On December 14, 2024, the Canadian government published in The Canada Gazette ministerial instructions aimed at strengthening economic immigration from outside Quebec. These new measures comprise two distinct components, designed to meet specific and diversified needs:
- Immigration in French-speaking communitieswhich targets Francophone immigrants wishing to settle in designated Francophone minority communities outside Quebec.
- Immigration in rural communitiesdesigned to attract foreigners ready to settle in designated rural communities, also outside Quebec.
These initiatives reflect the government's desire to combine economic growth with support for the vitality of under-represented regions.
Immigration in French-speaking communities: revitalizing the minority francophonie
Main objectives
This component is specifically designed for French-speaking immigrants who intend to live and work in a French-speaking community outside Quebec. The objective is twofold:
- Strengthening Francophone minority communities.
- Attract skilled talent to meet local economic needs.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Mastering French : Advanced French language skills are mandatory, proven by a standardized test.
- Prove their intention to settle in a designated region The choice of host community must be clear and well-founded.
- Meeting local economic needs Professional skills and experience must match the demands of the job market in the chosen region.
Supporting local communities
Designated communities play a crucial role in this program. They are responsible for :
- Identify workforce needs.
- Offer cultural and social support to new arrivals.
This close collaboration ensures the successful integration of immigrants, while stimulating community growth.
Immigration to rural communities: strengthening remote areas
A targeted approach
The rural component aims to attract foreigners ready to settle in designated rural communities outside Quebec. These regions, often affected by aging populations and labor shortages, will benefit from an economic and demographic boost.
Eligibility criteria
For this program, candidates must :
- Demonstrate a clear intention to settle in a rural area The designated rural areas are precise and adapted to the needs of the program.
- Have a job offer or relevant skills Applicants must prove that they can meet the requirements of the local job market.
- Meet general immigration requirements : This includes language skills, but French is not necessarily compulsory as it is in the Francophone section.
Involving local employers
Designated employers in rural communities play a key role in this component, by offering jobs to candidates. These jobs must correspond to real needs, ensuring rapid and beneficial integration.
Major differences between the two components
| Criteria | French-speaking communities | Rural communities |
|---|---|---|
| Main language required | French compulsory | French or English, depending on region |
| Target region | Francophone communities outside Quebec | Designated rural communities outside Quebec |
| Main objective | Revitalizing Francophone minority communities | Support for rural areas suffering from demographic decline |
| Local players involved | Designated French-speaking communities | Employers and local authorities in rural areas |
These differences reflect the government's intention to diversify the profiles of new arrivals while meeting the specific needs of each region.
Potential challenges for both programs
While these initiatives are promising, several challenges could emerge:
- Limited international visibility Attracting qualified candidates requires major promotional efforts on a global scale, particularly in French- and English-speaking countries.
- Regional capacity Rural and Francophone communities must ensure that they have the necessary infrastructure to welcome and integrate immigrants.
- Interprovincial competition : Quebec, already a magnet for Francophones, could compete with these initiatives.
A win-win strategy
The two components of this program are designed to strengthen Canada's linguistic diversity and balance, while meeting the economic and social needs of under-represented regions.
By supporting Francophone and rural communities, the Canadian government is demonstrating its commitment to :
- Economic growth in remote regions.
- Protecting and promoting the French language and culture in minority communities.
- A fair and inclusive immigration policy.
Designated communities for new immigration streams
The "Immigration dans les communautés francophones" and "Immigration dans les communautés rurales" programs are based on a selection of designated communities across Canada. These communities have been identified on the basis of their potential to welcome immigrants while meeting specific economic and demographic needs.
Communities designated for the Francophone component
This component targets French-speaking communities outside Quebec, fostering their economic and cultural development. Designated communities are divided into two groups: existing communities and those recently added to expand the initiative.
Existing communities
| Province or territory | Community |
|---|---|
| Prince Edward Island | Evangeline region |
| Nova Scotia | Municipality of the District of Clare |
| New Brunswick | Haut-Saint-Jean |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Labrador City-Wabush |
| Eastern Ontario | Hawkesbury |
| Northern Ontario | Sudbury |
| Southwestern and Central Ontario | Hamilton |
| Manitoba | Seine River region |
| Saskatchewan | Moose Jaw and Gravelbourg |
| Alberta | Calgary |
| British Columbia | Prince George |
| Northwest Territories | Yellowknife |
| Yukon | Whitehorse |
| Nunavut | Iqaluit |
Communities added in August 2024
| Province or territory | New community designated |
|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | Cheticamp |
| New Brunswick | Belle-Baie, Caraquet, Restigouche West Region |
| Eastern Ontario | Cornwall |
| Northern Ontario | District of Cochrane (Highway 11 corridor) |
| Southwestern and Central Ontario | London |
| Manitoba | Red River |
| Saskatchewan | Prince Albert |
| British Columbia | Nanaimo |
These communities will benefit from increased support to attract and integrate new French-speaking immigrants.
