The Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration (CIFI) aims to integrate Francophone perspectives into immigration programs in Canada. It promotes immigration to Francophone employers, facilitates access to programs and supports the growth of Francophone minority communities. The CIFI supports innovative projects to reduce obstacles to immigration and offers funding to improve the promotion of these communities internationally, the recruitment and the selection of French-speaking candidates and their support towards permanent residence. In addition, the CIFI supports projects that facilitate the collection of evidence and the implementation of research that highlights best practices that can contribute to concrete solutions for an improved immigration pathway.
The Francophone Immigration Support Program (FISP), managed by the CIFI, provides grants and contributions to support innovative projects that aim to increase the admissions of French-speaking candidates and promote the demographic and economic growth of Francophone minority communities.
Here are the new projects that support the promotion of Francophone minority communities, the recruitment and selection of French-speaking candidates, and the support of candidates on their journey towards permanent residence.
Osez le Nord - Promotional Strategy for Francophone Immigration in Northern Ontario
The Carrefour francophone de Sudbury developed this concerted promotional strategy in a first phase of a project financed in 2025 by the Francophone Immigration Support Program. The "Osez le Nord" strategy will bring together all key actors in Francophone immigration in the North of the province to encourage the regionalization of immigration and to highlight the opportunities offered by Francophone communities in Northern Ontario. The funding allocated for this second phase is $300,000 over 2 years.
Destination Saskatchewan: Recruitment and integration of Francophone workers
The Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CECS) is launching a strategic 2-year initiative that aims to increase Francophone immigration to Saskatchewan through a turnkey approach that directly aligns labour market needs with international talent.
The project's main activities include
- creating an interactive "Demand-Offer" mapping platform and pre-selection tools
- organizing in-person and virtual missions, called Speed-Jobbing, in the source countries according to the needs of the province
- supporting the recognition of diplomas and professional certification exam equivalencies
- offering cultural transition workshops (pre-arrival and post-arrival) and retention follow-ups at 3, 6 and 12 months
The project targets Saskatchewan employers in key sectors: agriculture, health care, mining, energy, technology and hospitality.
The main partners in the project are the Government of Saskatchewan, the Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce, Hospitality Saskatchewan, Collège Mathieu, as well as several settlement service providers. The funding allocated for this project is $569,000 over 2 years.
Recruitment of Francophone Newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is launching a project to strengthen Francophone minority communities in Newfoundland and Labrador by creating a sustainable corridor for Francophone and bilingual talent, aligned with the demographic growth and labour market needs of the province. Through targeted overseas recruitment, the project aims to attract individuals who can contribute to key sectors of the economy, including education, health care and early childhood education. Increasing the number of Francophone and bilingual workers in the public and private sectors will expand the availability of services in French, improving access and inclusivity for Francophones across the province. The funding allocated for this project is $350,000 over 2 years.
Projects announced in July 2026
Northwest Territories immigration referral and support
The government of the Northwest Territories implemented a project that aims to improve the retention and integration of Francophone and bilingual immigrants in the Northwest Territories. To achieve this, the project will improve access to immigration information services in Yellowknife, Inuvik and the South Slave region. It will increase awareness of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program and other federal programs that provide support for permanent immigration. It will also support the recognition of the credentials of foreign-trained temporary residents and help strengthen employer participation in immigration pathways in communities outside Yellowknife. The project will help Francophone and bilingual immigrants settle permanently in the Northwest Territories and put down roots in their community. The amount allocated for this project is $860,000 over 2 years.
Increase and improve Francophone immigration to Manitoba
Led by the Government of Manitoba, this project aims to increase Manitoba's Francophone population through innovative measures that streamline the immigration process for Francophone or bilingual candidates best suited to the province's labour market needs.
The project includes the following:
- activities to promote Manitoba's Francophone and bilingual communities abroad to attract more qualified candidates;
- innovative digital solutions to improve the efficiency and user-friendliness of the immigration and labour market integration processes;
- support for the recognition of the credentials of French-speaking health professionals trained abroad;
- research designed to better understand the challenges faced by Francophone temporary residents in Manitoba and to identify additional solutions.
The project is being implemented jointly with the Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba, the province's Francophone economic development agency. The amount allocated for this project is $1,300,000 over 2 years.
Projects announced in March 2026
Global mapping of Francophone talent
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is leading a project to identify pools of bilingual information and communications technology (ICT) talent around the world and to propose strategies to attract these workers to Canada. This initiative helps to meet the growing need for a bilingual workforce in the ICT sector and to support the country's linguistic duality.
In collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, industry partners and Francophone stakeholders, the ICTC analyzes global trends, assesses the needs of the Canadian labour market, and recommends effective recruitment approaches. The work includes identifying regions with large pools of bilingual talent and analyzing the ICT occupations most likely to require these skills in the coming years. The amount allocated for this project is $160,000 over 2 years.
