The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, recently disclosed several innovative projects to enhance immigration in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. This announcement took place on November 27, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Time: 9:00 a.m. EST
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Minister Diab revealed an investment of around $3.6 million to fund four new projects under the Francophone Immigration Support Program (FISP). These initiatives are aimed at facilitating the immigration of Francophone and bilingual candidates to address the needs of Francophone minority communities, especially in sectors like health care, education, and early childhood.
The projects align with the Government of Canada’s goals outlined in Budget 2025, focusing on increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec to reach a 10.5% admission rate for French-speaking permanent residents by 2028 and supporting key sectors experiencing labour shortages.
Official Media Advisory
Minister Diab is set to introduce projects and initiatives to strengthen Francophone minority communities across Canada. This announcement signifies Canada’s commitment to boosting French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec.
Why This Matters?
- Historic Targets: Canada aims to raise Francophone immigration from 9% in 2026 to 10.5% by 2028 and 12% by 2029.
- Record Investment: A significant $137.2 million has been allocated through the Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028.
- Growing Opportunities: French-speaking candidates now have priority pathways to permanent residency.
- Community Revitalization: Efforts are underway to strengthen Francophone communities nationwide.
Context: Canada’s Francophone Immigration Surge
Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan for 2026-2028 places a strong emphasis on Francophone immigration, with specific targets set for admissions outside Quebec. The plan includes increased permanent resident targets and a focus on economic immigration.
Permanent Resident Targets:
- 2026-2028: 380,000 permanent residents annually
- Economic Immigration: 64% of total admissions by 2027-2028
Francophone Immigration Targets Outside Quebec:
- 2025: 8.5% of admissions
- 2026: 9% of admissions
- 2027: 10% of admissions
- 2028: 10.5% of admissions
- 2029 Goal: 12% of admissions
This strategic commitment aims to reverse the demographic decline in Francophone minority communities across Canada. The Express Entry system has emerged as a key pathway for French-speaking skilled workers.
Strategic Importance
Canada prioritizes Francophone immigrants due to various reasons, including demographic urgency, bilingualism commitment, economic benefits, regional development, and global positioning. Additional pathways like Provincial Nominee Programs and the Francophone Mobility Program offer opportunities for French-speaking candidates.
What French-Speaking Candidates Need To Know
Eligibility requirements include language proficiency and qualification for specific immigration programs. French-speaking candidates enjoy advantages such as lower CRS cut-off scores, priority processing, and enhanced settlement support services.
Stay tuned for upcoming Express Entry draws focusing on the Francophone category.
For media inquiries:
Laura Blondeau, Director of Communications, Minister’s Office: 343-550-4808, Lauralee.Blondeau@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations, People and Communications Sector: 613-952-1650, media@cic.gc.ca
About Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): IRCC is responsible for selecting foreign nationals as permanent and temporary residents, providing protection to refugees, and granting citizenship to enhance Canada’s economic, social, and cultural prosperity while maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration and citizenship programs.
