Ontario region launches francophone pathway to permanent residence

The Superior East region in Ontario has recently unveiled its Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP).

The Superior East region is located in Northern Ontario, along the shore of Lake Superior. It includes the communities of Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Wawa, White River, Hornepayne, and Manitouwadge, and surrounding First Nations.

It is the last of six communities participating in the FCIP to roll out the pilot.

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The FCIP is an employer-focused pathway for French-speaking foreign nationals.

Candidates must have an offer of employment in a priority sector and occupation that is endorsed by the local economic development organization, besides meeting other criteria, in order to qualify.

What are Superior East region’s priority sectors for the FCIP?

Health sector.
Education, law and social, community and government services.
Sales and services.
Trades, transport, machinery, and related fields.
Natural resources, agriculture, and related production.

What are Superior East’s priority occupations for the FCIP?

Occupation Name	NOC Code
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians	32104
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers	72410
Carpenters	72310
Cashiers	65100
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics	72400
Construction trades helpers and labourers	75110
Cooks	63200
Early childhood educators and assistants	42202
Electricians (except industrial and power system)	72200
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers	41221
Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations	65201
Food service supervisors	62020
General building maintenance workers and building superintendents	73201
Heavy equipment operators	73400
Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations	44101
Light duty cleaners	65310
Licensed practical nurses	32101
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates	33102
Other small engine and small equipment repairers	72429
Paramedical occupations	32102
Retail sales supervisors	62010
Secondary school teachers	41220
Social and community service workers	42201
Underground production and development miners	83100
Welders and related machine operators	72106

The Superior East Region has not publicly announced its list of designated employers, as of the time of writing.

What is the significance of priority sectors and occupations for the FCIP?

Only employers operating in at least one priority sector and hiring in a priority occupation are able to become designated employers for the FCIP.

Foreign nationals need to have a job offer from a designated employer to be recommended for the FCIP by the regional economic development organiation.

In addition to needing a job offer from a designated employer that is in a priority occupations, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Demonstrate knowledge of French by having a minimum score of NCLC 5 in all four abilities;
Have at least one year (1,560 hours) of related work experience over the past three years. This condition can be waived for international graduates who meet specific conditions;
have at least a secondary school level credential (Canadian or its foreign equivalent); and
Have the minimum settlement funds to support themselves and their families.

If a candidate meets the criteria, their employer can send their application to the regional economic development organization to consider for recommendation.

Candidates who receive a recommendation can apply to the federal government for permanent residence. They are also eligible for a work permit so they can start working while their PR application is being processed.

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