Canada Sets Bold Target to Raise Francophone Immigration to 12% by 2029
In a major policy announcement, Canada has committed to increasing the proportion of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec to 12% by 2029, up from 8.5% in 2025. This move reflects a growing emphasis on Francophone immigration as a tool for demographic revival and economic development in minority French-speaking communities across the country.
The announcement was made on June 2, 2025, by Canada’s newly appointed Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, during a House of Commons session. The strategy includes a sharp increase in French-targeted Express Entry draws and the rollout of new pilot programs to strengthen Francophone communities.
Francophone Immigration Targets: From 8.5% to 12%
Canada has laid out a multi-year plan with measurable goals:
- 2025: 8.5% of admissions outside Quebec
- 2026: 9.5%
- 2027: 10%
- 2029: 12%
These targets mark a significant step up from the 4.4% goal in 2023, which Canada exceeded by reaching 4.7% (19,600 admissions).
Since 2003, over 132,000 French-speaking permanent residents have been welcomed outside Quebec. However, the proportion of Francophones outside Quebec has dropped from 6.1% in 1971 to 3.5% in 2021, according to Statistics Canada. The new targets are part of an effort to reverse this decline and restore the 1971 demographic balance.
Express Entry Draws Prioritizing French Language Proficiency
The Express Entry system is at the center of the government’s Francophone immigration strategy. In 2025 alone, 18,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued through French-focused draws—representing more than half (54%) of all Express Entry invitations this year.
Recent French-Language Express Entry Draws in 2025:
- March 21: 7,500 ITAs | CRS 379
- March 6: 4,500 ITAs | CRS 410
- February 19: 6,500 ITAs | CRS 428
These draws offer significantly lower CRS score cutoffs compared to other categories, giving French-speaking candidates a real edge.
In contrast, the latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on June 2, 2025, saw only 277 ITAs issued—almost half of previous draw sizes—demonstrating a deliberate pivot towards Francophone talent.
Why Francophone Immigration Matters
Francophone immigration plays a dual role in Canada:
- Preserving the vitality of French-speaking minority communities (FMCs) outside Quebec.
- Filling labour market gaps in sectors with a growing need for bilingual talent.
However, FMCs have faced steep challenges:
- Low natural population growth
- Migration to English-speaking provinces
- Language shift to English
- Lack of targeted international migration
These trends have triggered federal responses under the modernized Official Languages Act, which now includes concrete mandates to support the growth of Francophone populations outside Quebec.
Supporting Programs and Pilots for Francophone Immigration
1. Express Entry – French Proficiency
IRCC continues to prioritize applicants with French language skills, especially those scoring NCLC Level 7 or higher. In 2024 alone, over 21,700 ITAs were issued under this category.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
In 2023, PNPs accounted for 24% of Francophone admissions outside Quebec. Leading provinces included:
- New Brunswick: 70%
- Manitoba: 65%
- Nova Scotia: 62%
3. Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (Launching late 2024)
This upcoming pilot will provide permanent residency pathways to French-speaking and bilingual candidates in rural Francophone communities, helping to alleviate local labour shortages.
4. Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
Launched in August 2024, this program partners with French-language post-secondary institutions outside Quebec, offering settlement support and PR pathways for international students.
5. Francophone Mobility Program
Expanded in June 2023, this program enables employers to hire French-speaking workers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for most occupations.
The Road Ahead: Strategic Growth Over Speed
Some groups, such as the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA), have pushed for faster and more ambitious goals—calling for 12% in 2024 and 20% by 2036.
However, IRCC maintains that a gradual and sustainable growth model is more practical. The current roadmap emphasizes:
- Measured increases in admissions
- Enhanced integration capacity
- Community readiness and institutional support
Despite a national slowdown in total immigration levels, Francophone immigration remains a clear policy priority through 2029.
Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity for Francophone Talent
Canada’s renewed push to grow its Francophone population outside Quebec comes with real advantages for skilled workers, students, and professionals who speak French. With:
- Lower CRS cutoffs in Express Entry
- Dedicated immigration pilots
- Demand for bilingual workers in provinces like New Brunswick and Manitoba
…this is a pivotal moment for Francophones considering immigration to Canada.
Whether through Express Entry, PNPs, or new pilot programs, French-speaking candidates are now uniquely positioned to thrive in Canada’s economy—and help reshape the country’s linguistic landscape for the future.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
