Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now accepting applications from communities interested in participating in two new immigration pilot programs: the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.
These new initiatives, announced earlier this year, are designed to address Canada’s long-term economic needs and support the vitality of its linguistic and regional diversity. Selected communities will begin onboarding and training this fall, as the pilots move closer to implementation. Though newcomer applications aren’t being accepted just yet, IRCC has confirmed that the intake process will begin later in 2024.
Together, these two programs will allow IRCC to process up to 5,500 permanent resident applications annually. The goal is to attract skilled immigrants to underserved areas, helping them settle and integrate with the support of local organizations and services.
Fifteen communities will be chosen based on key factors such as local economic needs, the availability of newcomer support services, and whether the community’s economic development organizations can collaborate effectively with IRCC. Community organizations interested in applying on behalf of their areas must submit an expression of interest through IRCC’s online questionnaire, with a deadline set for July 2.
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot will replace the current Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which has proven to be a successful pathway for economic immigration in smaller centers across Western Canada and Ontario. Like its predecessor, the new pilot will focus on helping rural communities attract workers with skills aligned to their economic growth plans.
Pilot immigration programs in Canada typically run for up to five years, during which time their effectiveness is evaluated. A successful pilot may eventually become a permanent immigration stream, as seen with the Atlantic Immigration Program.
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, meanwhile, aims to strengthen French-speaking minority communities outside of Quebec, ensuring the continued growth and cultural preservation of these groups.
By giving rural and Francophone communities more tools to participate in immigration, Canada continues to push toward a more balanced and inclusive immigration strategy—connecting newcomers with meaningful opportunities while helping regions in need flourish.
These initiatives reflect IRCC’s continued commitment to building an immigration system that supports economic resilience and cultural diversity from coast to coast.