By Admin, #OasisVisas 
The Superior East region of Ontario that includes communities of Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Wawa, White River, Hornepayne, Manitouwadge and surrounding First Nations; has recently unveiled its Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). 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. Apart from French proficiency and job offer from a local employer in a priority sector, a candidate must meet other relevant criteria as well.
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 |
At the time of writing, the Superior East region did not disclose the designated employers.
What is the significance of priority occupations and priority sectors in FCIP?
Only those employers that are hiring in at least one priority sector and that too in a priority occupation are eligible to become designated employers for FCIP. 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 to IRCC. They also become eligible for getting a work permit and they can start working in Canada through that work permit while their PR application is being processed.