published on 30 January 2026 @ 2:25 pm · COMMENT

Francophone Immigration Targets Surpassed for 2025

Canada has exceeded its Francophone immigration target for the fourth year in a row. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 8.9% of all permanent resident admissions outside Quebec in 2025 were French-speaking applicants, surpassing the 8.5% target. More than 29,500 Francophone permanent residents were admitted, underscoring the growing importance of Francophone immigration in supporting Canada’s economy and addressing labour shortages.

As part of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government will continue to gradually increase Francophone immigration targets, with the long-term goal of reaching 12% by 2029. Notably, starting in 2026, Canada will reserve 5,000 additional federal selection spaces to allow provinces and territories to nominate French-speaking immigrants—on top of existing Provincial Nominee Program allocations.

These results reflect the success and popularity of initiatives such as French-language Express Entry draws, the Francophone Mobility Program, and the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative. For French-speaking applicants and employers seeking bilingual talent outside Quebec, this announcement signals expanded opportunities and continued policy support for Francophone immigration pathways.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE