Maple News reports that the Canadian government has been actively working to attract more French-speaking immigrants to provinces and territories outside of Quebec, in an effort to preserve and revitalize the country’s linguistic duality. While Quebec remains the primary destination for francophone newcomers—being the only province where French is the sole official language—many vibrant francophone communities exist beyond its borders.
To support these communities and reverse demographic declines, the government set a target for francophones to make up 4.4% of all immigrants settling outside Quebec by 2023. This initiative is supported by increased investment in settlement services and immigration programs that favor bilingual and French-speaking applicants.
Recent updates to Canada’s Express Entry system give additional points to French-speaking or bilingual applicants, boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Programs like Express Entry assess candidates on a points system, where language proficiency—especially in French—is a valuable asset. Bilingual applicants with similar qualifications to English-only speakers often have a competitive edge through this system.
The government also introduced the Francophone Mobility stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP) in 2016. This pathway helps Canadian employers outside Quebec recruit French-speaking skilled workers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), fast-tracking the hiring process in minority francophone communities.
Provincial immigration programs further reinforce this commitment. Several provinces—including Ontario and Nova Scotia—have launched dedicated streams for French-speaking skilled workers. Ontario’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, for example, selects bilingual candidates from the Express Entry pool and offers them a provincial nomination, significantly increasing their chances of obtaining permanent resident status.
Despite recent setbacks, such as a significant drop in French-speaking newcomers in 2020 due to the pandemic, the year 2021 showed early signs of recovery. Provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick—which host large francophone populations—are recommitting to population growth through inclusive immigration policies tailored toward French-speaking applicants.
For those considering moving to Canada, speaking French can be a strategic advantage. Whether applying for a temporary work permit, post-secondary education, or permanent residency, French-language skills unlock additional pathways and increase the likelihood of success.
Ultimately, the right immigration option depends on each individual’s goals, be they academic, professional, or permanent settlement. Canada offers a range of programs designed to meet diverse needs—all while supporting the growth of French-speaking communities nationwide.
Maple News will continue monitoring Canada’s evolving francophone immigration landscape and provide timely updates for prospective newcomers.