Moncton, NB – Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab will make an announcement today concerning immigration in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. The press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. Atlantic Time in Moncton, New Brunswick. MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor will join the minister.

Francophone Immigration Target Exceeded

Minister Diab announced that Canada surpassed its Francophone immigration target for the fourth consecutive year. Approximately 8.9% of French-speaking permanent residents were admitted outside Quebec in 2025.

“This accomplishment demonstrates the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and results from close collaboration with the provinces, territories, and community representatives,” the announcement stated.

The government aims to increase targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec as part of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

New Federal Selection Positions

Starting in 2026, the Government of Canada will allocate 5,000 federal selection positions. These positions will enable provinces and territories to designate French-speaking immigrants.

These spaces will supplement the annual Provincial Nominee Program allocations. The goal is to alleviate the shortage of Francophone and bilingual workers by attracting global talent.

Path to 12% Target

The government aims to reach 12% of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec by 2029. Measures include the French-language proficiency category within Express Entry, the Francophone Mobility Program, and the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative.

These initiatives align with priorities outlined in Budget 2025. They emphasize attracting international talent, growing the economy, and addressing workforce needs.

Potential Policy Changes

While IRCC has not released specific policy details, the announcement is expected to relate to French Community Immigration Pilots. The focus will likely be on measures to increase French-speaking permanent resident intake outside Quebec.

Possible changes include operational supports for communities and selection-focused measures through existing economic pathways.

Francophone Immigration Targets

Canada’s targets for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec are:

• 2026: 9% (30,267)
• 2027: 9.5% (31,825)
• 2028: 10.5% (35,175)

Express Entry Debate

Experts are debating whether French-language proficiency should carry significant weight in Express Entry. Recent Canadian Experience Class rounds required high CRS scores.

French-language proficiency rounds in 2025 had lower CRS cut-offs. Some worry that candidates are being selected primarily for French skills, even with lower overall competitiveness.

Others argue the French category helps Canada meet Francophone admission targets. Candidates still need to meet eligibility requirements for Express Entry programs.

Why This Matters

The focus on Francophone immigration aims to support and grow French-speaking communities across Canada, outside of Quebec. By exceeding targets and implementing new measures, the government is actively working to address demographic and economic needs within these communities. The debate surrounding Express Entry selection highlights the complexities of balancing language goals with broader economic objectives, a tension that will likely continue to shape immigration policy.