July 29, 2025, witnessed a significant change in Canada’s permanent residency immigration regulations under the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) and the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). The government has increased the minimum settlement funds applicants have to demonstrate by more than 30%, something that might change many prospective immigrants’ plans.
What Has Changed?
Under the new rule, applicants for both programs are now required to demonstrate much more in savings before they can gain admission. For example, the requirement for one applicant rose from $7,963 to $10,507, an increase of $2,544. This is a 31.94% increase over the previous level.
Amended Settlement Fund Requirements
The money needed will cost you according to the number of members in your household. The revised cost per household size is:
| Family Members | Required Funds (CAD) | Previous Funds (CAD) |
| 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 extra member | $2,831 | $1,869 |
How Family Size is Computed
IRCC’s “family size” definition includes:
- The top contender
- Common-law partner or spouse
- All dependent children (biological or adopted, including a partner’s)
Even if your children or spouse are Canadian citizens or permanent residents or are not accompanying you, they must be included.
Proof of Adequate Funds
Applicants must provide liquid funds at the time of application and at the time of the grant of a PR visa. Admissible evidence consists of:
- Official bank statements
- Certified bank drafts
- Legal money orders
- Cheques
Program Overview: RCIP and FCIP
FCIP and RCIP were rolled out in early 2025 with the aim of luring skilled laborers to areas outside the major cities.
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP): Assists in smaller municipalities and communities that experience labour shortages in certain industries.
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): Intended to establish French-speaking communities elsewhere in Canada by immigrating candidates who already possess French language proficiency.
Eligibility Snapshot
Candidates for both programs should:
- Secure a valid job offer with a named employer in a participating community
- Obtain a certification of support from a local economic development organization
- Meet the education, language, and work experience requirements applicable
- Display the settlement funds available
For FCIP: Provide proof of French language proficiency
They may directly apply to the federal government for permanent residence and will also be eligible for a work permit pending the processing of their PR. Participating Communities: 14 rural communities are presently involved in the RCIP, and 6 francophone communities are involved in the FCIP. Priority occupations and sectors are selected by each locality based on local labour market needs.
Why It Matters to Applicants
While the hike seeks to enable new entrants to settle in Canada with the appropriate resources, it also implies that future applicants will have more time to ready themselves financially. With increased living expenses in much of the nation, the move by IRCC is a step towards ensuring immigration is sustainable for both participants and host communities.
