More French Express Entry Draws are desired to reach 12% of Canada’s immigration goal for French speakers by 2029 which was 8.5% in 2025.
As of June 2, 2025, Lena Metlege Diab’s announcement as Minister shows that French-speaking immigrants will have many new doors open to them.
Because of innovative Express Entry draws and new programs, applying for permanent residency as a Francophone in Canada is an easier and better choice than at any other time.
A Strategic Push for Francophone Communities
At the latest House of Commons session, MP Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault underlined how Francophone immigration is essential for FMCs and helps the economy.
He wanted to know how the government is supporting francophone immigration, not just in Quebec.
Consequently, Minister Diab stated that by 2029, the government aims for 12% of students who receive an education in French outside Quebec, setting progressively greater targets for each year before then: 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026 and 10% in 2027.
The proportion of Francophones outside Quebec has gone down from 6.1% in 1971 to 3.5% in 2021, according to the latest official Statistics Canada census.
Since 2003 to September 2024, Canada has invited 132,195 permanent residents from French-speaking communities across Canada, to aid in promoting FMCs.
The new targets aim to help the Francophone world grow rapidly and remain prosperous culturally and economically.
Expect More French Express Entry Draws
Canada’s Francophone immigration is strongly based on the Express Entry system and in 2025, French proficiency draws will be very important.
This year, more than half of all Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in French-focused draws, totaling 18,500 ITA invitations so far.
Since the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff scores for these draws are very low, they represent a perfect chance for people who know French or are willing to learn.
Below are all the French Express Entry draws in 2025:
March 21, 2025: 7,500 ITAs, CRS 379
March 6, 2025: 4,500 ITAs, CRS 410
February 19, 2025: 6,500 ITAs, CRS 428
Lower CRS cutoffs used in these big draws show that having at least Level 7 French makes a significant difference for candidates.
For some Categories/Programs, the number of invitations is decreasing; IRCC recently invited just 277 people through a PNP draw held in June.
It is much smaller than the usual numbers drawn each time.
Minister Diab’s statement indicates that more French-related Express Entry draws are coming which will provide skilled French speakers with a direct route to permanent residency in Canada.
The Importance of Francophone Immigration
Outside Quebec, communities where French is spoken influence Canadian culture greatly.
Even so, their influence as a population group is declining because of a slow rate of growth, internal movement between provinces, changes in language and a shortfall of international migrants.
Based on Statistics Canada, the proportion of people who speak French as their first language outside Quebec has fallen from 6.1% in 1971 to 3.5% in 2021.
Canada’s new Official Languages Act promotes Francophone immigration to help halt the fall in French speakers and promote economic development.
The Act aims to achieve the 1971 level of 6.1% for the demographic weight of FMCs, by requesting that federal agencies undertake actions to support this goal.
Getting this done is a main priority for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which plans to accept 8.5% of French-speaking permanent residents in 2025, 9.5% in 2026 and 10% in 2027 from regions outside Quebec.
Canada exceeded its 2023 goal of 4.4% when it received 19,600 immigrants, representing a figure of 4.7% (2024 Report).
Key Francophone Immigration Targets and Achievements
In the years between 2003 and September 2024, Canada granted residency to about 132,195 people with fluency in French who are not from Quebec.
The number demonstrates that the government remains dedicated to Francophone communities over the long run.
For 2024, IRCC plans to admit at least 6% new immigrants speaking French and it is meeting this goal.
This plan for 2025–2027 clears the way by announcing the following targets:
2025: 8.5% of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec to be French-speaking.
2026: 9.5% of permanent resident admissions.
2027: 10% of permanent resident admissions.
They are guided by research, opinions from stakeholders and how well IRCC recruits and supports French-speaking immigrants.
Although the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA) wants a bigger target, IRCC’s annual increase ensures the program is sustainable and fits within the government’s wider aims.
Programs Driving Francophone Immigration
Canada has launched several programs directed at French-speaking newcomers, mainly to create economic benefits and vibrant French-speaking communities.
