The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) is a federal economic immigration program offering permanent residence to eligible French-speaking workers who intend to live and work in a participating Francophone-minority community outside Quebec. Applicants need a qualifying job offer from a designated employer in a priority sector or occupation identified by the community.
Kelowna is one of six FCIP communities and the only one in British Columbia. The others are the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick; Sudbury, Timmins and the Superior East Region in Ontario; and St. Pierre Jolys in Manitoba. Each community identifies its priorities, designates employers and recommends eligible candidates.
In Kelowna, the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDÉCB) administers the community process. Because priorities, designated employers and intake procedures may change, candidates and employers should confirm current requirements with IRCC and, for Kelowna, the SDÉCB.
How Does the Program Work?
A candidate must first obtain a genuine job offer from an employer designated by the participating community. In Kelowna, candidates and employers should follow the SDÉCB’s published process.
The job offer must generally be:
- located within the community boundary;
- full-time, with at least 30 paid hours per week;
- non-seasonal and indeterminate; and
- in a priority sector or occupation and sufficiently related to the candidate’s qualifying work experience.
The designated employer submits the candidate’s application for a community recommendation. If the community recommends the candidate, the candidate may then apply to IRCC for permanent residence. IRCC makes the final decision on eligibility and admissibility.
What Are the Applicant Requirements for the FCIP?
An applicant must generally demonstrate or have:
- French proficiency of at least NCLC 5 in each language ability;
- a Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or the assessed foreign equivalent;
- at least 1,560 hours of related work experience in the previous three years, unless an exemption applies;
- an intention to live and work in the participating community;
- a qualifying job offer from a designated employer; and
- sufficient settlement funds, unless an exemption applies, such as the applicant is already working in Canada with a valid work permit.
What Does an Employer Need to Qualify for the FCIP?
Employer designation is handled by the participating community, and different communities can have different additional requirements. However, generally, an employer must have operated in the community for at least two years, be in good standing, carry on business connected to a priority occupation, conduct at least 75% of its business work within the community, complete required training, and support the settlement of the newcomer and their family. Certain employers, including staffing agencies and businesses controlled by the candidate or their spouse or common-law partner, are ineligible. Once the employer receives its designation, it can submit a request to the local organization for the community recommendation. If a recommendation is issued, the candidate can then apply for permanent residency and an interim work permit extension if needed.
Who Should Consider the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot Program?
The FCIP may suit French-speaking workers whose occupations are prioritized by a participating community and who have, or can obtain, a qualifying offer from a designated employer. Certain recent international graduates in the community may also qualify for an exemption from the work-experience requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
Is Kelowna Part of the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?
Yes. Kelowna is one of six communities participating in the FCIP and is the only participating community in British Columbia. The Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDÉCB) administers the community process in Kelowna.
What Level of French Do You Need for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?
Applicants must generally demonstrate French proficiency of at least NCLC 5 in each language ability.
Do You Need a Job Offer to Apply for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?
Yes. Applicants need a qualifying job offer from a designated employer in a priority sector or occupation identified by the participating community. The job must generally be full-time, non-seasonal, and indeterminate, and meet the program’s other requirements.
How We Can Help
The FCIP combines federal requirements with community-specific rules that may change. Pushor Mitchell LLP assists candidates and employers with eligibility assessments, job offers, supporting documents, community recommendations, permanent-residence applications and related work permits. If you would like advice about whether the FCIP may be available to you or your business, contact Jarrett Mancell directly: mancell@pushormitchell.com
