Canada Raises Targets for Francophone Immigration in 2026–2028

January 19, 2026 — Moncton, New Brunswick

Canada has reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Francophone and Acadian minority communities outside Quebec. These communities play a crucial role in the economic and cultural fabric of the country, and Francophone immigration continues to be a strategic priority to meet labour shortages and support the vitality of the French language across Canada.

🇨🇦 Canada Surpasses Its 2025 Francophone Immigration Target

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, announced that Canada has exceeded its Francophone immigration target for the fourth year in a row.

• Target for 2025: 8.5% of all permanent residents outside Quebec

• Actual result: 8.9%, representing more than 29,500 French-speaking newcomers
  

This performance highlights the impact of recent immigration measures and strong collaboration with provinces, territories, and community partners.

New Federal Measures: 5,000 Reserved Spaces for Francophone Immigrants

A major announcement for 2026 is the creation of 5,000 federal selection spaces exclusively reserved for French-speaking immigrants. Provinces and territories will be able to designate French-speaking candidates in addition to their existing Provincial Nominee Program allocations.

This new measure aims to:

• Address labour shortages in Francophone and bilingual positions
  

• Strengthen the presence of French-speaking newcomers across the country
  

• Support Canada’s target of 12% Francophone permanent residents outside Quebec by 2029
  
  

📈 Targets Rising Through the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan

Canada is progressively increasing its Francophone immigration goals:

Year Target for Francophone PRs Outside Quebec

2026. 9%

2027. 9.5%

2028 10.5%

These targets show the Government’s intention to rebuild and grow the demographic weight of Francophone communities nationwide.

Key Programs Supporting Francophone Immigration

Several existing initiatives continue to play a major role in attracting French-speaking talent:

1. Express Entry – French Language Proficiency Category

Candidates with strong French skills benefit from category-based selection rounds, increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

2. Francophone Mobility Program

Allows Canadian employers outside Quebec to hire French-speaking foreign workers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

3. Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative

Now expanded from 14 to 24 communities, improving settlement support for newcomers.

What the Minister Says

“French-speaking newcomers are essential to the economic vitality and strengthening of the workforce in Francophone and Acadian minority communities. They help our communities thrive and promote our official languages, a symbol of our Canadian identity.”
— Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

💡 What This Means for Aspiring Immigrants

This announcement creates more opportunities than ever for French-speaking candidates wishing to immigrate to Canada outside Quebec. Whether through:

• Express Entry,
  

• Provincial Nominee Programs,
  

• Francophone Mobility,
  

• or community-based initiatives,
  

Francophone applicants will benefit from higher quotas, dedicated selection spaces, and a growing demand for bilingual talent.

Are you considering immigration to Canada as a francophone applicant?, Book a consultation with Rita Benkhalti, our Senior Immigration consultant at North Horizon Immigration to review your case and prepare a customized strategy for you and your family.