IRCC Announces New Francophone Immigration Projects and PR Support for Some International Students

Speaking from Sudbury this morning, Immigration Minister Diab’s announcement marks International Francophonie Day. 

Key Takeaways: 

• IRCC has launched three new projects to support Francophone immigration outside Quebec 
• One project focuses on creating a pathway to PR for graduates of the Université de Hearst 
• Funding will also support a project aimed at Francophone workers in the information, communications, and technology (ICT) sector 

A Smoother Path to PR 

IRCC says it will support international students and graduates of the Université de Hearst who want to settle in Canada. The Université de Hearst is a French-language university located in a remote region of Northern Ontario. 

The project will offer a voluntary program integrated into the university curriculum. The department notes that the program will include activities designed to provide clear, tailored information on Francophone immigration pathways and the steps toward permanent residence. 

It’s important to note that there is no indication this will function as a standalone PR pathway. Rather, it should give PR hopefuls an advantage when applying through existing pathways. 

IRCC says the program will help guide students through information sessions, practical support for entering the job market, and “personalized guidance based on individual goals and integration opportunities.” This could include internships, mentoring, and volunteering. 

How Graduates Might Benefit 

This project is another reminder that IRCC is working to increase immigration to rural areas of Canada, particularly among French speakers. Access to these tools and resources will likely improve students’ chances of success. 

Graduates could find themselves well-positioned for the French Community Immigration Pilot. This PR pathway targets French-speaking newcomers willing to settle in certain rural communities across Canada. Hearst is one of the participating communities. 

Participants could also benefit from the French-proficiency category under Express Entry. French speakers have consistently received the highest number of invitations to apply (ITAs) among category-based selection draws over the past three years. 

Graduates may not be able to apply for Express Entry immediately, as both the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program require at least one year of work experience. However, based on the available details, they should have an easier time obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to gain the experience they need. 

Funding to Recruit French-speaking ICT Workers 

Another notable project is the Francophone Global Talent Mapping initiative, which will be managed by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC). 

Minister Diab noted an increased need for bilingual workers in the ICT sector. The project will focus on identifying regions with strong bilingual talent pools, as well as strategies to recruit and retain skilled workers. 

This push to recruit French-speaking newcomers in the ICT sector is also worth watching. IRCC has signaled that changes are coming to Express Entry this year, including how points are assigned under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). 

It’s possible that French-speaking applicants in ICT occupations could see their scores increase based on their profession. We already know IRCC plans to reinstate points for Canadian job offers and is contemplating points for job offers in high-wage occupations. 

There’s also a chance we could see the first Express Entry draw for STEM occupations since 2024. Given the strong pool of French-speaking candidates, there is bound to be some crossover between occupation and language. 

What Does it Mean for You?

The message is clear: learning French remains a major advantage for anyone who wants to become a permanent resident of Canada. 

The projects announced today are part of 19 total initiatives supporting Francophone immigration funded by IRCC. So far, the department has spent $14.4 million on initiatives to increase Francophone immigration. This is part of a $25 million commitment over five years (2023–2028). 

These efforts support Canada’s target of ensuring that 9% of permanent resident admissions are French-speaking newcomers settling outside Quebec by the end of 2026. This target rises to 12% by the end of 2029. 

IRCC has exceeded its Francophone immigration targets for the past three years, making these goals realistic. 

While it may take time, committing to learning French and reaching an NCLC level of 7 can open more pathways to permanent residence. It can also shorten your job search, as many Canadian employers consider bilingualism a major asset. 

If you’re unsure whether your French is strong enough, it may be helpful to take a language test to establish a baseline. You can take the test multiple times as you work toward your desired NCLC level. 

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