RCIP and FCIP - Canada opens new immigration programs
On January 31, 2025 Immigration Canada (IRCC) has opened two new temporary immigration programs:
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
These programs help address labour shortages in rural areas and offer direct immigration pathways for those planning to move to Canada and settle in a participating region on a long-term basis.
Once you have received a job offer and a letter of approval from your region, you can apply for permanent residence and a work permit even if you are outside of Canada.
Requirements:
- Job offer from a Designated Employer in one of the participating regions in any NOC and TEER. LMIA is not required
- Community Recommendation (each region has its own selection criteria)
- Knowledge of language (English for RCIP or French for FCIP):
-
- TEER 0 and 1: CLB 6 (IELTS: Speaking, Listening, Writing - 5.5, Reading - 5)
- TEER 2 and 3: CLB 5 (IELTS: Speaking, Listening, Writing - 5, Reading - 4)
-
- One year of work experience in the same field as the job offer
- Educational Credential Assessment - minimum high school
- Financial requirements:
| Number of family members | Amount required (CAD) |
| 1 | $7,963 |
| 2 | $9,692 |
| 3 | $12,069 |
| 4 | $15,056 |
| 5 | $17,145 |
| 6 | $19,015 |
| 7 | $20,884 |
| Each additional family member | +$1,869 |
Participating regions in RCIP:
- 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
Participating regions in FCIP:
- New Brunswick: Acadian Peninsula
- Ontario: Sudbury, Timmins, Superior East Region
- Manitoba: St. Pierre Jolys
- British Columbia: Kelowna
Are you interested in these programs? Contact us.
Important: Immigration requirements are constantly changing. The information on this page is current at the time of publication.