Canada continues efforts to welcome French-speaking skilled newcomers

Canada recognizes the pivotal role of Francophone immigration in bolstering our national identity, driving economic growth, and mitigating labor shortages. Consequently, the country is intensifying its efforts to welcome French-speaking skilled workers from outside Quebec, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of Francophone minority communities.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Marc Miller, recently announced the commencement of 2024 Express Entry rounds. These rounds target prospective candidates possessing category-specific work experience or a high proficiency in the French language, inviting them to apply for permanent residence.

Through category-based selection, Canada aims to attract more professionals with sought-after skills to communities nationwide. These ongoing endeavors to streamline the selection process for economic immigrants are pivotal in fostering the economic and social well-being of the nation for the foreseeable future.

In November of the previous year, IRCC unveiled ambitious yet attainable targets for Francophone immigrant admissions outside Quebec, earmarking 6% of total immigration in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026. Furthermore, January 2024 saw the introduction of multiple measures, including the new Policy on Francophone Immigration and its Implementation Plan, designed to drive tangible and innovative actions in restoring and augmenting the demographic presence of Francophone minority communities. This policy emphasizes the vitality and economic advancement of Francophone minority communities.

A crucial aspect of the Policy on Francophone Immigration’s Implementation Plan is its emphasis on candidates with a robust proficiency in the French language within the Express Entry system. This underscores the Government of Canada's unwavering commitment to nurturing and supporting the economic prosperity of Francophone communities outside Quebec.