Here are the key initiatives:
1. Express Entry and French Language Proficiency
Canada Express Entry puts priority on choosing people who are proficient in French language. During the same period, more than 21,700 ITAs were extended to applicants with sufficient French skills, making up one quarter (26%) of the ITAs in total.
Since 2025, Canada has issued 18,500 ITAs through large-sized Express Entry Draws which set one of the lowest CRS cutoff scores.
This kind of selection looks for skilled people to help the Canadian labour market and enhance communities where French is spoken.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Francophone immigration is supported by the PNP especially in New Brunswick, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. There were 4,775 permanent residents admitted to Canada under the PNP in 2023 which represented 24% of all French-speaking admissions outside Quebec. In particular, almost three-quarters of New Brunswick’s French-speaking applications were done through the PNP, coming in above Manitoba (65%) and Nova Scotia (62%).
3. Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
Late fall 2024 is when the pilot program will start, making French-speaking and bilingual immigrants eligible for permanent residency outside Quebec.
While now it applies only to a handful, the regulation aims to help solve labor shortages and strengthens the number of FMCs.
4. Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
The pilot program officially began on August 26, 2024 and it is working with several post-secondary institutions outside Quebec that teach in both official languages.
It gives eligible students and their families help during their studies and ensures they can become permanent residents after finishing their degree.
It prepares university graduates to use their language skills to participate in Canada’s job market and French-speaking communities.
5. Francophone Mobility Program
In June 2023, IRCC lengthened the Francophone Mobility Program by two years to enable employers to recruit French-skilled candidates even if their French ability is only moderate (with a few exceptions for agricultural jobs).
This program lets immigrants in Canada get work experience, become permanent residents and promote the economy of FMCs.
Road Ahead For Francophone Immigration
The FCFA has argued that a 12% target should be met in 2024 which should rise to 20% by the year 2036.
At the same time, IRCC has set realistic and sustainable targets for 2025 (8.5%), 2026 (9.5%) and 2027 (10%).
They demonstrate that IRCC can help bring and settle French-speaking immigrants, paying attention to the resources available from partner organizations.
The step-by-step process ensures that family-owned companies will continue to grow, without burdening the systems or places where they operate.
Even though overall immigration is declining, the government still pays special attention to French-speaking permanent residents and the goals set for them are rising in the coming years.
In the future, to meet these targets, IRCC will need to join forces with provinces, schools and organizations across communities.
Canada’s government aim to meet 12% French immigration by 2029 provides new possibilities to French-speaking skilled workers, students and professionals.
As a result of lower cutoffs in Express Entry and pilot programs for French, those with French skills have an advantage in getting permanent residency and settling in Canada’s work market.
immigrant speakers of French are especially sought after in New Brunswick and Manitoba, because they help keep these communities vibrant and important to the local economy.
Because of its available work opportunities and easy immigration routes, Canada is very attractive to Francophones globally.
Moving forward with vision 2029, Canada will keep emphasizing the arrival of French-speaking immigrants which helps improve life in many communities.
When was the last French Express Entry draw?
The last draw under the French Express Entry system was on March 21 which invited 7,500 individuals with 379 or higher CRS score to apply for permanent residency.
When was the latest Express Entry draw in 2025?
On June 2, 2025, IRCC sent out 277 invitations to people who were nominated by a Canadian province.
How does the Express Entry system support Francophone immigration?
Candidates who speak French fluently are given high priority in Express Entry. The year 2024 saw 26% of Invitations to Apply given to candidates who had French skills (over 21,700 invites).
What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?
French-speaking and bilingual pilots give people who speak French or both a chance for permanent residency in rural Francophone communities across Canada, easing the labour shortage and helping population numbers.
What factors are causing the decline in Francophone demographic weight?
The reason for the decline is slower growth in Canada’s population, more people moving between provinces, fewer immigrants from other countries and more use of the English language.