Pathway to permanent residence for Université de Hearst students
This project aims to support Université de Hearst international students and graduates who want to settle in Canada. It offers a voluntary program integrated into the university curriculum, structured around a set of activities to make available clear and adapted information on Francophone immigration pathways and the steps leading to permanent residence.
The program combines information activities, practical support for the transition into the labour market, personalized support based on each person's objectives, as well as integration opportunities such as internships, mentoring or volunteering. By facilitating access to reliable resources and practical experiences, the project contributes to strengthening the retention of Francophone talent in Northern Ontario. The amount allocated for this project is $1,100,000 over 3 years.
Informing and preparing future Francophone immigrants
The Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada is leading an international campaign to inform French speakers about opportunities for French-language immigration and settlement in Canada outside Quebec. The project highlights the vitality of the Francophone and Acadian communities and provides reliable information to counter disinformation.
The campaign combines webinars, a refreshed digital presence and accessible video content, including explanatory capsules and immersive miniseries presenting the daily lives of immigrants. Based on an inclusive approach developed "by, for and with" the communities involved, the campaign relies on genuine testimonies to help future immigrants imagine living their own lives in Canada in French, to promote bilingualism and to clearly understand the challenges and opportunities of immigration. The amount allocated for his project is $300,000 over 3 years.
Projects announced in November 2025
Community of practice on international students in Francophone minority post-secondary institutions
The Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) is leading a project to support Francophone learning institutions outside Quebec. This initiative aims to improve collaboration between education and immigration partners by creating a community of practice to better understand the different experiences of international students and help them smoothly transition to permanent residence in Canada. The ACUFC will also update a study called "International Students: A Pillar of Economic Immigration" to increase access to evidence-based data and to better highlight the challenges Francophone international students face. In addition, the ACUFC is also planning to produce a series of short videos featuring testimonials from students who have successfully immigrated to Canada. The amount allocated for this project is $658,000 over 4 years.
Supporting and integrating international students at Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne is implementing a project to support 45 international students studying at their Pointe-de-l'Église and Halifax campuses through their immigration journey. Depending on their interests, students will join activities and events organized with local community partners. They will also have access to opportunities such as mentoring, volunteering, internships and part-time jobs while studying. This project aims to build strong, lasting connections between students and local communities, while also helping to revitalize Francophone minority communities in Nova Scotia. The amount allocated for this project is $590,000 over 3 years.
Attracting International Talent in Eastern Ontario
The Centre de services à l'emploi de Prescott-Russell (CESPR) is piloting a project to attract qualified Francophone candidates to meet the labour needs of rural communities in Eastern Ontario. The CESPR will support local small- and medium-sized businesses in the region in their international recruitment efforts. The initiative plans to find employment for 80 qualified French-speaking candidates. The overall objective is to support the economic development of Eastern Ontario by encouraging targeted Francophone immigration. The amount allocated for this project is $1,200,000 over 3 years.
Pilot Project: Strengthening the capacity of nurses trained outside Canada
The Government of New Brunswick's Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour is leading a project to recruit and train Francophone and bilingual nursing staff to address nursing shortages in the province's health care system. This project targets Moroccan professionals trained outside Canada, leveraging the fact that their nursing education is comparable to that of New Brunswick. Anchored in ethical recruitment practices, this project aims to attract and retain nursing staff by providing support to strengthen their skills and knowledge, assisting with the recognition of their professional qualifications, and helping them access permanent residence. The amount allocated for this project is $1,234,400 over 3 years.
Projects announced in March 2025
Salon Afrique-Canada Immigration et Investissement
In October 2024, Akwaba Community held the Salon Afrique-Canada Immigration et Investissement in Douala, Cameroon, attracting over 3,500 participants over a 3-day period. This annual event showcased Francophone minority communities and promoted immigration and investment opportunities between Sub-Saharan Africa and Ontario, focusing on labour needs in various sectors. This initiative is the result of close collaboration with members of the Réseau en immigration francophone du Centre-Sud-Ouest de l'Ontario and the Government of Ontario. The amount allocated for this project is $214,000 over 1 year.
Observatoire en immigration francophone au Canada
The Université de l'Ontario français manages the Observatoire en immigration francophone, an interdisciplinary hub that collects and shares knowledge on Francophone immigration in a minority context. Relying on evidence-based data, the Observatoire helps decision-makers by identifying challenges and solutions to promote more inclusive Francophone immigration. It produces analytical tools and shares best practices to guide interventions in Francophone immigration. The amount allocated for this project is $1,573,000 over 4 years.
