By admin
Ontario Region Unveils Permanent Residence Stream for Francophones
The Superior East region has recently unveiled its Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). The Superior East region of Northern Ontario comprises communities of Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Wawa, White River, Hornepayne, Manitouwadge and surrounding First Nations that lie adjacent to Lake Superior. It is one of the last communities to roll out FCIP.
FCIP is a program to invite foreign French speaking workers who have a job offer from a local employer in a priority sector. A priority sector is one that is endorsed by a local economic development organization. The candidates need to fulfill certain requirements as given below so as to be considered for PR through FCIP.
What are the priority sectors for the Superior East region under FCIP?
- Health Sector
- Education, Law and Social, Community and Government Services
- Sales and Services
- Trade, Transport, Machinery and related field
- Natural resources, agriculture and related production.
What are the priority occupations for the Superior East region under 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 Millrights and Industrial Mechanics | 72400 |
| Construction Trades, Helpers and Labourers | 75110 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Early Childhood Educators and Assistants | 42202 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power systems) | 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, at the time of writing.
What is the significance of priority occupations and priority sectors in FCIP?
FCIP designates only those employers that are hiring in at least one priority sector and that too in a priority occupation. Eligible foreign nationals with a job offer from a local designated employer need to be recommended for the FCIP by the regional economic development organization.
In addition to needing a job offer from a designated employer that is in priority occupation other eligibility conditions for a candidate are as follows:
- Having proficiency in French language with a score of NCLC 5 in all four abilities
- Have at least one year (1,560 hours) of work experience in the past three years; this condition can be exempted for candidates who are international graduates and meet specific conditions.
- Have at least a secondary school level credential (Canadian or Foreign equivalent)
- Have minimum funds to support themselves and their families in Canada.
If a candidate meets above criteria then an employer can send their application to the regional economic development organization to consider for recommendation. Those who are recommended by the regional economic development organization can directly apply for PR. They are also eligible for a work permit so they can start working while their PR application is being processed.