Canada’s immigration department has officially clarified new instructions regarding special work permits available to permanent residence applicants under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP).
According to updated guidance published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 24, 2026, eligible applicants under these two employer-driven pilot programs may receive LMIA-exempt work permits valid for up to two years while their permanent residence (PR) applications are being processed.
Who is Eligible?
Foreign nationals who have submitted a complete PR application under RCIP or FCIP may qualify if:
- Their permanent residence application has passed the completeness check
- They have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
- They hold a valid job offer from a designated employer
- The job offer has been submitted through IRCC’s Employer Portal
- They can demonstrate they are qualified for the position
- They have a recommendation from the designated local economic development organization
Importantly, the employment details in the work permit application must match those provided in the PR application.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Under C15
These work permits are issued under administrative code C15, making them exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement. This significantly reduces processing complexity compared to LMIA-based permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Although visa-exempt nationals may apply at a port of entry, IRCC is encouraging applicants to apply online.
It is also important to note that because the C15 work permit is employer-specific and tied to the PR application, RCIP and FCIP applicants are not eligible for Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP). However, if the initial permit expires before PR approval, applicants may apply for an extension.
What About Family Members?
Accompanying family members included in the PR application may also qualify for LMIA-exempt open work permits under administrative code C17. These permits are open but restricted to the principal applicant’s region of employment.
Community Recommendation Validity Clarified
IRCC also clarified that the community recommendation forms (IMM 0247 or IMM 0251), which are generally valid for six months, do not need to remain valid at the time of the work permit application provided they have not been revoked.
About RCIP and FCIP
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) are employer-driven federal immigration pathways launched in 2025 and scheduled to run until 2030.
Under these programs, eligible foreign nationals can apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence if they:
- Secure a qualifying job offer from a designated employer
- Obtain approval from the participating region’s economic development organization
- Meet federal eligibility requirements
These pilots aim to address labor shortages in rural and Francophone minority communities across Canada.
Need Help Applying Under RCIP or FCIP?
Navigating employer-driven immigration programs and LMIA-exempt work permits can be complex.
Oasis Visas specializes in Canadian immigration pathways, including RCIP and FCIP applications. Our experts can guide you through job offer validation, PR submission, and work permit processing to ensure a smooth transition to Canada.
Contact Oasis Visas today to begin your journey toward Canadian permanent residence.
