Canada’s Francophone Immigration Target Met in 2022

Earlier this week, Canada announced that it welcomed a record number of Francophone immigrants in 2022 and reached its immigration targets for French speakers outside of Quebec.

Highest Number of Francophone Immigrants in Recent Years

The immigration minister announced that Canada met its 2022 immigration target of 4.4% of French speaking immigrants outside of Quebec. This is the highest number of Francophones welcomed since 2006 and reflects the Canadian government’s dedication to reaching its immigration goals. 

In 2006, the number of Francophone residents outside of Quebec was just over 2,800 which made up 1.38% of immigrants. Over the past year, that number jumped to 16,300 or 3.02% of newcomers settling in communities across Canada. This is the largest number of Francophone immigrants outside of Quebec since Canada began to record its immigration data.

Achieving this target demonstrates Canada’s support and commitment to developing Francophone minorities across Canada. It also shows the Canadian government’s understanding of the importance of Francophone newcomers to the country and the communities in which they settle. These newcomers contribute greatly to Canada’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape and continue to contribute to Canada’s economic development by addressing the labour shortage throughout the country.

The Canadian government will continue to promote Francophone immigration outside of Quebec in the years ahead and is committed to promoting population growth and economic prosperity. 

“It is a significant milestone and reflects the importance and contribution of French-speaking immigrants to the vitality and development of Francophone communities outside Quebec. We will continue to welcome French-speaking immigrants to ensure the viability of these key communities that are helping to shape the future of our country.”

French Language Skills Are an Asset Outside of Quebec

Even outside of Quebec, speaking French is advantageous for those looking to immigrate and settle in Canada.

When it comes to permanent residency, those with strong French language skills receive additional points for Express Entry. Express Entry is aimed at selecting applicants who meet the criteria for one of three main federal economic programs. The main programs are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

The system recognizes French language skills and awards points for high levels of French language proficiency. This could give applicants who speak French a better chance of being selected over a similar applicant without French proficiency.

In addition to the Express Entry system, Canada has an advantageous Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Provincial governments administer their unique immigration programs, and some have streams specifically designed to recruit French speakers and help them integrate into francophone communities.

Such is the case of the aforementioned Ontario’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which nominates candidates with advanced French language abilities. Nova Scotia also invites French-speaking candidates through its Labour Market Priorities Stream.

Best Ways to Immigrate to Canada for French Speakers

Depending on your goals there are many ways to immigrate to Canada as a French speaker.

If you want to study, there are dozens of reputable institutions across Canada that provide quality French or bilingual education and programs to suit your needs. Studying in Canada also tends to be more affordable compared to other popular destinations such as the United States.

Receiving a work permit, on the other hand, will allow you to come to Canada specifically to work. Due to an increased labour shortage, many companies are turning to immigration to meet labour demands. Having French proficiency could give applicants a leg up on the competition to land their ideal role.

Once in Canada, if you decide you’d like to make your stay more permanent, you can begin to explore permanent options such as Canadian permanent residency. However, if you are already sure that you would like to make your immigration permanent, you can apply directly for permanent residence through Express Entry from your home country.

Interested in learning more about your options to immigrate to Canada? Take our free assessment to discover all of your options.