Canada Increases PR Slots for French-Speaking Immigrants by 5,000
Canada’s immigration department has announced a significant increase in permanent residence (PR) slots for French-speaking immigrants. An additional 5,000 PR admissions will be allocated specifically for provinces and territories. This initiative aims to enhance the influx of Francophone immigrants outside of Quebec.
New PR Admissions for French-Speaking Immigrants
On January 19, the announcement was made during a press conference in Moncton, New Brunswick. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab highlighted the importance of this increase as part of Canada’s broader strategy to elevate Francophone immigration levels.
Exceeding Immigration Targets
In a positive development, Canada surpassed its annual target for Francophone immigration for the year 2025. Approximately 8.9% of total PR admissions were allocated to French-speaking newcomers outside Quebec, exceeding the goal of 8.5%. The majority of these new admissions were processed through the Express Entry system.
Future Targets for Francophone Immigration
The government has committed to further increasing PR admission targets for French speakers in upcoming years. The objectives are:
- 9% in 2026
- 9.5% in 2027
- 10.5% in 2028
These targets are part of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to facilitate increased Francophone immigration across various Canadian provinces.
Support Measures for Transition
To promote this initiative, several key measures have been introduced:
- An Express Entry category specifically for individuals with French language proficiency
- The establishment of the Francophone Mobility work permit program
- The implementation of the Francophone Minority Community Student Pilot
- The planned rollout of the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative
These efforts are projected to contribute to a target of 12% for French-speaking PR admissions outside Quebec by 2029. As provinces and territories receive more nominations for French-speaking candidates, they will likely see an increase in pathways for immigration.
Conclusion
While specifics on the distribution of the new 5,000 PR admission spots among provinces remain unclear, the anticipated impact is substantial. The emphasis on supporting Francophone immigration signifies a pivotal shift in Canada’s approach to enhancing diversity and multiculturalism.
