The Government of Canada has reaffirmed its target of 8.5 percent Francophone immigration to communities outside Quebec by 2028, up from a target of 4.4 percent in the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says Francophone immigration supports minority language communities across Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba and other provinces.
How Canada selects Francophone candidates
IRCC uses dedicated draws within Express Entry that invite only candidates who demonstrate French proficiency. Candidates who score high in French under TEF Canada or TCF Canada receive a bonus of up to 50 Comprehensive Ranking System points.
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, running in more than 20 participating communities, also provides a pathway for skilled workers and international graduates who commit to settling in defined Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Context: what the target does and does not mean
The 8.5 percent target is a population-level policy aim. It does not mean that 8.5 percent of all Express Entry invitations will go to Francophone candidates, nor does it guarantee any individual's selection.
Selection in any Express Entry draw depends on the candidate's score relative to others in the same pool on the date of the draw. IRCC does not publish draw thresholds in advance.
What Francophone candidates should do
- Take a recognised French language test (TEF Canada or TCF Canada) and submit the official score to Express Entry.
- Check the IRCC Express Entry draws history page regularly for Francophone-specific draws.
- Review the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot participating communities list if you are open to settling in a specific location.
- Do not pay for unofficial 'Francophone draw alerts' or services promising selection.
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