Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released updated program delivery instructions for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). The instructions are posted on IRCC’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders and provide policy, procedures, and guidance for officers.

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot was officially launched on January 30, 2025. The FCIP focuses on increasing the number of French-speaking newcomers settling in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec. The program supports the economic development of Francophone minority communities while helping to restore and increase their demographic weight.

Each selected community is represented by a local economic development organization. These organizations work with IRCC to identify critical labour gaps, designate trustworthy employers, and recommend suitable candidates to IRCC for permanent residence.

IRCC has begun training the economic development organizations. Each participating community will provide its own details and timelines regarding when employers and prospective permanent residence candidates can expect to apply under the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

New Program Delivery Instructions for the FCIP

IRCC has issued new and updated instructions related to the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, including guidance on the following areas:

• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): Application process and who can apply
• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): Putting an application into processing
• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): Other situations
• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): Admissibility and making a final decision
• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): Examination before granting permanent residence

The updated instructions fall under IRCC’s permanent resident programs within the economic classes.

Upcoming LPEN Course on Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec

For immigration professionals looking to better understand Francophone immigration pathways outside Quebec, LPEN is offering an upcoming course focused on this topic.

Immigration for Francophone Communities Outside Quebec will take place on February 5, and will examine immigration programs affecting French-speaking applicants seeking permanent residence outside Quebec.

More information about the course is available here:
https://lpen.ca/immi-for-francophone-outside-quebec-2026/