IRCC PRIORITIZES FRANCOPHONE IMMIGRATION IN LATEST POLICY GUIDANCE

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening francophone immigration across Canada—outside of Quebec—even as overall immigration targets have been reduced. According to internal messaging guidance shared with Liberal Members of Parliament in late 2024, the federal government is actively implementing new strategies to increase the number of French-speaking permanent residents.

The guidance outlines ambitious national targets, aiming to boost the share of francophone permanent residents from 6% in 2024 to 10% by 2027. This policy shift addresses growing concerns about the declining presence of French-speaking populations in Canada’s minority-language communities.

This renewed focus aligns with updates to Canada’s Official Languages Act, and includes the introduction of new pilot programs specifically designed to attract and retain French-speaking immigrants in regions where they are underrepresented. These initiatives reflect Canada’s broader strategy to protect linguistic diversity, ensure economic inclusion, and promote cultural vitality in all provinces and territories.

The move is expected to open more opportunities for French-speaking candidates seeking permanent residence through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and community-focused immigration streams.

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