Canada Launches New Pilot Program To Attract Francophone International Students

Ottawa, August 14, 2024 — Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled a significant new initiative aimed at attracting international students to Francophone communities across the country. The Francophone Minority Communities Pilot Program (FMCSP), announced today by Minister Marc Miller, offers eligible students a direct pathway to permanent residency after completing their studies in Canada.

Key Highlights of the FMCSP:

• Eligibility: The program is open to students who receive a letter of acceptance from a participating Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for a full-time post-secondary program lasting at least two years, where French is the primary language of instruction.
• Countries of Eligibility: The FMCSP targets students from several Francophone countries in Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
• Benefits: Under the new pilot, students and their families will be exempt from demonstrating intent to leave Canada after their temporary stay. Financial requirements have also been adjusted to make the program more accessible. Participants will additionally benefit from settlement services and a streamlined pathway to permanent residency.

The pilot program is set to launch on August 26, 2024, with an initial intake of 2,300 students. The intake cap will be reassessed in August 2025, based on the program's success.

Expansion of Support for Francophone Newcomers:

In conjunction with the FMCSP, the IRCC has also expanded its Welcoming Francophone Communities (WFC) initiative by adding 10 new communities across Canada. These communities will provide enhanced settlement services and promote inclusion, ensuring the successful integration of Francophone newcomers.

These initiatives are part of Canada's broader strategy to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants and strengthen the vitality of French linguistic minority communities across the country.