Addressing the labour shortage in Northern Ontario with refugees and skilled workers
The Société économique de l'Ontario leads a project to place approximately 90 qualified Francophone candidates and their families in jobs aligned with Northern Ontario's labour needs. This project is carried out in collaboration with employers who participate in the integration of these talents in priority sectors. This project contributes to the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities in rural areas and in Northern Ontario. The amount allocated for this project is $909,000 over 3 years.
Nouvel élan: The employability sector and Destination Canada Mobility Forum
The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité du Canada supports the recruitment of qualified Francophone talent through Destination Canada Mobility Forum. Representing over 280 employers, the Réseau's members participate in in-person and virtual events reaching over 7,000 candidates. The goal is to meet labour needs through French-speaking candidates, promote economic growth and strengthen the vitality of small rural communities. The amount allocated for this project is $836,000 over 2 years.
Study on the removal of systemic barriers for Francophone visible minority immigrants to access the teaching profession in Alberta
The University of Alberta's Campus Saint-Jean is conducting a study on the impact of intersectional factors related to the Francophone student population from visible minorities in accessing the teaching profession. The aim is to reduce systemic barriers and improve the representation of French-speaking immigrants in the teaching field in Alberta. The project seeks to identify strategies and develop policies to support the professional integration of these individuals and facilitate their selection in permanent residence programs. The amount allocated for this project is $210,000 over 3 years.
Promotion and recruitment of internationally trained French-speaking teachers and educators
The Government of New Brunswick's Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is implementing a project to recruit teachers and early childhood educators to meet the province's workforce needs. This project includes research on the recruitment and retention of immigrant professionals, the development of a targeted promotion strategy and credential recognition. The aim is to support a total of 600 individuals in the sector. The amount allocated for this project is $1,972,000 over 4 years.
Launch of a navigator service for Francophone students at Campus Saint-Jean
The University of Alberta's Campus Saint-Jean is launching a project to become a hub for Francophone immigration in Western Canada. By improving the welcome and support for the Francophone international student population, Campus Saint-Jean will strengthen the vitality of the Francophone community in Alberta. The project aims to improve Campus Saint-Jean's capacity to process applications from French-speaking students and to assist them in their transition to permanent residence in Canada. The amount allocated for this project is $1,580,000 over 4 years.
Horizon Colombie-Britannique
The Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique is leading a project which aims to address labour needs in various economic sectors across the province. Key stakeholders, including the Government of British Columbia, will form a working committee dedicated to increasing Francophone immigration. This project includes a study on Francophone pools and matching activities between employers and candidates. Ultimately, the project will assist 180 French-speaking candidates in aligning their skills with local employer needs. The amount allocated for this project is $790,000 over 3 years.
Study of recognition of international Francophone diplomas in early childhood education to work in a minority context in Canada
The Commission nationale des parents francophones is conducting a study to facilitate the recruitment of qualified early childhood education talents in Francophone communities outside Quebec. The findings will help create an official guide for employers, enabling them to evaluate international graduates before hiring processes with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada programs. This project aims to attract and integrate competent professionals, while enhancing access to French-language daycare services. The amount allocated for this project is $592,000 over 3 years.
Promotional strategy for Francophone immigration in Northern Ontario
The Réseau du Nord, through the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury, has developed a promotional strategy aimed at making Northern Ontario a destination of choice for Francophone immigration candidates. The deliverables of this project include, among others, a baseline, consultations with stakeholders, and the development of a visual identity and a concerted promotional strategy. The strategy will provide a clear vision of the measures to be taken during the 2025-2030 period to attract more French-speaking candidates, and therefore support the vitality and economic development of Francophone communities in Northern Ontario. The amount allocated for this project is $63,000 over 1 year.
Francophone immigrant workforce in early childhood - Identification and selection
The Association francophone à l'éducation des services à l'enfance en Ontario is recruiting 100 internationally-trained Francophone candidates to meet the labour needs in Ontario's early childhood education sector. This project is structured around 3 main activities: an innovative recruitment process, the organization of 2 international recruitment missions, and the implementation of a professional support program prior to candidates' arrival aimed at facilitating their professional integration. The project aims to improve access to French-language child care services and promote the retention of workers in Francophone minority communities.
Beyond Ontario, this project will have a direct impact on the growth of French-language child care, with positive spin-offs in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon. The amount allocated for this project is $525,000 over 4 years.
Development phase - Job fairs: Living in Acadia
The Société Nationale de l'Acadie, supported by members of the Comité atlantique en immigration francophone, is planning to organize job fairs to meet the labour needs of the 4 Atlantic provinces through the recruitment of Francophone candidates. The development phase involves undertaking a study of the most relevant talent pools for priority economic sectors in Atlantic Canada (health care, technology, construction, education and tourism) and the development of a concerted implementation plan for job fairs. The amount allocated for this project is $61,000 over 2 years.
