Charting the Rise of the French-Speaking Immigrant in Canada
On this page you will find:
- Year-by-year percentage of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec
- Analysis of the growth trend since 2015
- Explanation of federal Francophone immigration policy
- The role of Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs
- What the Immigration Levels Plan means for future growth
- Implications for French-speaking candidates
Canada has steadily increased the share of French-speaking immigrants settling outside Quebec over the past decade. The figures show a clear policy shift – and a dramatic acceleration in recent years.
In 2015, French-speaking immigrants represented just 1.34% of total admissions outside Quebec. By 2025, that figure had climbed to 8.91% as of November.
This change reflects deliberate federal efforts to strengthen Francophone minority communities across the country and rebalance linguistic demographics.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Between 2015 and 2018, growth was gradual. The share remained below 2% for four consecutive years.
In 2019 and 2020, the proportion rose sharply, reaching 3.61%. The temporary dip in 2021 to 1.95% reflected pandemic-related disruptions and shifting processing priorities.
From 2022 onward, however, the numbers accelerated significantly. By 2024, more than 7% of immigrants settling outside Quebec were French-speaking. In 2025, that figure is approaching 9%.
This represents more than a sixfold increase since 2015.
Why the Increase?
Ottawa has made Francophone immigration a priority. The federal government set clear targets for French-speaking newcomers outside Quebec as part of its broader immigration strategy.
Express Entry now includes category-based selection for French-language proficiency. Candidates with strong French skills receive additional points, even if English is not their dominant language.
Provincial Nominee Programs also target French-speaking candidates to help address labour shortages and support Francophone communities in provinces such as Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba.
These measures are working. The data shows consistent and accelerating progress.
Record Express Entry Draw for French-Speaking Candidates
Canada set a new benchmark on February 6, 2026, with a record-breaking category-based Express Entry draw targeting French-language proficiency.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 8,500 Invitations to Apply in a single round – the largest French-language specific draw to date.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score was 400, significantly lower than typical all-program draws. Candidates needed a rank of 8,500 or above, with a tie-breaking rule set at February 3, 2026 at 11:11:44 UTC.
This draw highlights three important developments:
- Category-based selection is now a central pillar of Express Entry
- French-language proficiency delivers a clear competitive advantage
- Canada is scaling Francophone immigration outside Quebec at record levels
A CRS cut-off of 400 makes this draw particularly notable. It signals that strong French ability can offset lower overall CRS scores and still result in an invitation.
The size of the round also reinforces Ottawa’s commitment to increasing the share of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. With 8,500 invitations issued in one draw, the government is not just maintaining targets – it is accelerating them.
For French-speaking candidates in the pool, this confirms that language strategy matters. High French test scores now function as a powerful selection lever within Canada’s immigration system.
What the Immigration Levels Plan Means
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan continues to maintain high overall admissions targets. With hundreds of thousands of new permanent residents planned each year, even a stable percentage of French-speaking admissions translates into significant absolute growth.
If the share remains near 8% – or rises further toward 10% – thousands more French-speaking immigrants will settle outside Quebec annually compared to a decade ago.
The federal government has already signalled its intention to maintain and strengthen Francophone immigration targets. That suggests the upward trend is likely to continue.
In practical terms, this means:
- More French-speaking professionals entering key labour markets
- Stronger Francophone minority communities outside Quebec
- Expanded settlement services in French across provinces
- Continued category-based draws targeting French proficiency
Unless there is a major policy reversal, the trajectory points upward.
A Structural Shift, Not a Short-Term Spike
The steady rise since 2022 suggests this is not a temporary adjustment. It reflects structural changes to selection systems and policy priorities.
French-language ability has become a competitive advantage in Canada’s immigration system. Candidates who can demonstrate strong French skills now position themselves favourably in both federal and provincial programs.
For communities outside Quebec, this marks a long-term demographic shift.
What This Means for Candidates
French-speaking immigration candidates should view this as a strategic opportunity.
Strong French proficiency can:
- Improve Express Entry competitiveness
- Increase eligibility under Francophone-specific streams
- Expand provincial nomination options
- Open access to French-language settlement supports
For Canada, it strengthens linguistic diversity while supporting economic growth across regions.
The data shows momentum. Policy direction suggests it will continue.
FAQ
Why is Canada increasing French-speaking immigration outside Quebec?
Canada aims to strengthen Francophone minority communities and maintain linguistic balance. The federal government has introduced targets and selection tools that favour strong French-language candidates outside Quebec. This supports economic growth while reinforcing Canada’s bilingual identity.
What caused the sharp increase after 2022?
The introduction of category-based Express Entry draws for French-language proficiency significantly boosted admissions. Provinces also increased targeted recruitment of Francophone candidates. These structural changes made French ability a stronger competitive advantage in the immigration system.
Why did the percentage dip in 2021?
The 2021 dip reflected pandemic-related disruptions and processing priorities. During that period, immigration targets shifted toward inland candidates and temporary residents. The broader upward trend resumed once normal selection patterns returned.
Will the percentage continue to rise?
Current policy signals suggest continued growth. The Immigration Levels Plan maintains high overall admissions, and Francophone targets remain in place. If the share approaches 10%, French-speaking immigration outside Quebec could reach historic highs.
How can French-speaking candidates benefit from this trend?
Candidates with strong French skills can gain additional points in Express Entry and qualify for Francophone-specific provincial streams. Demonstrating high language proficiency improves competitiveness and opens more pathways to permanent residence outside Quebec.