Expect More French Express Entry Draws To Increase Francophone PRs To 12%
More French Express Entry Draws are desired to reach 12% of Canada’s immigration goal for French speakers by 2029 which was 8.5% in 2025.
As of June 2, 2025, Lena Metlege Diab’s announcement as Minister shows that French-speaking immigrants will have many new doors open to them.
Because of innovative Express Entry draws and new programs, applying for permanent residency as a Francophone in Canada is an easier and better choice than at any other time.
A Strategic Push for Francophone Communities
At the latest House of Commons session, MP Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault underlined how Francophone immigration is essential for FMCs and helps the economy.
He wanted to know how the government is supporting francophone immigration, not just in Quebec.
Consequently, Minister Diab stated that by 2029, the government aims for 12% of students who receive an education in French outside Quebec, setting progressively greater targets for each year before then: 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026 and 10% in 2027.
The proportion of Francophones outside Quebec has gone down from 6.1% in 1971 to 3.5% in 2021, according to the latest official Statistics Canada census.
Since 2003 to September 2024, Canada has invited 132,195 permanent residents from French-speaking communities across Canada, to aid in promoting FMCs.
The new targets aim to help the Francophone world grow rapidly and remain prosperous culturally and economically.
Expect More French Express Entry Draws
Canada’s Francophone immigration is strongly based on the Express Entry system and in 2025, French proficiency draws will be very important.
This year, more than half of all Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in French-focused draws, totaling 18,500 ITA invitations so far.
Since the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff scores for these draws are very low, they represent a perfect chance for people who know French or are willing to learn.
Below are all the French Express Entry draws in 2025:
March 21, 2025: 7,500 ITAs, CRS 379
March 6, 2025: 4,500 ITAs, CRS 410
February 19, 2025: 6,500 ITAs, CRS 428
Lower CRS cutoffs used in these big draws show that having at least Level 7 French makes a significant difference for candidates.
For some Categories/Programs, the number of invitations is decreasing; IRCC recently invited just 277 people through a PNP draw held in June.
It is much smaller than the usual numbers drawn each time.
Minister Diab’s statement indicates that more French-related Express Entry draws are coming which will provide skilled French speakers with a direct route to permanent residency in Canada.
The Importance of Francophone Immigration
Outside Quebec, communities where French is spoken influence Canadian culture greatly.
Even so, their influence as a population group is declining because of a slow rate of growth, internal movement between provinces, changes in language and a shortfall of international migrants.
Based on Statistics Canada, the proportion of people who speak French as their first language outside Quebec has fallen from 6.1% in 1971 to 3.5% in 2021.
Canada’s new Official Languages Act promotes Francophone immigration to help halt the fall in French speakers and promote economic development.
The Act aims to achieve the 1971 level of 6.1% for the demographic weight of FMCs, by requesting that federal agencies undertake actions to support this goal.
Getting this done is a main priority for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which plans to accept 8.5% of French-speaking permanent residents in 2025, 9.5% in 2026 and 10% in 2027 from regions outside Quebec.
Canada exceeded its 2023 goal of 4.4% when it received 19,600 immigrants, representing a figure of 4.7% (2024 Report).
Key Francophone Immigration Targets and Achievements
In the years between 2003 and September 2024, Canada granted residency to about 132,195 people with fluency in French who are not from Quebec.
The number demonstrates that the government remains dedicated to Francophone communities over the long run.
For 2024, IRCC plans to admit at least 6% new immigrants speaking French and it is meeting this goal.
This plan for 2025–2027 clears the way by announcing the following targets:
2025: 8.5% of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec to be French-speaking.
2026: 9.5% of permanent resident admissions.
2027: 10% of permanent resident admissions.
They are guided by research, opinions from stakeholders and how well IRCC recruits and supports French-speaking immigrants.
Although the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA) wants a bigger target, IRCC’s annual increase ensures the program is sustainable and fits within the government’s wider aims.
Programs Driving Francophone Immigration
Canada has launched several programs directed at French-speaking newcomers, mainly to create economic benefits and vibrant French-speaking communities.
