Unlock Permanent Residence: Use French to Boost Immigration

Canada is opening doors for French-speaking immigrants in Quebec and across the country. Mastery of the French language is becoming a powerful tool for permanent residency seekers.

This article explores how Canada's policies now reward French proficiency, offering fast-tracked immigration options for skilled workers ready to settle in Francophone communities outside Quebec.

Canada’s Bold Bet on Francophone Talent

Canada is betting big on French-speaking newcomers to fuel its future. As part of its ambitious 2024 target of welcoming 485,000 immigrants, Ottawa is doubling on Francophone immigration outside Quebec. This move isn’t just about numbers; it’s about revitalizing communities, addressing labour shortages, and preserving Canada’s bilingual identity. According to IRCC, French speakers are now critical to sustaining growth in minority-language regions nationwide.

Implications for Immigrants: French as a Strategic Advantage

In 2025, the Express Entry system continues to award additional points for proficiency in French. Candidates can receive up to 50 extra points if they demonstrate a high level of French proficiency, in addition to the base points for language skills. These points are granted based on the levels of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) in French.

Moreover, Canada holds category-based invitation rounds, including a specific category for Francophones, to promote French-speaking immigration outside of Quebec.

For example, Windsor, Ontario, has seen a growing number of French-speaking newcomers use this linguistic advantage to transition from temporary status to permanent residence.

Impact on Policies: Targeted Programs for Francophones

Programs like the Francophone Mobility Program and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) have integrated incentives to attract Francophone applicants. These pathways offer simplified processes, fewer eligibility barriers, and dedicated community support services for French speakers.

In November 2023, IRCC reaffirmed its goal to increase Francophone immigration to 6% outside Quebec by 2026.

Recommendations: What Francophone Immigrants Should Do

French-speaking immigrants should explore Express Entry’s French-language category-based draws and consider smaller communities participating in RNIP or the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

Additionally, enrolling in accredited French language programs or taking official language tests like the TEF Canada can significantly boost application strength.

Not sure how these changes affect you? Take a free assessment with AskAïa to explore your best immigration options as a French-speaking candidate.