Francophone immigration is now a priority!
Canada has just elevated Francophone immigration to a permanent priority under the Official Languages Act. Whether you’re a skilled professional, a student, or arriving on a work permit, there’s a streamlined path for French‑speaking newcomers to integrate and thrive in minority‑language communities from coast to coast.
Policy & Targets
Permanent IRCC Priority
The 2024 Policy on Francophone Immigration replaces the 2019 strategy, embedding francophone immigration across all IRCC programs.
Admissions Targets (outside Québec)
“Francophone immigration plays a crucial role in strengthening our national identity… supporting our unwavering commitment to restoring and increasing the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities.”
— The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of IRCC
Express Entry – French‑Language Category
CRS Bonus
• Up to 50 points for NCLC 7+ in French + CLB 5+ in English
• 25 points for NCLC 7+ and CLB 4 or lower in English
French‑Only Draws
Periodic invites (e.g. March 2025 draw issued 7,500 ITAs to CRS ≥ 379 French‑speaking candidates).
Eligibility (You must qualify for one of the following categories)
• Federal Skilled Worker
• Federal Skilled Trades
• Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee outside Québec
Francophone Mobility Work Permit
Purpose: Fill labour‑market gaps in minority francophone communities with LMIA‑exempt permits.
Key Requirements (ongoing):
• A valid job offer in nearly any TEER role outside Québec (note: positions in primary agriculture classified as TEER 4 or 5 are excluded).
• French oral NCLC 5+ (Speaking and Listening)
• No LMIA needed
Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP)
Launch: August 26, 2024, in collaboration with designated French/DLI post‑secondary institutions.
Benefits
• No proof of intent to leave after studies
• Reduced living‑expense thresholds based on community size (see table)
• Streamlined PR pathway post‑graduation
• Access to francophone settlement services during studies
Year 1 Cap: 2,300 study permits (updates August 2025)
Community Size | Living Funds (1 person) |
|---|---|
Group A (500 000 +) | CAN$ 20,635 |
Group B (100 000–499 999) | CAN$ 17,772 |
Group C (30 000–99 999) | CAN$ 17,662 |
Group D (< 30 000) | CAN$ 16,161 |
Group E (rural) | CAN$ 14,206 |
(Plus tuition and travel costs—show proof of both.)
Settlement & Integration
IRCC invests over $18 million (2023–28) in promotional/recruitment and $50 million to bolster local integration capacity. Newcomers access tailored language training, employment counselling and community‑building services under the Francophone Integration Pathway.
How to Proceed
Express Entry
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Take an IRCC‑approved French test (TEF Canada, TCF Canada).
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Create your EE profile and select French as your official language.
Mobility Permit
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Obtain a valid job offer in francophone Canada (outside Québec).
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Prove NCLC 5 in French speaking and listening .
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Apply online—no LMIA required.
Student Pilot
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Apply to a participating francophone DLI and indicate FMCSP eligibility.
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Apply for study‑permit
Participating DLIs & Financial Requirements
Please refer to the government’s official page for the complete list of designated learning institutions participating in the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot, including the minimum living‑expense requirements for a single applicant based on each institution’s Community Size Group: Participating designated learning institutions and financial requirements