IRCC to Accept More Applications Through FMCSP Study to PR Pathway in 2025-26
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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in a recent update, has announced expansion of its Francophone Minority Community Student Pilot (FMCSP) program, which is a study-to-permanent residency pathway, increasing its cap by nearly 700 applications.
The new intake total for this program stands at 2,970 allocations, up from the previous limit of 2,300. The application window for this program will be open, up until August 25, 2026.
Francophone Minority Community Student Pilot (FMCSP)
The FMCSP offers a streamlined pathway for eligible francophone students to study and eventually gain PR in Canada. Applicants can receive simplified study permits and later transition to permanent residency through this dedicated pathway.
Applicants' immediate family members, that is, spouse, common law partner, dependent children, and their dependents, can also qualify for PR through this initiative. Additionally, both students and accompanying family members may apply for an Open Work Permit Canada, allowing them to work for employers in Canada while awaiting their PR decision.
Also Read: Times Higher Education Ranking 2026 Unveils the Top Universities in Canada
Why Has IRCC Increased FMCSP Intake?
The Expansion of the FMCSP intake alliance to Canada's goal to strengthen the Franco presence outside Quebec. Friends speaking populations in Canada have declined in recent years, prompting IRCC to implement targeted programs to attract French-speaking immigrants. This includes
- The Express Entry French Proficiency Category
- The Welcoming Francophone Community's Initiative.
- The FMCSP
By 2026, IRCC aims to have 9.5% of new immigrants settling outside Quebec as francophones, supporting the federal government's community to maintain Canada's linguistic diversity.
Read Next: Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026-28 Coming in November 2025; Targets Likely to Rise
Eligibility Criteria for Francophone Minority Community Student Pilot
To qualify for the FMCSB, international students must:
- Apply for a study permit before entering Canada
- Be citizens of eligible member countries of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas (including countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Haiti)
- Possess a letter of acceptance from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that has a signed MOU with IRCC and offers a French-taught program (At least 50% of the course must be in French)
- Must be enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program lasting a minimum of 2 years, leading to a degree or diploma
- Must demonstrate French proficiency of NCLC level 5 in all four skills
- Must provide proof of funds equal to at least 75% of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for the DLI location.
- Must be admissible to Canada, including accompanying family members
Planning to Study, Work, or Settle In Canada Through FMCSP?
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