FR
Study in French
This pathway is designed for French-speaking students who want to study in French outside Quebec at a participating DLI.
What this pilot is
FMCSP connects French-taught study outside Quebec with a later permanent residence option for eligible graduates.
Student pilot
PR
Future PR pathway
The pilot includes a dedicated future permanent residence pathway for eligible graduates.
SV
Settlement support
Participants can access settlement services during studies and later through the PR journey.
Eligibility snapshot
These are the main eligibility points students and parents usually check first.
Quick eligibility
✓
Main eligibility conditions
- Citizenship from an eligible country listed by IRCC
- Letter of acceptance from a participating DLI
- Full-time post-secondary program of 2 years or more
- Program leading to a degree or diploma
- More than 50% of classes taught in French
- French ability at NCLC 5 or higher in all abilities
$
Financial readiness
The pilot has living-expense requirements that depend on the community size where the main campus is located, plus tuition and travel costs. Confirm the current IRCC amounts before you pay a deposit or apply for a study permit.
What students usually ask first
These are the practical points families check before they apply or pay a deposit.
Practical points
DLI
Participating institutions
Only specific participating designated learning institutions are eligible. The IRCC list can change, so confirm the school before you apply.
FM
Family members
Spouses or common-law partners and dependent children may also be able to apply for related temporary status, depending on the current IRCC rules.
WIN
Opening winter 2027
The dedicated permanent residence intake under the pilot is planned to open in winter 2027 for eligible graduates.
How the student journey usually works
Confirm eligibility first, then choose a participating school, then prepare the study permit file.
Process roadmap
1
Check country + French eligibility
Confirm that the student is from an eligible country and can meet the French language level requirement.
2
Choose a participating DLI
Select a participating institution and an eligible French-taught program that meets the pilot rules.
3
Prepare study permit application
Build the file with letter of acceptance, funds, identity documents and pilot-specific supporting documents.
4
Study, settle and plan PR
After graduation, eligible participants may move to the dedicated PR stream when it opens, and may also access an open work permit while waiting.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions families ask most often.
Common questions
Can a student apply through the regular study permit route instead?+
Yes. If someone is not eligible for the pilot, they may still explore a regular study permit pathway.
Does every French-language program qualify?+
No. The school must be on the participating DLI list and the study program must meet the pilot rules.
Is there a PR connection after graduation?+
Yes. IRCC has created a dedicated PR pathway for eligible graduates under this pilot, with opening noted as winter 2027.
Thinking about studying in French in Canada?
SIA Immigration can help you choose the right institution, check pilot eligibility, review funds and create the best study-to-settlement strategy.
