Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the eligibility criteria and details for a new francophone immigration pathway to Canada, set to launch in 2025.
The Francophone Community Immigration Class (FCIC) is specifically designed to support French-speaking newcomers in permanently settling in Canada.
This pathway targets individuals looking to settle in francophone communities outside of Quebec. To qualify, candidates will need a job offer and recommendations.
The program is currently expected to run for a duration of five years.
In this article, we will:
- Outline the eligibility requirements for the program; and
- Provide an overview of the new immigration class.
Who is Eligible to Apply Under the FCIC?
Applicants for Canada’s new Francophone Community Immigration Class (FCIC) must meet the following eligibility criteria:
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Recommendation | Applicants need a valid certificate of recommendation from an economic development organization at the time of application. |
| Genuine Offer of Employment | Applicants must have a valid job offer from a designated employer that meets specific conditions. |
| Work Experience | Candidates must demonstrate relevant work experience under specific conditions. (This requirement may be waived for eligible international graduates.) |
| Language Proficiency | Applicants must meet a French language proficiency level of NCLC 5 in all abilities. |
| Education | Candidates must have a minimum of a secondary school credential. |
| Intent to Reside | Applicants must demonstrate their intent to settle in the designated community where they will work. |
| Necessary Funds | Applicants must prove they possess funds equivalent to half the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for one year, based on family size. |
| Valid Status in Canada | Applicants within Canada must hold valid temporary status at the time of applying and maintain it until they receive permanent residence. |
Further Details
Certificate of Recommendation
To receive a certificate of recommendation, applicants must:
- Have relevant work experience matching the TEER level of their job offer;
- Possess a genuine offer of employment in a designated occupation with appropriate wages;
- Demonstrate French language proficiency;
- Meet the education requirements; and
- Show intent to reside in the designated community.
Certificates of recommendation remain valid for six months from the date of issue.
Genuine Offer of Employment
A valid job offer must:
- Be non-seasonal, full-time, and for an indeterminate period;
- Require at least 75% of the duties to be performed in the designated community;
- Align with the applicant’s qualifications based on work experience and/or education; and
- Meet specific work experience requirements (see below).
Work Experience
Applicants must demonstrate work experience that:
- Was acquired continuously over one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) employment in an occupation under the National Occupation Classification (NOC);
- Was obtained within three years prior to applying for PR;
- Matches duties listed in the NOC (including lead statements and descriptions); and
- Was legally authorized if gained in Canada.
The required work experience depends on the TEER level of the job offer:
| TEER Level of Job Offer | Work Experience Requirements |
|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| TEER 1 | Experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| TEER 2 | Experience in TEER 1, 2, 3, or 4 |
| TEER 3 | Experience in TEER 2, 3, or 4 |
| TEER 4 | Experience in TEER 2, 3, or 4 |
| TEER 5 | Experience within the same NOC group |
International graduates may be exempt from the work experience requirement if they:
- Maintained full-time status during their studies;
- Obtained their credential within 18 months of applying for PR;
- Were physically present in the designated community throughout their program (conditions vary by program length).
Language Proficiency
Applicants must take an IRCC-approved French language test and achieve an NCLC level of 5 in all abilities.
Education
Applicants must submit proof of education:
- A Canadian credential; or
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for international qualifications (issued within the last five years).
Necessary Funds
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds based on family size. Family members are included in this count regardless of whether they will accompany the applicant to Canada.
What is the FCIC?
The FCIC is part of Canada’s francophone immigration strategy, enabling French-speaking newcomers with professional experience in in-demand occupations to settle permanently in communities outside Quebec.
The program involves three key stakeholders:
- Designated Communities: Communities with a minority francophone population outside Quebec, approved by the Immigration Minister.
- Economic Development Organizations: Organizations responsible for issuing certificates of recommendation to eligible applicants.
- Designated Employers: Employers approved to hire eligible candidates under the program.
Eligible applicants with a job offer in a priority occupation from a designated employer may receive permanent residence (PR).
Economic development organizations must publish a priority occupation list annually by March 31.
Designated Communities
IRCC has not yet announced the list of designated communities or economic development organizations participating in the FCIC. Further details are expected in the coming months.
Canada unveils new permanent residence pathway for French speakers | CIC News
