pharmacy assistants, and support workers
  
• Education and Social Work – Teachers, early childhood educators, and social workers
  
• Sales and Service – Cooks, retail workers, and cashiers
  
• Trades – Carpenters, plumbers, welders, electricians, and laborers
  
• Finance & Administration – Bank clerks, bookkeepers, and admin assistants
  

Approved employers so far:

• Distillerie Fils du Roy
  
• Pinokkio Pizzeria, Resto Bar
  
• Subway (Shippagan)
  
• Tim Hortons (Neguac)

St. Pierre Jolys, Manitoba

This small village lies about 50 km from Winnipeg.

Key job sectors listed:

• Health – Nurses, doctors, dentists, and veterinarians
  
• Education and Childcare – Teachers and assistants
  
• Sales and Customer Service – Cooks, bakers, cleaners, and customer reps
  
• Trades – Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, and mechanics
  
• Administration – Financial advisors and office support workers
  

No employers have been announced yet in this community.

Kelowna, British Columbia

This growing city in B.C. has shared a wide list of job roles in multiple areas.

Top sectors:

• Sales and Hospitality – Hotel staff, food servers, bakers, and cleaners
  
• Trades – Roofers, electricians, and drywall workers
  
• Health and Community Services – Nurse aides, caregivers, and social workers
  
• Education and Support – Childcare workers and teacher assistants
  
• Sciences – Forestry technicians
  

Designated employers currently listed:

• De Dutch Kelowna
  
• London Drugs Kelowna

What Is a Designated Employer?

Only employers in the listed sectors with specific jobs can take part in the FCIP. A job offer from one of these employers is required to apply for this pathway.

Once a foreign national receives a job offer and a community recommendation, they can apply for permanent residence. They might also qualify for a temporary two-year work permit so they can begin working immediately while their PR application is processed.

Other Participating Communities

Three more communities are part of the pilot:

• Sudbury – Has already shared its program details.
  
• Timmins – Has also published its priority roles and employers.
  
• Superior East Region – Yet to launch its FCIP website.
  

Who Can Apply for the FCIP?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Work Experience – Have at least 1,560 hours (1 year) of related experience in the past 3 years. Some international graduates may be exempt.
  
• Language – Score at least NCLC 5 in all areas of French.
  
• Education – Finish secondary school or hold an equivalent foreign credential.
  

Funds – Show they have enough money to support themselves and their family.