Designated rural communities
The rural component focuses on remote and rural communities in need of demographic and economic support.
| Province or territory | Designated community |
|---|---|
| Ontario | North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay |
| Manitoba | Brandon, Altona / Rhineland |
| Saskatchewan | Moose Jaw |
| Alberta | Claresholm |
| British Columbia | Vernon, West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson) |
These regions welcome skilled immigrants ready to meet local needs, strengthening key sectors such as health, education and agriculture.
These lists testify to Canada's concrete commitment to diversifying its host regions while strengthening their vitality.
Job types and requirements: two strands for targeted opportunities
To participate in theImmigration in French-speaking communities andImmigration to rural communitiesIn order to qualify, candidates must meet specific requirements in terms of job offer and professional experience.
Francophone section
Authentic job offer
For the French-language section, an authentic job offer must meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Designated employer | The employer must be active in the field of activity related to the proposed position. |
| Legitimate needs | The offer must correspond to a real need for manpower. |
| Conditions met | Working conditions must be reasonable and feasible for the employer. |
| Compensation in line | The salary offered must be equal to or higher than the salary scale defined for the profession in the Job Bank. |
| Language requirements | Language requirements must be limited to French, English or both. |
Work experience requirements
Professional experience must correspond to the category of the job offer according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
| NOC category of the job offer | Experience required (NOC categories accepted) |
|---|---|
| FEER 0 | Categories 0, 1, 2 or 3 |
| FEER 1 | Categories 0, 1, 2 or 3 |
| FEER 2 | Categories 1, 2, 3 or 4 |
| FEER 3 | Categories 2, 3 or 4 |
| FEER 4 | Categories 2, 3 or 4 |
| FEER 5 | Same base group as offer |
Specific work experience requirements :
- Duration At least one continuous year of full-time or equivalent part-time work in the three years preceding the application.
- Nature of tasks The main tasks and responsibilities defined in the NOC must be carried out.
- Place of purchase If the experience was acquired in Canada, the candidate must have been authorized to work and have valid temporary resident status.
Rural communities component
Authentic job offer
As with the French-language section, authentic job offers must meet specific criteria:
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Designated employer | The employer must be recognized and active in the field related to the proposed position. |
| Legitimate needs | The job must meet a real need or shortage in the designated rural community. |
| Conditions met | The employer must be able to honor the terms of the offer. |
| Compensation in line | Salary must be in line with or higher than the salary scale for the profession, according to the Job Bank. |
| Language requirements | Language requirements are limited to English, French or both. |
Professional experience
Experience requirements for the rural section follow the same rules as for the French-speaking section:
| NOC category of the job offer | Experience required (NOC categories accepted) |
|---|---|
| FEER 0 | Categories 0, 1, 2 or 3 |
| FEER 1 | Categories 0, 1, 2 or 3 |
| FEER 2 | Categories 1, 2, 3 or 4 |
| FEER 3 | Categories 2, 3 or 4 |
| FEER 4 | Categories 2, 3 or 4 |
| FEER 5 | Same base group as offer |
These criteria ensure that candidates have the skills and experience required to meet the specific needs of employers in designated regions.
By establishing clear requirements for the job offer and work experience, both components aim to attract qualified and motivated candidates, capable of contributing effectively to Canadian communities.
Language requirements for both components
To participate in theImmigration in French-speaking communities andImmigration to rural communitiesApplicants must demonstrate their language skills by providing the results of an approved test. Levels of proficiency vary according to job stream and category.
Francophone section
Required level
Candidates for the French-language section must prove their mastery of the French language. Language requirements are defined as follows:
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Test type | Approved language evaluation test completed within the two years preceding the application. |
| Skills assessed | Listening, reading, speaking and writing. |
| Minimum level | Level 5 in each of the four language skills according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). |
Importance of level 5
CLB level 5 corresponds to a moderate ability to understand and use French in the workplace and in everyday life, ensuring better integration into Francophone minority communities.
Rural communities component
Required level
Candidates for the rural component must demonstrate language skills commensurate with the job classification. The levels required are specified in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) :
| Job category (NOC) | Minimum language level |
|---|---|
| FEER 0 or 1 categories | Level 6 according to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). |
| FEER 2 or 3 categories | Level 5 according to CLB or NCLC. |
| FEER 4 or 5 categories | Level 4 according to CLB or NCLC. |
Importance of variable levels
These requirements, adjusted according to job category, ensure that candidates have the language skills required for their position. For example:
- Higher levels (6) are required for positions requiring increased management or communication (FEER 0 or 1).
- Intermediate levels (5 or 4) are suitable for technical or entry-level positions requiring functional language skills.
