Expect More French Express Entry Draws to Increase Francophone Permanent Residents to 12% by 2029

Insights from Woodhaven Immigration: Your Trusted Partner in Navigating Francophone Immigration Pathways

Canada’s commitment to welcoming French-speaking immigrants is stronger than ever. Bold new targets aim to raise Francophone permanent resident admissions to 12% by 2029—up from just 8.5% in 2025. This shift, announced by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on June 2, 2025, is reshaping Canada’s immigration system. It opens doors for skilled workers with French language proficiency Express Entry requirements met or exceeded.

At Woodhaven Immigration, we see the vast potential of this stream. Our expert consultants are ready to help applicants confidently navigate the Canada immigration Francophone journey.

A Strategic National Push to Strengthen Francophone Communities

Francophone minority communities outside Quebec are shrinking. In 1971, they made up 6.1% of Canada’s population. By 2021, that number dropped to 3.5%. This decline threatens both cultural diversity and economic strength.

To address this, the government has prioritized Francophone immigration. MP Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault recently underscored this in Parliament, calling for renewed efforts to support these communities.

New Francophone Immigration Targets

Minister Diab announced the following phased plan:

• 8.5% Francophone admissions outside Quebec in 2025

• 9.5% in 2026

• 10% in 2027

• 12% by 2029

These targets balance growth with integration, making sure new immigrants thrive.

The Power of Express Entry for Francophone Immigration

Canada Express Entry French language proficiency plays a key role in this new vision. In 2025 alone, 18,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued in Express Entry French draws.

Lower CRS Scores for Francophones

CRS scores in these draws are significantly lower:

• March 21, 2025: 7,500 ITAs, CRS 379

• March 6, 2025: 4,500 ITAs, CRS 410

• Feb 19, 2025: 6,500 ITAs, CRS 428

French-speaking applicants with CLB level 7 or higher are seeing far better chances of selection compared to other streams. The lower cut-offs are encouraging more skilled workers to improve their French and apply now.

Want to understand how these trends also impact healthcare professionals? Read our post on Canada’s 2025 Express Entry – Impact on Francophones and Healthcare Professionals for deeper insights.

Supporting Programs That Complement Express Entry French

Several other federal and provincial programs support Canada immigration Francophone efforts:

1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia offer PNPs targeting French-speaking immigrants. In 2023, 24% of Francophone PRs came through these streams.

2. Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

Launched in late 2024, this pilot attracts French speakers to rural areas, boosting local economies and reversing demographic decline.Launched in late 2024, this pilot attracts French speakers to rural areas, boosting local economies and reversing demographic decline.
To learn more about how this program works and who qualifies, check out our post on Francophone Immigration to Canada (Outside Quebec): A Quick Guide to the FCIP Initiative.

3. Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot

Started in August 2024, this supports international students and families in French-language or bilingual institutions. It provides smoother PR pathways.

4. Francophone Mobility Program

Since June 2023, this initiative allows Canadian employers to hire French-speaking foreign workers more easily, helping them gain local work experience and transition to PR.

Why the Francophone Stream Is Your Smartest Immigration Path

At Woodhaven Immigration, we believe this stream is ideal for skilled professionals. Here’s why:

• Lower CRS Scores: Express Entry French draws consistently favor French-speaking candidates with more accessible scores.

• Federal Support: Canada’s commitment ensures long-term benefits and integration help.

• Strong Community Ties: Programs help Francophones thrive socially and professionally outside Quebec.

• Economic and Cultural Growth: Francophones enhance Canada’s bilingual culture while filling labor market gaps.

Woodhaven Immigration: Your Expert Guide

Some advocate even faster changes, like 12% targets by 2024 or 20% by 2036. Canada prefers a balanced approach, emphasizing integration and long-term planning.

Our experts stay updated on policy changes and programs. We offer personalized consultations, language coaching, application support, and settlement services to help you succeed.

If you meet or can improve your French language proficiency Express Entry requirements, this is your chance to immigrate under a highly supportive system.

Success Story: From Senegal to Ottawa

One of our clients from Senegal secured PR through the Express Entry French stream. With our help, he now lives in Ottawa, works in a top firm, and is a proud member of the Francophone community.

Let’s Make It Happen Together

Thinking about applying through the Canada Express Entry French stream? Reach out to Woodhaven Immigration for a free eligibility assessment and customized plan.

Let Woodhaven Immigration help you craft a strategy to secure your future in Canada. Contact us today—your new life, career, and community await!

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