Boosting Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec Through Express Entry
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Enhancing Opportunities for Francophone Candidates
Canada’s Immigration Minister, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, recently revealed a significant update to the Express Entry system. French-speaking and bilingual applicants will now gain additional points, aiding the government’s aim to achieve 4.4% French-speaking immigrant admissions outside Quebec by 2023.
Express Entry, an online platform managing permanent residency applications from skilled workers, is key to this initiative. Although Francophone immigration outside Quebec has been rising, current selection tools fall short of meeting the 2023 target. By granting extra points to those proficient in French, Canada inches closer to this goal, aided by anticipated relaxations in global travel restrictions.
Increased Points for Language Proficiency
The modification increases points for French-speaking candidates from 15 to 25, and for bilingual individuals from 30 to 50. This follows the initial allocation of points in June 2017 for candidates demonstrating strong French language skills.
Significance of Supporting Francophone Communities
“Supporting the development of Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec is part of this government’s plan for economic growth and long-term prosperity throughout the country. It is also the right thing to do to help support Francophone communities right across Canada. We will continue to attract Francophone immigrants to make sure that Francophone minority communities flourish.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Insights
- 2019 saw French-speaking immigrant admissions outside Quebec rise to 2.82%, with 5.6% of French speakers invited to apply, up from 4.5% in 2018.
- From 2003 to 2019, over 60,000 French-speaking immigrants settled in Canada outside Quebec, with 8,465 admitted in 2019 alone.
- The Action Plan for Official Languages – 2018-2023 allocates $40.8 million over five years to support Francophone integration and policy development.
- Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec independently sets its immigration levels.
Useful Resources
- Immigrate through Express Entry
- What changes have recently been made to Express Entry?
- Francophone immigration – Express Entry
- Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy 2018-2023
- Action Plan for Official Languages – 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future
- Francophone Immigration (Outside Quebec)
- Comprehensive Ranking System
Contact Information
Media Inquiries Only
Alexander Cohen
Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
