How to Move to Canada with Your Family Under Rural & Francophone Immigration Pilots 2025 Guide

By Shanza Thomas

Updated on:

An appealing pathway is provided by the Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilot (RFIP). The purpose of this pilot is to attract newcomers to smaller, community-focused regions, particularly those with strong French-language cultures. It enables you to reside, work, and establish a future in vibrant rural villages and francophone communities throughout Canada.

Introduction: What Are These Immigration Pilots?

Both pilot programs are a component of Canada’s new permanent immigration pathways, which are designed to assist smaller communities in attracting qualified workers.

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (2025):

This program replaces the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and is designed to assist rural communities that require specialized labor in industries such as healthcare, construction, retail, and agriculture.

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (2025):

This pathway encourages French-speaking workers to establish themselves in Francophone-minority communities throughout rural Canada in order to address labor shortages and preserve linguistic diversity.

Move to Canada with Your Family — Yes, It’s Possible!

Both programs are family-inclusive, allowing you to:

  • Include your spouse or common-law partner in the application.
  • Children who are dependent are included.
  • Obtain unrestricted work permits for spouses
  • Obtain study permits for minors to attend Canadian schools.

Benefits:

  • Faster Route to Permanent Residency:
    The Francophone Immigration Pilot and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) both provide a simplified immigration process. You and your family can apply for permanent residence (PR) more quickly than through certain other programs once you have been approved by a participating community and meet federal requirements.
  • Immigration that is Family-Friendly:
    These programs are intended for entire families, rather than just individuals: An open work permit may be granted to your spouse or common-law partner. Public institutions are accessible to dependent children, and they may be eligible for health insurance. Your family members may be included in your PR application.
  • Streamlined Community Integration:
    As you are relocating to lesser communities, you are entitled to the following: Enhanced local support networks Decreased competition in the labor market Communities that are actively seeking immigrants to expand their economies are welcomed. The majority of communities provide: Settlement services language instruction Assistance with employment Programs for cultural integration
  • Reasonable Living Expenses:
    In contrast to urban centers such as Toronto or Vancouver, rural and northern communities possess: Decreased housing prices Decreased living expenses, including transportation, childcare, and daily expenses Enhanced work-life equilibrium This simplifies the process of saving money and raising a family.
  • More Job Opportunities:
    Employers in participating communities frequently encounter difficulties in recruiting local candidates, which results in: There is a greater likelihood of receiving employment offers for skilled foreign workers. Jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and industries Opportunities for professional development in a job market that is less saturated
  • Flexibility and Language Support:
    The Francophone Immigration Pilot is designed to assist French-speaking families in establishing themselves in Francophone communities located outside of Quebec. French-speaking applicants frequently encounter less competition and may be eligible despite their limited English proficiency. Additionally, individuals who require English assistance are provided with it in RNIP communities.

Apply for These Immigration Programs – Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility:

CriteriaRural Community PilotFrancophone Pilot
Job Offer Required✅ Yes✅ Yes
Language ProficiencyEnglish/French (CLB 4–6)French (CLB 5 minimum)
Work Experience1 year (1,560 hrs) in the last 3 years1 year or exemption for recent int’l graduates
EducationCanadian diploma or ECA-evaluated degreeSame
Settlement FundsProof required for you and your familySame
Community RecommendationMandatoryMandatory

Step 2: Secure a Job Offer from a Designated Employer:

  • Search for employment opportunities in designated communities.
  • Under the pilot program, employers must be authorized to provide assistance with immigration applications.
  • Healthcare, professional trades, IT, logistics, food services, and education are all in high demand.

Where to find jobs?

Step 3: Obtain a Community Recommendation:

Once you have a valid job offer:

  • For an official recommendation, submit an application to the immigration office of the community.
  • You will be required to demonstrate your intention to establish a presence and assimilate into the local community.

Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency (PR):

After receiving your recommendation, apply for PR through IRCC:

  • Please submit all necessary forms, including IMM-0112 and IMM-5984.
  • Incorporate your spouse and offspring into the application.
  • Application expenses must be paid:
  • Principal applicant: CAD $1,525
  • Spouse/partner: CAD $1,525
  • CAD $260 for each dependent child
  • Biometrics: CAD $85 for an individual or $170 for a family.plication fees:
    • Principal applicant: CAD $1,525
    • Spouse/partner: CAD $1,525
    • Each dependent child: CAD $260
    • Biometrics: CAD $85 (individual) or $170 (family).

Step 5: Apply for a Work Permit While PR is Processing:

You don’t have to wait for PR approval to start working:

  • Based on your job offer and a recommendation from your community, submit an application for a temporary work permit.
  • Your spouse is eligible for an open work authorization.
  • Study permits may be issued to children.

When Can You Apply?

Both pilots are open for applications on a rolling basis. There are no “intake cycles,” meaning:

  • Applicants may submit their applications at any time, provided that the community maintains its capacity.
  • Throughout 2025, additional communities and employers are being incorporated.

Check Also: End of Overseas Recruitment for UK Care Workers

Where Can You Move?

These pilot programs open doors to a range of welcoming and opportunity-rich communities across Canada. Whether you’re seeking peaceful rural life or a vibrant French-speaking environment, there’s a place for you and your family to call home. The table below highlights some of the participating towns under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot:

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  • Rural communities provide robust employment markets in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, as well as stronger local support networks and a lower cost of living..
  • Francophone communities are an excellent choice for French-speaking applicants who are interested in assimilating into culturally diverse regions that prioritize inclusivity and bilingualism.
Rural CommunitiesFrancophone Communities
Moose Jaw, SaskatchewanSaint Boniface, Manitoba
North Bay, OntarioHawkesbury, Ontario
Timmins, OntarioDieppe, New Brunswick
Brandon, ManitobaHearst, Ontario
Claresholm, AlbertaEdmundston, New Brunswick
Prince Albert, Saskatchewa
  1. What are the Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilots?

    These are immigration programs designed by Canada to attract skilled workers and their families to smaller or underserved communities outside major urban centers. The goal is to support regional labor markets and promote economic growth.
    Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): Targets rural and remote communities across Canada.
    Francophone Immigration Pilot: Encourages French-speaking immigrants to settle in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec.

  2. Can I bring my family with me?

    Yes. Both pilots allow you to include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application for permanent residency.

  3. Who is eligible to apply?

    To qualify, you generally must:
    Have a valid full-time job offer from a designated employer in a participating community.
    Meet language requirements (CLB 4–6 depending on the job).
    Have the required education and work experience.
    Show proof of funds (if applicable).
    Intend to live in the community that endorses you.

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