Francophone Immigration on the Rise: What to Expect in 2026–2028 Plan

This plan will shape how the country manages its permanent resident intakes, labour market needs, demographic strategies, and regional settlement goals. In this context, one dimension worth attention is the rising prominence of French‑language immigration, particularly outside of Québec. 

Francophone Immigration is on the Way Up 

One of the most significant changes in Canadian immigration policy is the increasing importance of Francophone immigration, especially outside Quebec.  

This shift came in 2023, when the government introduced the first-ever French language proficiency category under Express Entry.  

Since its launch, this French-language stream has become a regular part of Express Entry draws, with the number of invitations increasing each year. Here’s what the draws have shown so far: 

According to IRCC data and recommendations found in an internal memo, these draws have become the main tool for reaching Francophone immigration targets. This shift is largely due to a decline in approval rates for Francophone applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program in 2024. To compensate, IRCC significantly increased the number of invitations issued through the French-language Express Entry stream to keep overall intake levels on track. 

This is a clear sign of the government’s commitment to reaching its notional target of 9.5% in 2026 and 10% in 2027 of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec. 

French as a Priority in the Immigration Agenda 

During the launch of the 13th National Francophone Immigration Week, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to welcoming more French-speaking newcomers outside Quebec: 

“Throughout the week, we are highlighting our initiatives that demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting the development of Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, including the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative.” 

She noted that Canada is on track to meet its 2025 target of 8.5% of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec. Moreover, she announced that the federal government, along with provincial and territorial partners, is developing a new federal-provincial-territorial action plan to increase Francophone immigration.  

Minister Diab’s statement sends a clear message: French-speaking newcomers are not only welcome, but strategically vital to the sustainability and development of communities across Canada. 

What to Expect in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan 

Based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s very likely that the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan will continue to strengthen Canada’s focus on Francophone immigration. 

Here are a few things we can expect: 

• Higher targets for French-speaking immigrants: The federal goal is to reach 12% of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec by 2029, and that goal is shaping immigration policy. It wouldn’t be surprising to see new, higher targets in the 2026–2028 plan that keep building toward that number. 

• More French-language draws through Express Entry: It’s likely this stream will continue to appear regularly in Express Entry draws for the next couple of years. 

• More support for communities welcoming Francophone newcomers: The government is also backing it with funding. For example, $9.3 million was announced for Francophone immigration projects in 2025. 

What this means for Applicants 

For applicants, this is an important moment, especially if you are a native French speaker or someone working to improve your skills in the language.  

Reaching at least NCLC 7 in French can significantly boost your chances through programs like Express Entry and other Francophone-focused pathways.  

It’s also a good idea to explore communities across Canada that actively welcome and support French-speaking newcomers. 

But beyond immigration programs, embracing French is a way of connecting with a core part of Canada’s identity, its history, daily life, and cultural roots. Learning French isn’t just a strategy for immigration; it’s a step toward becoming part of a country that values linguistic diversity and actively supports bilingualism in everyday life.