Latest update: Aug.1, 2025
If you're an international student, temporary foreign worker, or a skilled professional exploring ways to become a permanent resident (PR) in Canada, the Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilot (RFIP) is one of the most accessible—and underused—routes available today.
Unlike traditional programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), this initiative lets eligible applicants bypass the need for a work permit and apply directly for permanent residency, provided they have a job offer from a designated employer in a participating community.
This blog breaks down everything you need to know about the program—and which communities currently offer the most PR-eligible jobs.
As of the writing of this article, the Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilot Program has almost 2000 PR eligible jobs. Most jobs are from North Bay, Thunder Bay and Sudbury.
What is the Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilot?
The Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilot is a federally endorsed PR program that partners with smaller Canadian communities to attract foreign workers who can fill in-demand jobs locally. In exchange, these workers are provided accelerated access to PR.
Why It Matters:
Labor shortages in rural and Francophone areas mean faster hiring timelines
No LMIA required for designated employers
Access to community-based settlement support
Key Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for the program, you must meet the following:
Job Offer: Must be from a designated employer in a participating community
Occupation Level: Job must fall under TEER 0–3 categories based on the NOC 2021 classification
Language Proficiency: CLB 4–6 depending on occupation and stream
Education: Equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma or higher
Settlement Funds: You must demonstrate you can support yourself and any accompanying family members
Community Fit: Some communities may conduct interviews or request letters of intent
Source: Government of Canada – Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilot
Top Communities Actively Hiring Through RFIP
At QuestJobs.io, real-time employer activity in RFIP communities are tracked. Here are the top locations currently showing the highest volume of PR-eligible jobs:
Ontario: Rural and Francophone Streams
North Bay. Skilled jobs are of major opportunities
Timmins. Strong demand in healthcare, skilled trades, and hospitality
North Bay. Opportunities in engineering, IT, education, and mechanical services
Sudbury. One of Canada’s top mining hubs, also hiring in nursing and construction
British Columbia
Kelowna: Leading community in tourism, agriculture, healthcare, and digital media.
Kelowna employers are some of the fastest in processing offers due to streamlined local support.
These regions are supported by local economic development boards, making them ideal for candidates looking for genuine, long-term PR routes in communities that need skilled workers.
Advantages Over Traditional PR Pathways
No LMIA required, making the hiring process easier for employers
Faster PR approval times than Express Entry (in many cases)
Lower competition—you're not competing with candidates targeting big cities
Community Integration: Most participating towns offer free settlement services, mentorship, and family support
Did you know? Many of these communities also qualify under other pathways like AIP and RNIP, which can complement your application strategy.
Real Example: International Students and Workers Using RFIP
Many users on QuestJobs.io have successfully received job offers and filed their PR applications through this pilot.
Here’s how most of them did it:
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Reviewed eligibility using the Questjobs Job Matching and CV Analyzer Tool
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Applied directly to designated employers via QuestJobs.io
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Received support from employers and settlement agencies
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Filed for permanent residency with all required documents ready
You could be next.
Conclusion: Is RFIP and RCIP Right for You?
If you're serious about getting Canadian permanent residency and you're open to settling outside Toronto or Vancouver, the Rural and Francophone Immigration Pilot is a powerful option. It offers a faster, more personalized, and community-supported immigration journey.
With high demand in cities like Kelowna, Timmins, North Bay, Thunder Bay and Sudbury, now is the perfect time to start your application journey.