Canada announces new immigration pilots to support rural and Francophone minority communities, will create a permanent program

March 6, 2024-Canada recognizes the importance of rural and Francophone minority communities in its long-term growth, and acknowledges the role of regional immigration in strengthening their economies. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) has successfully connected businesses and employers in remote communities with skilled newcomers, facilitating their growth and development.

To further support these communities, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced the introduction of new pilots specifically designed for rural and Francophone minority communities. These pilots, namely the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, are part of the ongoing efforts by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to establish a permanent rural immigration program.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot is set to launch in the fall of 2024. Its primary objective is to ensure that rural communities have continued access to programs that address labor shortages and assist local businesses in finding the necessary workforce. This pilot will offer pathways to permanent residence for newcomers who can help alleviate critical labor shortages and are committed to long-term residency in these smaller communities.

Building on the success of the RNIP and in line with our Francophone Immigration Policy, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot will also be launched in the fall of 2024. This pilot aims to increase the number of French-speaking newcomers settling in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec. By doing so, it will contribute to the economic development of these communities and help restore and enhance their demographic presence.

In the coming months, IRCC will initiate the community application process to select the participating communities for these pilots. More details will be shared during this time.

As we strive to establish the RNIP as a permanent program, these new pilots will play a crucial role in attracting and retaining skilled foreign workers in rural and Francophone minority communities. Their contributions will not only benefit the local economies but also contribute to the linguistic diversity of these regions.