Here are the key initiatives:
1. Express Entry and French Language Proficiency
Canada Express Entry puts priority on choosing people who are proficient in French language. During the same period, more than 21,700 ITAs were extended to applicants with sufficient French skills, making up one quarter (26%) of the ITAs in total.
Since 2025, Canada has issued 18,500 ITAs through large-sized Express Entry Draws which set one of the lowest CRS cutoff scores.
This kind of selection looks for skilled people to help the Canadian labour market and enhance communities where French is spoken.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Francophone immigration is supported by the PNP especially in New Brunswick, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. There were 4,775 permanent residents admitted to Canada under the PNP in 2023 which represented 24% of all French-speaking admissions outside Quebec. In particular, almost three-quarters of New Brunswick’s French-speaking applications were done through the PNP, coming in above Manitoba (65%) and Nova Scotia (62%).
3. Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
Late fall 2024 is when the pilot program will start, making French-speaking and bilingual immigrants eligible for permanent residency outside Quebec.
While now it applies only to a handful, the regulation aims to help solve labor shortages and strengthens the number of FMCs.
4. Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
The pilot program officially began on August 26, 2024 and it is working with several post-secondary institutions outside Quebec that teach in both official languages.
It gives eligible students and their families help during their studies and ensures they can become permanent residents after finishing their degree.
It prepares university graduates to use their language skills to participate in Canada’s job market and French-speaking communities.
5. Francophone Mobility Program
In June 2023, IRCC lengthened the Francophone Mobility Program by two years to enable employers to recruit French-skilled candidates even if their French ability is only moderate (with a few exceptions for agricultural jobs).
This program lets immigrants in Canada get work experience, become permanent residents and promote the economy of FMCs.
Road Ahead For Francophone Immigration
The FCFA has argued that a 12% target should be met in 2024 which should rise to 20% by the year 2036.
At the same time, IRCC has set realistic and sustainable targets for 2025 (8.5%), 2026 (9.5%) and 2027 (10%).
They demonstrate that IRCC can help bring and settle French-speaking immigrants, paying attention to the resources available from partner organizations.
The step-by-step process ensures that family-owned companies will continue to grow, without burdening the systems or places where they operate.
Even though overall immigration is declining, the government still pays special attention to French-speaking permanent residents and the goals set for them are rising in the coming years.
In the future, to meet these targets, IRCC will need to join forces with provinces, schools and organizations across communities.
Canada’s government aim to meet 12% French immigration by 2029 provides new possibilities to French-speaking skilled workers, students and professionals.
As a result of lower cutoffs in Express Entry and pilot programs for French, those with French skills have an advantage in getting permanent residency and settling in Canada’s work market.
immigrant speakers of French are especially sought after in New Brunswick and Manitoba, because they help keep these communities vibrant and important to the local economy.
Because of its available work opportunities and easy immigration routes, Canada is very attractive to Francophones globally.
Moving forward with vision 2029, Canada will keep emphasizing the arrival of French-speaking immigrants which helps improve life in many communities.
When was the last French Express Entry draw?
The last draw under the French Express Entry system was on March 21 which invited 7,500 individuals with 379 or higher CRS score to apply for permanent residency.
When was the latest Express Entry draw in 2025?
On June 2, 2025, IRCC sent out 277 invitations to people who were nominated by a Canadian province.
How does the Express Entry system support Francophone immigration?
Candidates who speak French fluently are given high priority in Express Entry. The year 2024 saw 26% of Invitations to Apply given to candidates who had French skills (over 21,700 invites).
What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?
French-speaking and bilingual pilots give people who speak French or both a chance for permanent residency in rural Francophone communities across Canada, easing the labour shortage and helping population numbers.
What factors are causing the decline in Francophone demographic weight?
The reason for the decline is slower growth in Canada’s population, more people moving between provinces, fewer immigrants from other countries and more use of the English language.
Author: Shubham
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