As of July 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased the minimum settlement fund requirements for individuals applying through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP).
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Key Update:
Foreign nationals now need to show an additional $2,544 in settlement funds to be eligible for either immigration program.
For example, a single applicant must now demonstrate $10,507 in available funds, up from the previous requirement of $7,963—a 31.94% increase.
What Are the RCIP and FCIP?
The RCIP and FCIP are employer-driven immigration pathways to permanent residence for foreign nationals who wish to settle in rural or francophone communities outside of Quebec. These programs were introduced to address ongoing labour shortages in participating communities.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating communities.
- Receive an endorsement from a local economic development organization.
- Meet eligibility criteria for education, work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
- For the FCIP, applicants must also demonstrate French language proficiency.
Those who qualify can apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence (PR) and may also be eligible for a work permit while their PR application is being processed.
New Settlement Funds Requirement (Effective July 29, 2025)
| Family Size | Required Funds (CAD) | Previous Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10,507 | $7,963 |
| 2 | $13,080 | $9,692 |
| 3 | $16,080 | $12,069 |
| 4 | $19,524 | $15,056 |
| 5 | $22,143 | $17,145 |
| 6 | $24,975 | $19,015 |
| 7 | $27,806 | $20,884 |
| Each additional family member | $2,831 | $1,869 |
How Is Family Size Calculated?
Your family size includes:
- Yourself;
- Your spouse or common-law partner;
- All dependent children (yours or your partner’s), whether or not they are accompanying you to Canada.
Even if your spouse or children are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or are not immigrating with you, they must be included when calculating your family size.
What Counts as Proof of Settlement Funds?
IRCC accepts the following as valid proof of funds:
- Bank account statements
- Bank drafts
- Certified cheques
- Money orders
Funds must be readily available at both the time of application and when a permanent resident visa is issued.
Participating Communities
- RCIP: 14 rural communities across Canada
- FCIP: 6 francophone communities outside Quebec
Each community selects priority occupations and sectors based on local economic development goals and workforce needs.
