Canada Increases Settlement Funds for RCIP & FCIP Applicants

Canada Raises Settlement Funds for RCIP and FCIP: What Immigrants Need to Know

If you’re thinking about moving to Canada through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) or the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), there’s an important update you’ll want to know about. Starting July 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased the minimum settlement funds required for applicants under both programs. This change could impact your plans, so let’s walk through what’s new, what it means, and how you can prepare.

Key Highlights

• Settlement fund requirements increased by over 30% for both RCIP and FCIP applicants.
• For a single applicant, the new minimum is $10,507, up from $7,963.
• The required amount depends on your total family size, even if they’re not immigrating with you.
• Funds must be available when you apply and when your permanent residence (PR) visa is issued.
• RCIP and FCIP are employer-driven immigration programs focused on rural and francophone communities outside Quebec.
• Applicants need a qualifying job offer and must meet education, language, and financial thresholds.

What’s Changed with Settlement Funds?

As of July 29, 2025, anyone applying for permanent residence through the RCIP or FCIP will need to show a significantly higher amount of settlement funds. For a single applicant, the required amount has jumped by $2,544 — a 31.94% increase.

This change is designed to ensure that newcomers have the resources they need to successfully start their lives in Canada’s smaller communities, where the cost of living can still be significant despite the rural setting.

New Settlement Fund Requirements (Effective July 29, 2025)

How to Calculate Your Family Size

Your settlement fund requirement depends on the number of family members in your household — and not just those moving to Canada with you. Here’s who counts:

• You (the principal applicant)
• Your spouse or common-law partner
• All dependent children — yours and your partner’s — even if they’re not travelling with you

Even if your spouse or children are already permanent residents or Canadian citizens, they must still be included when calculating your family size. That’s because the IRCC wants to make sure you’re financially prepared for your entire household, wherever they may be.

Acceptable Proof of Settlement Funds

When you apply, and again when your PR visa is issued, you’ll need to prove the money is readily available. The IRCC accepts several types of documentation as proof of funds:

• Official bank account statements
• Certified bank drafts
• Cheques
• Money orders

Keep in mind, the funds must be liquid and accessible. Assets like property or retirement savings don’t count unless they can be easily converted into cash.

Quick Overview of the RCIP and FCIP

Both the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) are part of Canada’s strategy to bring skilled immigrants to rural and French-speaking communities outside Quebec. These programs were launched to help address regional labour shortages and encourage population growth in underrepresented areas.

How These Programs Work

Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

• You need a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating communities.
• The offer must be backed by a local economic development organization.
• You must meet basic eligibility criteria, including:
• Education level
• Relevant work experience
• Language proficiency (French is required for FCIP)
• Minimum settlement funds

If you tick all the boxes, you can apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence. While waiting for your PR application to be processed, you can also apply for a work permit and start your new job right away.

Where Can You Apply?

There are currently 14 communities participating in the RCIP and 6 communities in the FCIP. Each one has its own economic priorities and preferred occupations, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a match if your skills align with what they need.

To find out more about how the RCIP compares to other Canadian immigration options, check out our guide on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).

Why This Matters for Future Applicants

With settlement fund requirements increasing, it’s more important than ever to start preparing early. If you’re planning to apply through RCIP or FCIP, make sure your finances meet the latest thresholds. That way, you won’t hit any roadblocks when it’s time to submit your application or finalize your PR status.

This change also signals how Canada is evolving its immigration policies to ensure newcomers are set up for long-term success — especially in smaller, rural areas where support services may be limited.

Final Thoughts

While the increase in settlement funds might seem steep, it’s really about ensuring new Canadians have a strong foundation when they arrive. These programs offer an amazing opportunity to build a life in welcoming communities that truly need your skills.

If you’re interested in making the move, now’s the time to revisit your budget, review the eligibility criteria, and start gathering your documents. And remember — you’re not in this alone. There are resources and tools to help you assess your options and take the next step.

Curious if you’re eligible? Learn more about the RCIP and take the next step in your Canadian immigration journey by exploring our eligibility checker.

Thinking about other immigration pathways? Don’t miss our in-depth coverage of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).