Immigration in Canada for French-Speaking People
Canada offers several immigration and work pathways designed to attract and retain French-speaking professionals and skilled workers who wish to live and work outside the province of Quebec. These programs support Canada’s objective of increasing francophone immigration across the country, particularly in regions where French is a minority language.
French proficiency can provide a significant advantage for both temporary work permits and permanent residence, often leading to faster processing, priority selection, or exemptions from standard requirements such as Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
PERMANENT RESIDENCE PATHWAY: PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMS (PNPS) FOR FRANCOPHONES
TRANSITION PATHWAYS FOR FRANCOPHONE WORKERS
Temporary Pathways: Work Permits for Francophones
Mobilité Francophone (International Mobility Program)
This LMIA-exempt work permit allows French-speaking foreign nationals to work anywhere in Canada outside Quebec.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have a genuine job offer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under the National Occupational Classification)
- Demonstrate French proficiency (NCLC 5 or higher in French or on TEF Canada, applicants must score at least 352 in listening and 387 in speaking.
- Intend to work outside Quebec
Employers are not required to complete an LMIA, but must submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee.
Typical duration: up to three years, renewable
IRCC is expected to expand francophone work permit access through updated instructions, facilitating transitions from temporary work to permanent residence and supporting regional employers.
Permanent Residence Pathways for French-Speaking Applicants
Express Entry – French-Speaking Category
Introduced in 2023, this category-based selection invites candidates with strong French proficiency, regardless of their occupation.
Applicants may receive invitations under the French-speaking proficiency category if they meet:
- CLB 7 or higher in French (with English as a secondary language accepted)
- Eligibility under one of the three Express Entry programs (FSW, FST, or CEC)
Draws are held several times per year, often with lower CRS thresholds than general rounds.
Express Entry – French Bonus Points (All-Program Rounds)
Even outside the category-based draws, French-speaking applicants automatically receive additional CRS points:
- 25 extra points for strong French and moderate English
- 50 extra points for strong French and strong English
This can significantly increase ranking and invitation chances.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Francophones
Several provinces offer dedicated francophone or bilingual streams to attract French-speaking candidates:
- Ontario: French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream (via Express Entry) – ongoing in 2025 with regular invitations.
- New Brunswick: Strategic Initiative for Francophones – for workers with strong French and intent to settle in the province.
- Nova Scotia: Labour Market Priorities for Francophones – Express Entry-linked draws targeting French-speaking candidates.
- Manitoba and Prince Edward Island: periodically include French proficiency as a selection factor in provincial EOI draws.
Each province sets its own eligibility rules, language benchmarks, and nomination procedures.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
While not exclusively francophone, the Atlantic provinces actively recruit French-speaking candidates. Designated employers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island may give preference to bilingual or French-dominant applicants to meet community targets.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) – Francophone Recruitment
Participating communities sometimes prioritize French-speaking newcomers to strengthen bilingual capacity. Candidates must still meet the local job offer, settlement, and language requirements.
Transition Pathways for Francophone Workers
French-speaking foreign workers in Canada under Mobilité Francophone or other LMIA-exempt categories can often transition to permanent residence through Express Entry, a PNP, or AIP once they gain Canadian work experience.
Why Apply as a French Speaker
- Priority access to dedicated Express Entry rounds
- LMIA exemptions and simpler employer processes
- Additional CRS points for bilingual proficiency
- Provincial nomination opportunities tailored for francophones
- Contribution to Canada’s goal of increasing French-language vitality outside Quebec
If you are a French speaker, either outside of Canada or stuck in Quebec without a pathway to permanent residence, these programs can work to realize your goal of obtaining permanent residence in Canada.
At Elliott Immigration, we are experts in navigating these programs to ensure you and your family have the best strategy to remain in Canada permanently. The opportunity for French-speaking applicants has never been better!