Canada has taken another bold step toward strengthening Francophone immigration outside Quebec, with Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab unveiling a set of innovative projects on November 27, 2025. Backed by an investment of $3.6 million, these initiatives are designed to reinforce the growth of Francophone minority communities, fill urgent labour shortages, and support Canada’s long-term immigration and economic strategy.

This announcement arrives at a strategic moment, only a day before another expected Francophone Express Entry draw, and aligns with the government’s broader targets outlined in Budget 2025 and the Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028.

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A New Vision for Francophone Immigration in Canada

During the Ottawa press conference, Minister Diab introduced four new projects funded through the Francophone Immigration Support Program (FISP). These projects focus on expanding recruitment efforts abroad, enhancing settlement services, and building stronger partnerships between government departments and Francophone institutions.

Key goals include:

• Increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec to 10.5% in 2028 and 12% in 2029

• Supporting labour-scarce sectors such as healthcare, education, and early childhood services

• Enhancing Canada’s bilingual identity and revitalizing regions facing demographic decline

• Strengthening French-language pathways in Express Entry, PNPs, and community-driven programs

These efforts support the largest federal investment ever made for Francophone communities through the Official Languages Action Plan 2023–2028, which allocates $137.2 million toward French-language immigration.

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Why Canada Is Prioritizing Francophone Immigration

The government’s shift toward French-speaking talent is grounded in multiple nationwide priorities:

1. Demographic Decline in Francophone Regions

Many Francophone and Acadian communities outside Quebec have seen decreasing population share. Immigration is now the primary tool to rebuild these communities.

2. Economic and Labour Needs

French-speaking professionals are needed in:

• Healthcare

• Education

• Social services

• Skilled trades

• Early childhood care

These sectors face critical shortages across Canada.

3. Express Entry Advantage for French-Speaking Candidates

Canada’s category-based selection for French language proficiency has become one of the most generous pathways to PR.

Recent performance highlights:

• 2024: 36,000+ ITAs for French speakers (23% of all ITAs)

• 2025: Already surpassing 36,000 ITAs by November

• Lowest CRS scores: Some draws dropping to 379 points

• Large-volume draws: Up to 7,500 ITAs in a single round (March 2025)

On November 28, 2025, Canada conducted another major French-language draw, issuing 6,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of just 408 — reinforcing that French-speaking candidates currently have the strongest PR advantage in Canada.

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Francophone Immigration Targets: 2025–2029

Combined with 380,000 annual permanent resident admissions from 2026–2028, Francophone immigrants will play a central role in shaping Canada’s economic and cultural future.

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Opportunities Through PNPs and Other Streams

Beyond Express Entry, French-speaking candidates benefit from:

✓ Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provinces with strong Francophone mandates include:

• New Brunswick

• Manitoba

• Nova Scotia

These regions admit some of the highest proportions of French-speaking PRs nationwide.

✓ Francophone Mobility Program

Allows LMIA-exempt hiring of French-speaking foreign workers.

✓ Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

Designed for French-speaking newcomers seeking long-term settlement in smaller communities.

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What French-Speaking Candidates Need to Qualify

Most French-language pathways require:

• NCLC 7 or higher (TEF Canada / TCF Canada)

• An active Express Entry profile through FSW, CEC, or FST

• Strong education and work experience background

• Proof of settlement funds (if applicable)

French speakers can earn up to 56 bonus CRS points, significantly improving overall ranking.

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⭐ How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

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Navigating Canada’s expanding opportunities for French-speaking and bilingual immigrants can be complex — but ICC Immigration is here to simplify every step. Choosing the right Permanent Residency pathway is critical, especially as removal cases and asylum backlogs continue to rise nationwide.

ICC Immigration Offers:

✔ Permanent Residency (PR) Applications

Including Express Entry, PNPs, Francophone programs, and community-focused initiatives. We ensure your PR case is prepared accurately and submitted without delays.

✔ Work Permits & Study Permits

We help you secure temporary pathways that can transition into long-term PR options.

✔ Family Sponsorship Programs

Reunite with your spouse, children, parents, or relatives through fully guided sponsorship applications.

✔ Professional Legal Guidance

Canada’s immigration policies can be overwhelming. Our experienced consultants provide tailored legal strategies to maximize your approval chances.

Instead of relying on uncertain pathways like asylum claims, ICC Immigration helps you choose secure, long-term programs that lead directly to Canadian Permanent Residency.

Whether you’re inside Canada or starting your journey from abroad, our team is ready to support your immigration goals with clarity, confidence, and proven success.