Canada’s Free Trade Agreements
Canada’s Free Trade Agreements

RCIP/FCIP

Rural & Francophone Community Immigration Pilots (RCIP & FCIP)

Start Your Pathway to Permanent Residence in Canada

Canada has officially launched two exciting new immigration programs: the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP).

These pilots are designed to bring skilled workers and their families to rural and Francophone-minority communities across Canada, offering permanent residence and a brighter future.

If you want to live in a welcoming community with job opportunities, lower living costs, and strong settlement support, RCIP and FCIP may be your best pathway to Canada.

What is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?

The RCIP helps Canadian employers in 14 rural and remote communities fill labour shortages by recruiting skilled workers from abroad. Successful candidates can apply for permanent residence and settle long-term in their chosen community.

Participating RCIP Communities (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
 
What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)?

The FCIP is for French-speaking skilled workers who wish to settle in Francophone-minority communities outside Quebec. It supports the growth of French language and culture in smaller Canadian cities.

Participating FCIP Communities (2025):

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

Benefits of RCIP & FCIP

✔ Direct pathway to Permanent Residence
✔ Community support and settlement services
✔ Lower cost of living in welcoming towns
✔ Work in high-demand industries: healthcare, trades, IT, transportation, hospitality
✔ For FCIP: chance to live in French-speaking communities outside Quebec

Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria​

To qualify for RCIP or FCIP, applicants must:

  • Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in a participating community
  • Obtain a community recommendation from the local economic development organization
  • Show at least 1 year of skilled work experience in the last 3 years (or meet educational substitution rules)
  • Meet language requirements:
    • RCIP: English or French (CLB 4+)
    • FCIP: French (NCLC 5+)
  • Hold a Canadian education credential or ECA (foreign education assessment)
  • Show proof of settlement funds (unless already working in Canada)
  • Intend to live in the community long-term

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet work experience, language, and education requirements.
  1. Get a Job Offer: Apply to jobs posted by designated employers in participating communities.
  1. Receive Community Recommendation: Your chosen community must endorse your application to IRCC.
  1. Apply for Permanent Residence: Submit your application online through the IRCC PR Portal.
  1. Optional: Apply for a Work Permit: You may qualify for a 2-year employer-specific work permit while waiting for PR.
    • Spouses/common-law partners can apply for an open work permit.
  1. Settle in Canada: Access pre-arrival services, apply for your PR card, get a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and benefit from free newcomer services.
Fees & Program Status
  • Processing Fees: Start at $1,525 CAD for principal applicants
  • Program Status: Both RCIP and FCIP are OPEN as of 2025
  • Updates:
    • RNIP closed on August 31, 2024
    • RCIP & FCIP officially launched in March 2025
    • IRCC last updated program details in June 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Do I need French for RCIP?
    No, French is only required for FCIP applicants. RCIP accepts English or French.
  2. Can I apply without a job offer?
    No, a valid job offer from a designated employer is mandatory.
  3. Can students or graduates apply?
    Yes, if you studied in a participating community, education can sometimes replace the work experience requirement.
  4. Can my spouse work in Canada?
    Yes! Spouses/common-law partners can apply for an open work permit.
  5. How long is the work permit valid?
    Work permits issued under RCIP/FCIP are valid for 2 years.
Why Choose Scope Immigration Services?

Applying for RCIP or FCIP requires careful planning—from finding the right employer to preparing a strong PR application. At Scope Immigration Services, we:

  • Match you with opportunities in participating communities
  • Guide you through eligibility checks and document preparation
  • Support your PR and work permit applications
  • Help your family transition smoothly to Canada

Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step towards your Canadian PR journey through RCIP or FCIP.