Francophone Immigration Pathways to Permanent Residence
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Encouraging French-Speaking Residents to Pursue Permanent Residency
Immigration plays a crucial role in strengthening Francophone communities throughout Canada, particularly in Acadian areas like New Brunswick. Recently, Minister of Immigration, Marco E. L. Mendicino, and FCFA President Liane Roy visited Bathurst. They invited French-speaking temporary residents to apply for the new pathway to permanent residency.
This initiative is significant for Acadian and Francophone minority communities, aiding in the retention of essential French-language teachers. The program supports Canada’s Francophone immigration goals by allowing unlimited applications from French-speaking and bilingual candidates.
Application Streams for French-Speaking Candidates
Until November 5, 2021, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept applications from French-speaking or bilingual candidates intending to reside outside Quebec. These applications fall under three streams:
- Temporary workers in health care
- Temporary workers in other essential occupations
- International students who graduated from a Canadian institution
As the world recovers from the pandemic, immigration remains vital for Canada’s economic recovery, ensuring businesses have the workforce needed to thrive and grow.
Notable Statements on Francophone Immigration
“Canada’s bilingual nature gives it a unique advantage globally. Supporting Francophone minority communities is part of our economic growth strategy. This pathway ensures immigration contributes to their development directly.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“With no cap on the number of applications, we urge temporary workers and graduates to consider this new pathway. We also encourage community organizations to promote it to French-speaking residents.”
– Liane Roy, FCFA Canada President
Important Details About the Initiative
- The policies began on May 6, 2021, and will conclude on November 5, 2021.
- No limits exist for applications from French-speaking and bilingual newcomers.
- Candidates must demonstrate French-language proficiency at level 4 through an approved test as per the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.
- Eligible workers need at least one year of Canadian work experience in an approved health-care profession or another essential occupation.
- Graduates must have completed a program at a designated learning institution since January 2017.
Contact Information
For media inquiries:
Alex 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
Related Resources
- Application guidelines
- New pathway to permanent residency for over 90,000 essential temporary workers and international graduates
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the new Francophone immigration pathway?
French-speaking or bilingual temporary residents intending to live outside Quebec, including health care workers, essential occupation workers, and international graduates, are eligible.
What is the deadline for applying?
Applications are accepted until November 5, 2021.
Is there a limit on the number of applications?
No, there is no cap on applications for French-speaking or bilingual candidates.
What are the language requirements?
Applicants must prove a French-language proficiency of benchmark 4 through a recognized test.
Where can I find more information?
For detailed application guidelines, visit the official page.

