Canada will surpass its French-speaking immigration target for 2025.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
January 19, 2026 - Moncton, New Brunswick
Francophone and Acadian minority communities outside of Quebec play a vital role in the economy, culture, and vitality of the French language in Canada. Francophone immigration continues to be a strategic pillar for Canada in meeting labor needs and supporting the sustainable development of these communities nationwide.
Today, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, announced that the Canadian government has exceeded its Francophone immigration target for 2025 , marking the fourth consecutive year that the target has been met or surpassed.
According to preliminary year-end figures, French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec account for approximately 8.9% of the total permanent resident population , exceeding the 2025 target of 8.5%. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of policies implemented by IRCC, as well as close coordination between the federal government, provinces, territories, and community organizations.
The 2025 target has been met.
This means the French-speaking immigration quota for 2025 has been filled, and applications submitted after this date will be counted toward the quotas for subsequent years, starting in 2026, according to the new targets announced by the Canadian government.
Increase targets in the 2026-2028 period.
As part of the 2026–2028 Immigration Targets Plan, the Canadian government will continue to increase the rate of French-speaking immigration outside of Quebec. Specifically, starting in 2026, Canada will reserve 5,000 federal selection slots for provinces and territories to nominate French-speaking immigrants.
These positions are in addition to the annual quotas of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) , aiming to alleviate the shortage of French-speaking and bilingual workers, while attracting high-quality human resources from around the globe.
These measures lay the groundwork for Canada to aim for 12% of its permanent residents outside Quebec to be French-speaking by 2029.
Key policies promoting French-speaking immigration
The Canadian government continues to deploy several important tools, including:
- The group selected for French proficiency in the Express Entry system.
- Francophone Mobility Program
- Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative
Through these policies, Canada reaffirms its long-term commitment to the recovery and growth of the populations of Francophone and Acadian minority communities.
In line with national priorities
These measures are consistent with the priorities outlined in the 2025 Federal Budget, which emphasizes the role of immigration in attracting global talent, expanding the economy, and meeting labor needs.
Statement by the Canadian Minister of Immigration
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment and ongoing efforts to promote Francophone immigration. French-speaking immigrants play a vital role in the economic vitality and workforce strengthening of Francophone and Acadian minority communities. They help communities thrive and advance the two official languages – symbols of Canadian identity.”
- Ms. Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada
Quick information
- Target for 2025 : 8.5% of permanent residents outside Quebec will be French-speaking.
- Actual achievement : over 29,500 people , equivalent to 8.9%
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Targets for the coming years :
- 9% in 2026
- 9.5% in 2027
- 10.5% in 2028
- In 2024, the rate of French-speaking immigration reached 7.2%.
- The number of communities participating in Welcoming Francophone Communities increased from 14 to 24.
- Many projects have been funded through the Francophone Immigration Support Program.
The Express Entry system is currently Canada's primary immigration application management platform, applicable to federal skilled worker programs, technical worker programs, Canadian experience programs, and a portion of provincial nomination programs.
