In the latest phase of two previously announced immigration pilot programs, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now accepting community applications for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.
These pilot programs are scheduled to begin onboarding and training selected communities this fall. Both initiatives aim to support Canada’s long-term growth and linguistic vitality, as highlighted in IRCC’s press release.
Announced in March this year, both programs are expected to start accepting applications from newcomers this fall, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed.
IRCC plans to process up to 5,500 permanent resident applications annually through these programs.
The department stated that a total of 15 communities will be selected to participate in the pilot programs based on their economic needs, the availability of services and programs to assist newcomers, and the capacity of their economic development organizations to partner with IRCC.
Interested organizations can apply on behalf of their communities using an IRCC questionnaire, with a submission deadline of July 2.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
Many of Canada’s immigration programs are initially introduced as pilot programs, allowing the department to test new initiatives and assess their impact before deciding on permanent implementation, similar to the Atlantic Immigration Program. Pilot programs typically run for a maximum of five years.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) will replace the current RNIP and serve as one of Canada’s pathways to permanent residence through economic immigration. Under RNIP, select rural communities in Western Canada and Ontario receive support from IRCC to attract and retain newcomers who contribute their skills to the local economy. In return, these communities provide assistance to newcomers in establishing themselves.
Details regarding eligibility criteria for communities and newcomer applicants have not yet been released.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
IRCC is mandated to support the French language outside of Quebec, Canada's sole majority French-speaking province.
Accordingly, IRCC aims to "increase the number of French-speaking newcomers settling in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec, promoting economic development and bolstering their demographic presence."
This initiative forms part of IRCC’s broader strategy to enhance French language proficiency across Canada. Recent measures include introducing an Express Entry category for newcomers demonstrating French language skills, with an anticipated 30% of category-based draws in 2024 targeting these candidates.
In response to an Access to Information Request, IRCC highlighted that strong proficiency in English, French, or both languages is a significant predictor of newcomers' economic success.
In 2023, IRCC surpassed its target by ensuring 4.7% of all newcomers were French-speaking, exceeding the set goal of 4.4%. Moving forward, IRCC aims for 6% in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026.
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