Canada is strengthening its long-term commitment to attract French-speaking newcomers and support the growth of Francophone minority communities across the country. A new federal investment of approximately $3.6 million, announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, highlights the government’s intention to expand Francophone immigration and help communities meet urgent labour needs.
On This Page You Will Find
- Canada’s latest investment in Francophone immigration
- 2026–2028 admission targets for French-speaking newcomers
- How FISP projects strengthen Francophone communities
- Immigration options and pilot programs for French speakers
- Quick facts and FAQs
The funding supports four new projects under the Francophone Immigration Support Program (FISP). These initiatives aim to help employers and communities recruit and retain French-speaking and bilingual talent in key sectors such as health care, education and early childhood – areas facing acute shortages.
This announcement builds on measures introduced in Budget 2025, which focuses immigration where it delivers the strongest economic and demographic impact. A major goal is to significantly increase the share of French-speaking permanent residents admitted outside Quebec.
Federal Commitments to Francophone Immigration
Budget 2025 and the Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 set clear goals for boosting the number of French-speaking newcomers:
- 9 percent target in 2026
- 9.5 percent target in 2027
- 10.5 percent target in 2028, representing approximately 35,175 admissions
The federal government has also invested $25 million through the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028 to support the Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration (CIFI). The centre promotes research, community engagement and practical tools to help Francophone candidates move to Canada.
A recent review of the 2024 Implementation Plan for the Policy on Francophone Immigration confirms strong progress across all action areas, including global promotion, community partnerships, streamlined admissions and successful newcomer integration.
How FISP Projects Support Francophone Communities
The four newly funded projects aim to strengthen the capacity of Francophone and Acadian communities to welcome newcomers and support long-term settlement. Activities include:
- International promotion and recruitment of French-speaking candidates
- Employer support in high-need sectors
- Initiatives to help French-speaking international students transition to permanent residence
- Partnerships between colleges, universities, community groups and government agencies
These measures support demographic growth and reinforce the cultural and economic vitality of Francophone regions outside Quebec.
Immigration Options Outside Quebec for French-Speaking Candidates
French-speaking applicants benefit from a growing range of federal and provincial immigration pathways designed to encourage Francophone immigration and support community vitality.
Express Entry – Category-Based French-Language Selection
Canada regularly holds French-language category-based draws that prioritise candidates with strong French proficiency. These rounds often have lower CRS thresholds than all-program draws, giving bilingual candidates an advantage.
Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class
Francophone temporary workers with Canadian experience often transition successfully to permanent residence through the CEC, especially when combined with high French-language test scores.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Most provinces outside Quebec offer dedicated pathways or preferences for French-speaking applicants, such as:
- Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- Manitoba’s Francophone pathways
- New Brunswick’s strategic initiative streams
- PEI and Nova Scotia programs that favour bilingual talent
These streams help provinces meet labour shortages and strengthen Francophone community development.
Francophone Mobility Program
This LMIA-exempt work permit allows employers to hire French-speaking foreign workers more quickly and easily. It is widely used in sectors where bilingual skills are essential and often leads to permanent residence through federal or provincial programs.
Key Pilot Programs for Francophone Immigration
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot supports the long-term growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec. It targets skilled workers who want to live and work in regions where French is a minority language.
Approved employers under the pilot can recruit qualified francophone or bilingual candidates to fill labour shortages. Selected applicants receive community support and may qualify for a work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot
This pilot encourages francophone international students to study at eligible institutions outside Quebec and remain in Canada after graduation. It strengthens the vitality of French-speaking regions and provides a clear pathway to permanent residence through post-graduation opportunities.
Participating communities and institutions receive federal support to attract and retain students, helping to expand linguistic and cultural diversity across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Canada prioritising immigration for French speakers?
Canada wants to strengthen Francophone and Acadian minority communities while addressing labour shortages in key sectors. Increasing Francophone immigration supports economic growth, maintains linguistic diversity and helps communities meet long-term demographic needs.
What advantages do French-speaking applicants have under Express Entry?
French-speaking candidates benefit from dedicated category-based draws that often have lower CRS thresholds. High French-language scores can also increase overall CRS points, improving the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
What is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot?
The FCIP helps employers in Francophone minority regions recruit skilled francophone and bilingual workers. Participants may qualify for a work permit while their permanent residence application is processed, receiving strong community support for settlement and integration.
How does the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot work?
This pilot encourages francophone students to study outside Quebec and stay after graduation. Students receive support from institutions and communities and can transition to permanent residence through existing provincial and federal pathways, strengthening French-speaking regions.
Which provinces offer pathways for French-speaking immigrants?
Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, PEI and others have dedicated pathways or preferences for French-speaking candidates. These programs help provinces meet labour shortages and support the long-term vitality of Francophone minority communities across Canada.
