The Government of Canada has confirmed that it exceeded its Francophone immigration target for 2025.
According to a January 19, 2026 news release from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), French-speaking permanent residents represented 8.9% of all admissions outside Quebec in 2025. The official target was 8.5%.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Canada has met or exceeded its Francophone immigration goal outside Quebec.
Official government news release:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/01/canada-exceeded-its-francophone-immigration-target-for-2025.html
What Was Achieved in 2025?
IRCC reported that:
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Over 29,500 French-speaking permanent residents were admitted outside Quebec
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This represents 8.9% of total PR admissions outside Quebec
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The 2025 target was 8.5%
The announcement was made in Moncton, New Brunswick.
Francophone immigration is part of Canada’s effort to strengthen French-speaking minority communities outside Quebec, including in provinces such as Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba.
New 2026–2028 Targets
Under Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the government plans to gradually increase Francophone admissions outside Quebec:
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2026 target: 9%
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2027 target: 9.5%
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2028 target: 10.5%
The long-term objective is to reach 12% by 2029.
Immigration Levels Plan (official page):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html
5,000 Reserved Federal Spaces Starting in 2026
Beginning in 2026, Canada will reserve 5,000 federal selection spaces for provinces and territories to designate French-speaking immigrants.
These spaces will:
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Be in addition to regular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations
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Support provinces facing shortages of Francophone or bilingual workers
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Help attract skilled French-speaking candidates outside Quebec
This measure is intended to strengthen Francophone communities and address labour shortages.
Which Immigration Programs Support Francophone Applicants?
IRCC highlighted several existing measures:
1. Express Entry French-Language Category
Under the Express Entry system, IRCC conducts category-based draws for candidates with strong French-language proficiency.
Official Express Entry page:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html
French proficiency can:
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Increase Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores
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Lead to targeted invitation rounds
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Improve overall competitiveness
2. Francophone Mobility Program
The Francophone Mobility Program allows employers outside Quebec to hire French-speaking foreign workers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in many cases.
Official page:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/francophone-mobility.html
3. Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative
This initiative supports selected communities that provide settlement services in French and help integrate newcomers outside Quebec.
Why This Matters for Immigration Candidates
For French-speaking applicants, this update signals:
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Continued federal priority for Francophone immigration
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Increased annual targets
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Additional federal spaces starting in 2026
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Ongoing category-based Express Entry draws
However, it is important to understand:
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French proficiency must meet required language benchmarks
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Eligibility criteria for each program still apply
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Provincial nomination requirements vary by province
Meeting language requirements alone does not guarantee selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of immigrants outside Quebec were French-speaking in 2025?
According to IRCC, 8.9% of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec were French-speaking in 2025.
What is the target for 2026?
The government has set a 9% target for 2026.
Are there new immigration programs for Francophone applicants?
No completely new program was announced, but 5,000 federal selection spaces will be reserved for provinces to designate French-speaking candidates starting in 2026.
Does this improve Express Entry chances?
French-language proficiency can increase CRS scores and make candidates eligible for category-based draws, but invitations depend on overall eligibility and competition levels.
Reality Check
Canada continues to prioritize Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Targets are increasing gradually, and additional selection spaces will be available starting in 2026.
However:
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Competition remains strong
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Language results must meet required benchmarks
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Provincial and federal criteria still apply
If you are a French-speaking candidate, improving your language scores and understanding both Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program requirements is essential before making immigration decisions.
For official details, always rely on IRCC’s website:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
