Last Updated On 3 June 2025, 8:32 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
More French Express Entry Draws are coming to increase Francophone immigration targets in Canada to 12% by 2029 as compared to only 8.5% in 2025.
This bold move, revealed by the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, on June 2, 2025, signals a transformative era for French-speaking immigrants seeking opportunities in Canada.
With targeted Express Entry draws and innovative programs, the pathway to permanent residency for Francophones is smoother than ever, making this a prime time for French-speaking skilled workers to pursue their Canadian dream.
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During a recent House of Commons session, MP Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault emphasized the vital role of Francophone immigration in strengthening minority Francophone communities (FMCs) and driving economic growth.
He questioned what the government is doing to boost francophone immigration outside Quebec.
In response, Minister Diab outlined the government’s plan to surpass its 2024 target of 6% French-speaking admissions outside Quebec, setting progressively higher goals: 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, 10% in 2027, and an ambitious 12% by 2029.
The latest official Statistics Canada census reports a decline in the proportion of Francophones outside Quebec, dropping from 6.1% in 1971 to just 3.5% in 2021.
To reverse this trend and bolster the vitality of FMCs, Canada has welcomed 132,195 French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec from 2003 to September 2024.
The new targets aim to accelerate this growth, ensuring Francophone communities thrive culturally and economically.
Expect More French Express Entry Draws
The Express Entry system is a cornerstone of Canada’s Francophone immigration strategy, with French language proficiency draws taking centre stage in 2025.
So far this year, 18,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued through French-focused draws, accounting for 54% of all Express Entry invitations.
These draws consistently feature significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff scores compared to other categories, making them a golden opportunity for French-speaking candidates or candidates who are willing to learn French.
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
These large-scale draws, with significantly lower CRS cutoffs, highlight the advantage for candidates with at least Level 7 proficiency in French.
In contrast, the number of ITAs is shrinking for other categories/programs, with IRCC inviting only 277 candidates in a PNP draw on June 2.
This number is almost half of usual PNP draw sizes.
As Minister Diab’s statement suggests, expect even more French-focused Express Entry draws this week and in the remainder of 2025 and beyond, offering a clear path to permanent residency for skilled Francophone workers.
Francophone minority communities outside Quebec are a vital part of Canada’s cultural fabric.
However, their demographic weight has been declining due to factors like low natural population growth, interprovincial migration, linguistic shifts to English, and insufficient international migration.
According to Statistics Canada, the proportion of Francophones outside Quebec was 3.5% in 2021, a significant drop from 6.1% in 1971.
The modernized Official Languages Act, updated to reflect Canada’s commitment to bilingualism, emphasizes the role of Francophone immigration in reversing this decline and fostering economic growth.
The Act sets a goal to restore the demographic weight of FMCs to the 1971 level of 6.1% by encouraging federal institutions to take positive measures.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is leading this effort by setting progressive targets for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec, aiming for 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027.
These targets build on the success of 2023, when Canada surpassed its 4.4% target with 19,600 admissions (4.7%).
From 2003 to September 2024, Canada welcomed approximately 132,195 French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec.
This number reflects the government’s long-term commitment to supporting Francophone communities.
In 2024, IRCC set a target of 6% for French-speaking admissions and is on track to meet it.
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan outlines a clear path forward with 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.
These targets are informed by evidence, stakeholder input, and IRCC’s capacity to attract and integrate French-speaking immigrants.
While the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA) has called for a more ambitious 12% target for 2024, rising to 20% by 2036, IRCC’s gradual approach ensures sustainability and aligns with the government’s broader objectives.
Canada has introduced several programs to attract and retain French-speaking immigrants, focusing on economic contributions and community vitality.
Here are the key initiatives:
1. Express Entry and French Language Proficiency
The Express Entry system prioritizes candidates with strong French language skills. In 2024 (January to September), over 21,700 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with proficient French, accounting for 26% of total ITAs.
In 2025, 18,500 ITAs have already been issued in large-sized Express Entry Draws, registering one of the lowest CRS cutoff scores.
This category-based selection targets skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s labour market while enriching Francophone communities.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The PNP plays a significant role in Francophone immigration, particularly in provinces like New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. In 2023, the PNP accounted for 24% of French-speaking admissions outside Quebec, totaling 4,775 permanent residents. Notably, New Brunswick led with 70% of its French-speaking admissions through the PNP, followed by Manitoba (65%) and Nova Scotia (62%).
3. Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
Set to launch in late fall 2024, this pilot program will offer French-speaking and bilingual candidates a pathway to permanent residency in rural Francophone communities outside Quebec.
While its immediate impact may be limited due to its pilot status, it aims to address labor shortages and boost the demographic weight of FMCs.
4. Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
Launched on August 26, 2024, this pilot program collaborates with French-language and bilingual post-secondary institutions outside Quebec.
It provides eligible students and their families with settlement support during their studies and a direct pathway to permanent residency upon graduation.
This initiative equips graduates with the skills and language proficiency needed to contribute to Canada’s labor market and Francophone communities.
5. Francophone Mobility Program
In June 2023, IRCC expanded the Francophone Mobility Program for two years, allowing employers to hire French-speaking candidates with moderate French proficiency for most National Occupation Classifications (except certain agricultural roles).
This program enables immigrants to gain Canadian work experience, qualify for permanent residency, and contribute to the economic vitality of FMCs.
Some stakeholders, like the FCFA, have advocated for a 12% target for 2024, rising to 20% by 2036.
However, IRCC’s current targets (8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027) are designed to be realistic and sustainable.
They reflect IRCC’s capacity to attract and integrate French-speaking immigrants while considering the resources of partner organizations.
This gradual approach ensures long-term success in restoring the demographic weight of FMCs without overwhelming systems or communities.
Despite a reduction in overall immigration levels, the focus on French-speaking permanent residents remains a priority, with targets steadily increasing through 2029.
Looking ahead, IRCC’s collaboration with provinces, educational institutions, and community organizations will be critical to achieving these goals.
The government’s commitment to reaching 12% Francophone immigration by 2029 opens unprecedented opportunities for French-speaking skilled workers, students, and professionals.
With lower CRS cutoffs in Express Entry draws and tailored programs like the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, candidates proficient in French have a distinct advantage in securing permanent residency and thriving in Canada’s labour market.
Moreover, French-speaking immigrants are in high demand, particularly in provinces like New Brunswick and Manitoba, where Francophone communities are integral to cultural and economic vitality.
The combination of targeted immigration pathways and job opportunities makes Canada an attractive destination for Francophones worldwide.
As Canada moves toward its 2029 goals, the focus on welcoming French-speaking immigrants will continue to strengthen the cultural and economic fabric of communities across the country.
When was the last French Express Entry draw?
Last French Express Entry draw was on March 21, issuing 7,500 invitations to apply for permanent residency to candidates with CRS score of 379 or above.
When was the latest Express Entry draw in 2025?
On June 2, 2025, IRCC sent out 277 invitations to apply for permanent residency to candidates with a provincial nomination from one of the Canadian provinces.
How does the Express Entry system support Francophone immigration?
Express Entry prioritizes candidates with strong French language skills. In 2024, 26% of Invitations to Apply (over 21,700) were issued to French-proficient candidates.
What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?
The pilot offers French-speaking and bilingual candidates a pathway to permanent residency in rural Francophone communities outside Quebec, addressing labour shortages and boosting demographic weight.
What factors are causing the decline in Francophone demographic weight?
The decline is due to low natural population growth, interprovincial migration, insufficient international migration, and linguistic shifts to English.
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