On January 19, Canada’s immigration department revealed plans to expand its permanent residence (PR) selection by introducing 5,000 new slots for French-speaking immigrants. This initiative aims to enhance the influx of Francophone newcomers, particularly in regions outside of Quebec.
New PR Slots for French-Speaking Immigrants
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced this development during a press conference in Moncton, New Brunswick. The new allocation will be sourced from federal selection spaces and augmented to existing admissions allocated for provincial nominee programs (PNPs) and other immigration pilots across the country.
Long-Term Goals for Francophone Immigration
This initiative aligns with Canada’s strategic effort to elevate Francophone immigration levels. Moreover, the country has surpassed its Francophone immigration target for 2025, welcoming approximately 8.9% of PR admissions outside Quebec, exceeding the previous year’s target of 8.5%.
Impact on Provincial Nominee Programs
The increase in admissions suggests that provinces will prioritize nominations for French-speaking candidates. However, the specifics regarding how these 5,000 slots will be distributed among provinces remain undetermined. This uncertainty raises questions about the potential changes to existing PNP pathways.
- Possibility of more frequent selections for French-speaking candidates.
- Potential establishment of new pathways tailored for Francophone immigrants.
Future Projections for Francophone Immigration
Looking ahead, Canada plans to increase its target for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec. The targets are set to rise as follows:
| Year | Target Percentage |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 9% |
| 2027 | 9.5% |
| 2028 | 10.5% |
In addition to increasing targets, the government is implementing various measures to facilitate this growth in Francophone migration. These include:
- An Express Entry category for applicants with French proficiency.
- The Francophone Mobility work permit program.
- The Francophone Minority Community Student Pilot.
- The forthcoming Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative.
Ultimately, Canada’s roadmap aims for a 12% target of admissions for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec by 2029. This ambitious plan underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for Francophone communities.