Summary of language requirements
| Category | Minimum language level |
|---|---|
| Francophone | Level 5 for all CLB skills. |
| Rural communities | Variable level (6, 5 or 4) depending on job category, defined by CLB or NCLC. |
By adapting the language requirements for each component, the government is ensuring the successful integration of candidates while meeting the specific needs of employers.
Educational requirements
For theImmigration in French-speaking communities andImmigration to rural communitiesThe minimum level of education required is the equivalent of a high school diploma. Applicants must provide appropriate proof, depending on the origin of their diploma.
Francophone section
Proof of education
For the French-language component, applicants must demonstrate that they have at least completed high school by providing one of the following documents:
| Type of diploma | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Canadian diploma | Copy of a secondary or higher education diploma issued by a Canadian institution. |
| Foreign diploma | Copy of a foreign diploma, certificate or qualification, with an assessment of equivalence. |
Validity of equivalence assessments
For foreign diplomas, the evaluation of equivalence must :
- Be carried out by an organization designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Have been completed within the five years preceding submission of the application.
Rural communities component
Proof of education
Requirements for the rural component are identical to those for the French-language component. Applicants must provide proof of high school completion:
| Type of diploma | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Canadian diploma | Copy of a secondary or higher education diploma issued by a Canadian institution. |
| Foreign diploma | Copy of a foreign diploma, certificate or qualification, with an assessment of equivalence. |
Specifications for evaluating equivalence
Candidates presenting a foreign diploma must ensure that the evaluation of equivalence :
- Is carried out by an organization recognized by IRCC.
- Less than five years old at the time of application.
Importance of education
The minimum level of education ensures that candidates have a sufficient educational base to integrate successfully into the Canadian job market, while meeting the requirements of employers in designated communities. This approach promotes rapid adaptation and effective contribution by newcomers.
Residency requirement
One of the key criteria for participating in theImmigration in French-speaking communities andImmigration to rural communities is to demonstrate a clear intention to reside in a designated community. This condition is designed to ensure that newcomers will contribute directly to the vitality and growth of the targeted regions.
Francophone section
Justification of intent to reside
Applicants to the French-language component must demonstrate that they wish to settle in a designated French-speaking community outside Quebec. This intention can be demonstrated by various means, such as :
- Declaration in the application An explicit indication of their desire to settle in a specific community.
- Additional evidence :
- Correspondence or interaction with local community organizations.
- Research or search for accommodation or services in the target region.
- A history of links or connections with the designated community, such as relatives living there.
This requirement ensures that candidates contribute to strengthening the vitality of Francophone minority communities.
Rural communities component
Justification of intent to reside
For the rural component, applicants must also demonstrate their willingness to settle in a designated community. Similar evidence is accepted, including:
- Commitment to the application A declaration of intent to reside in the designated community.
- Preparation indicators :
- Apply for jobs, housing or local services.
- Communication with employers or organizations in the rural community.
- Evidence of familiarity with the area, such as previous visits or existing links.
Impact of intent to reside
This requirement reflects the programs' commitment to revitalizing target regions by attracting residents willing to invest in local development. It also ensures that applicants will contribute directly to the economic and social growth of designated communities, fostering their integration and long-term success.
Proof of funds required
To participate in theImmigration in French-speaking communities andImmigration to rural communitiesIn order to qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families for one year. This requirement is designed to ensure that newcomers have a stable financial base for a successful transition to Canada.
Francophone section
Amount of funds required
Applicants must prove that they have transferable funds, available and free from debts or other financial obligations. The amount required is half the minimum income required in rural areas outside major metropolitan areas or census agglomerations, according to the Statistics Canada.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type of funds required | Transferable, available and free of debt or financial obligations. |
| Minimum amount | 50 % of Statistics Canada's low-income cut-off (before tax) for rural areas. |
| Family members included | The amount must cover the needs of the applicant and his/her family, whether accompanying or not. |
Exception
The proof-of-funds requirement does not apply to applicants who are already employed in Canada at the time of application.
Rural communities component
Amount of funds required
Financial requirements for the rural component are identical to those for the French-language component. Applicants must demonstrate that they have financial resources equivalent to 50 % of minimum income required for rural areas.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type of funds required | Transferable, available and free of debt or financial obligations. |
| Minimum amount | 50 % of Statistics Canada's low-income cut-off (before tax) for rural areas. |
| Family members included | The amount must cover the needs of the applicant and his/her family, whether accompanying or not. |
Exception
As with the French-language section, candidates who are already employed in Canada are exempt from this requirement.
Importance of proof of funds
This requirement ensures that newcomers have the means to meet their initial needs without relying on public resources. It contributes to their successful integration and ability to settle in their new designated community.
Consultation with an immigration expert
To maximize your chances of success in any of these areas, we recommend that you work with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant. A qualified professional can guide you in preparing your file and help you choose the program best suited to your situation.
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