Amongst the many new immigration policies to come, Canada has recently developed new pathways that aim to attract French-speaking business owners to support the economy and diversify the culture. These new pathways are very appealing to entrepreneurial executives who want to do business in Canada.
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) was introduced in March 2024 and further developped in December, and helps support the immigration of French-speaking professionals outside Quebec on a Permanent Residency Status.
To qualify for this program, applicants must have a working level of French (NCLC level 5), as well as a job offer within the industry from a specific employer in the assigned community.
These selected communities are:
- Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick
- Sudbury, Ontario
- Superior East Region, Ontario
- Timmins, Ontario
- Pierre Jolys, Manitoba
- Kelowna, British Columbia
Eligibility Criteria for FCIP
Applicants will now need to show that they qualify under the following criteria:
- Certificate of Recommendation: A valid recommendation certificate must be obtained through an accredited economic development body.
- Job Offer: A legitimate offer must be secured from a designated employer in one of the primary positions available.
- Work Experience: A reasonable level of work experience is needed, with some conditions for International students with specific exemptions.
- Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate the ability to perform at least the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 5 in French for speaking, reading, listening and writing.
- Educational Background: At least a secondary school diploma.
- Intent to Reside: Provide proof that you plan to settle within the targeted community.
- Financial Means: Provide proof of resources to show you can support yourself and your family for a period of one year.
This is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs looking to settle in Francophone regions since the area is business-friendly and supports entrepreneurship.
Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-Up Visa program is designed to cater to new entrepreneurs who have creative business concepts. This particular program is aimed at people who have the potential to create self-sustaining innovative businesses that will employ Canadians and are capable of competing internationally.
While the SUV isn’t specifically devised for French-speaking entrepreneurs, they will benefit from a consequent advantage if they plan to settle in Francophone communities outside Québec and can obtain a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 score in either French or English.
Eligibility Criteria for the Start-Up Visa Program
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Qualifying Business: Show that the applicant meets the business ownership criteria as controlling an adequate percentage of the company’s voting shares and actively runs the business from within Canada.
- Letter of Support: Secured from a prescribed body like a venture capital fund, angel investor group, business incubator, etc., endorsing the business proposal.
- Language Proficiency: Since Canada is a bilingual country, one should obtain a minimum CLB level 5 in either French or English in all abilities.
- Settlement Funds: Show that you possess adequate financial means to support yourself and your family members upon arrival in Canada.
This option is most suitable for business people who want to start new businesses in Canada because it provides a great market and leads to permanent residency.
A Golden Opportunity for Francophones
The new immigration opportunities for French-speaking business owners in Canada are highly encouraging in terms of establishing and expanding their businesses in supportive Francophone regions.
For those looking for help in dealing with these programs, Startup Visa Services specialises in getting the required endorsements and easing the transition into Canada’s bustling business economy.
Contact us directly for more information.
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