The Canadian government has launched two new immigration pilot programs, creating opportunities for skilled newcomers to settle outside major urban centres: (1) the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and (2) the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP).

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

The RCIP is designed to support rural communities experiencing workforce shortages by connecting local businesses with skilled foreign workers. It provides a structured pathway for immigrants seeking employment and permanent residency in smaller towns and cities.

Participating communities in RCIP (as of January 2025):

  • 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

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) (as of January 2025)

The FCIP aims to enhance the demographic and economic sustainability of Francophone minority communities outside Quebec by increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants. The pilot will help meet the demand for bilingual professionals while ensuring the continued growth of Francophone culture in these regions.

Participating communities in FCIP (as of January 2025):

  • New Brunswick: Acadian Peninsula
  • Ontario: Sudbury, Timmins, Superior East Region
  • Manitoba: St. Pierre Jolys
  • British Columbia: Kelowna

The full article with respect to the announcement can be found here.

How these programs benefit employers and foreign workers

For employers, these pilot programs provide an opportunity to recruit skilled foreign workers to meet labour market demands and/or to assist skilled foreign workers in transitioning to permanent residency. For prospective immigrants, the RCIP and FCIP offer employer-backed pathways to secure jobs and settle in communities where their skills are in high demand.

What’s next?

Application details for employers and potential candidates will be announced by each community in the coming days. The program is set to open on January 31, 2025.

Learn more about Gowling WLG’s Immigration Group

Immigration legislation and practices continue to change frequently. Our team specializes in Canadian immigration and can assist with navigating the RCIP and FCIP programs. Whether you're an employer looking to fill vacancies or a worker seeking permanent residency, we can help you determine eligibility and prepare your application. Our Immigration Group would be pleased to help with any questions regarding newly launched RCIP and FCIP programs, or any other questions you may have about immigration in Canada or the U.S. To find out more about our group, reach out to a member of our team and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.