Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now welcoming community applications for two innovative immigration pilot programs: the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. These initiatives aim to foster long-term growth and enhance linguistic diversity in Canada.

Program Details

Rural Community Immigration Pilot

This program replaces the existing Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. Targeting select rural communities in western Canada and Ontario, it aims to attract skilled newcomers to boost local economies. The program supports up to 5,500 permanent resident applications annually.

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

This initiative focuses on increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. It aligns with Canada’s strategy to enhance French language presence and ensure the economic vitality of these communities. Recent measures include an Express Entry category for French-speaking candidates, with a significant portion of draws dedicated to this group.

Community Selection and Application

IRCC will select 15 communities based on economic needs, available services, and the capacity of local organizations to partner with IRCC. Interested communities must apply by July 2 using the provided questionnaire.

Goals and Impact

Both pilot programs are set to begin onboarding selected communities this fall. These initiatives aim to meet economic needs and bolster Canada’s linguistic diversity, contributing to the overall demographic and cultural landscape.