Canada to Invite More French Speakers Through Express Entry

June 4, 2025

Ishita Soni

Big Changes Ahead for French-Speaking Immigrants in Canada

Canada is making it easier for French-speaking people to move and settle in the country. The goal is to increase the number of Francophone immigrants (those who speak French) outside Quebec from 8.5% in 2025 to 12% by 2029. This was announced by Lena Metlege Diab, the new Minister of Immigration, on June 2, 2025.

Why Is Canada Doing This?

French-speaking communities outside Quebec—called Francophone Minority Communities (FMCs)—are shrinking. In 1971, they made up 6.1% of the population outside Quebec, but by 2021, that number dropped to just 3.5%. Canada wants to change that by bringing in more French-speaking newcomers.

What Is the Government’s Plan?

To support these communities and help them grow:

• Canada set yearly goals for French-speaking immigrants:
  • 8.5% in 2025
  • 9.5% in 2026
  • 10% in 2027
  • 12% by 2029

So far, from 2003 to September 2024, Canada has already welcomed 132,195 French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec.

More French Express Entry Draws Are Coming

The Express Entry system is one of the main ways skilled workers can get permanent residency in Canada. In 2025, Canada has focused on draws specifically for French-speaking applicants:

• March 21, 2025 – 7,500 people invited, CRS score: 379
• March 6, 2025 – 4,500 people invited, CRS score: 410
• February 19, 2025 – 6,500 people invited, CRS score: 428

👉 These draws had lower CRS scores, making it easier for French-speaking people to qualify.

In fact, 54% of all Express Entry invitations in 2025 have gone to French-speaking candidates!

Why Are French Speakers Getting More Opportunities?

French-speaking immigrants help support Canada’s economy and keep its bilingual culture alive. Since fewer Francophones are being born or moving to Canada, immigration is now key to helping these communities survive and grow.

Also, the Official Languages Act—Canada’s bilingualism law—encourages the government to take action to strengthen French-speaking communities.

What Other Programs Help French-Speaking Immigrants?

Canada has launched several programs to attract French-speaking immigrants:

Express Entry (with a French language focus):

Gives preference to people who speak French well. Over 21,700 French speakers got invitations in 2024 alone.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

Some provinces like New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia have special spots for French-speaking immigrants. In 2023:

• 70% of New Brunswick’s French-speaking immigrants came through PNP
• 65% in Manitoba
• 62% in Nova Scotia

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (Starting late 2024):

Helps French-speaking or bilingual workers move to rural Francophone areas outside Quebec. It also addresses local job shortages.

Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (Launched August 2024):

Helps French-speaking students and their families settle in Canada and stay after graduation with direct permanent residency options.

Francophone Mobility Program:

Makes it easier for employers to hire French-speaking workers, even if their French isn’t perfect. This gives immigrants valuable work experience in Canada.

Looking Ahead to 2029

While some groups wanted faster change (like setting the 2024 goal at 12%), the Canadian government chose a gradual and realistic plan:

• 8.5% in 2025
• 9.5% in 2026
• 10% in 2027
• 12% by 2029

This slow increase helps ensure immigrants get the support they need to successfully settle and that communities can handle the growth.

Opportunities for French Speakers Are Growing

With lower CRS scores and special immigration programs, now is a great time for French-speaking skilled workers, students, and professionals to apply to live in Canada.

Provinces like New Brunswick and Manitoba especially need more French-speaking immigrants to support their local economies and cultures.

Quick Facts

• Last French Express Entry Draw:
  March 21, 2025 – 7,500 invitations, CRS score of 379
• Latest Express Entry Draw (General):
  June 2, 2025 – 277 invitations to provincial nominees
• Why Are Francophones Declining Outside Quebec?
  Because of low birth rates, people moving to English-speaking areas, and not enough new Francophone immigrants.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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