How IRCC Is Prioritizing French Speakers for Canada Immigration

 

If you have been following the recent immigration trends in Canada, you may have noticed something unusual. Although overall immigration planning became stricter, the French-speaking applicants remained in a “fast lane,” particularly if they do not plan to reside in Quebec. Recently, IRCC leveraged a range of opportunities (Express Entry draws, additional points, and work-permit pathways) to attract Francophone talent and support Francophone minority groups nationwide.

So what is the practical meaning of “prioritizing French speakers”? And how do you get to use it to enhance your opportunities of attaining Canadian permanent residence (PR) or a work permit?

Let’s break it down.

Why French Matters More Now

Canada’s new 2025-2027 immigration plan sets a lower total PR admissions target than previously estimated: 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. 

Concurrently, IRCC has maintained a strong policy emphasis on empowering Francophone minority communities outside Quebec and has an explicit Francophone target and initiative in that regard. Indicatively, the levels information by IRCC underscores the plan to boost Francophone PR intake outside Quebec in the next few years (and mentions a longer-term end goal of 12% by 2029).

In other words, despite a more competitive environment, French may serve as a differentiator because it aligns with one of the federal government’s declared priorities.

Priority 1: Express Entry Category-based Selection for French Proficiency

Express Entry category-based selection is the largest headline in recent times. Rather than inviting the highest-scoring applicants in general draws, IRCC can conduct category-based rounds targeting applicants who meet specific criteria, such as French-language proficiency.

What makes you eligible for the French category?

According to IRCC, to be eligible for the French-language proficiency category, you must have an NCLC test score of at least 7 in each of four abilities (reading, writing, listening and speaking). 

Why this is a big deal

Categorical rounds may be a viable way of providing a second set of “doors” into PR. You are not just competing in the general pool anymore; French can place you in a specific lane and compare you with other French-speaking candidates.

And not only in theory, but in 2025 itself: there were several publicly followed draw tables in which the years saw repeated rounds of the French category (e.g. draw entries in late October and late November 2025).

Priority 2: Bonus CRS points for French (up to 50 points)

Although you may never be selected in a round that does not take place in a French-category round, French will still provide you with extra CRS points and hence improve your rank.

The CRS requirements at IRCC demonstrate that applicants have an opportunity to score additional points for strong French, and there are two standard situations:

• 25 points when you score NCLC 7+ in French, and CLB 4 or less in English (or do not take an English test)
• 50 points in case you get NCLC 7+ in French and at the same time get at least CLB 5+ in English

Such bonus points can make the difference between “almost there” and “invited”.

Practical takeaway: If you can meet it, the sweet spot is typically NCLC 7+ French + CLB 5+ English, as it unlocks the maximum bonus in French.

Priority 3: Francophone Mobility Work Permits (LMIA-exempt, outside Quebec)

PR is not the only path to receiving a French-friendly push. Temporarily, the Francophone Mobility work permit simplifies the hiring of French-speaking (or bilingual) employers within Quebec without an LMIA (a significant obstacle in most work permit applications).

The eligibility guide of IRCC states that:

• This position should be outside Quebec
• The employer must complete the steps in the Employer Portal (which includes the offer of employment number) and pay an employer compliance fee of $230.

Why this is significant: It means that by accepting an opportunity outside Quebec, Francophone Mobility will help you arrive in Canada sooner, gain Canadian work experience, and eventually move toward PR via Express Entry or a provincial route.

Priority 4: Francophone Targets and Initiatives Outside Quebec

IRCC has been clear that Francophone immigration beyond Quebec is not just a slogan; it is also monitored and targets pilots/initiatives that accompany it.

The published source of IRCC on levels and the community of Francophone emphasizes:

• Francophone PR admissions outside Quebec are increasing over time
• An undertaking to a more extended objective of 12% Francophone enrollments outside Quebec by 2029
• Programs like the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot and the Welcoming Francophone Communities program

Although you may not be applying via a “French-only” stream, these programs can be used to influence where opportunities and support are most abundant, particularly in communities where there is an active effort to attract Francophone newcomers.

A practical playbook for French-speaking candidates

The following is a basic proposal which is in line with the functioning of IRCC:

1) Treat French scores as a primary asset

Grab the CRS bonus by aiming for an NCLC 7 in all skills of the French category.

2) Add baseline English

Provided you can achieve CLB 5+ in English, you can get the maximum bonus of 50 points in French, which can be a significant CRS increase. 

3) Create an Express Entry profile early and keep it updated

Category-based rounds rely on you being in the pool and fulfilling the instructions of each round. 

4) Take into account the “work-first” strategy with Francophone Mobility

If you haven’t been qualified as a PR yet, a job outside Quebec can also be a good intermediate move, particularly since the employer is LMIA-exempt under Francophone Mobility. 

5) Wisely choose a location to settle 

Since policy attention is focused on Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, this may be relevant to where you are going and how your profile complements Canada’s objectives.

Common mistakes that weaken French-speaker applications

• French test scores do not fulfill NCLC 7 in every skill (you must have all four)
• Just concentrating on the general rounds and not the category-based rounds
• The 50-point bonus would be missed if skipping English entirely, which could provide a score of CLB 5
• Francophone Mobility employment opportunity in Quebec (it has to be beyond Quebec)

Conclusion

There is a strong reason behind IRCC’s “French priority.” French speakers can access multiple opportunities through the French-category Express Entry rounds, a maximum of 50 CRS bonus points, or LMIA-exempt Francophone Mobility work permits.

If you are interested in understanding your strengths and developing a “French-first” strategy that works, our Immigrationway lawyers can help. Basic profile details like (age range, education, years of skilled work, any current estimate of CRS, and your level of French proficiency) can expose you to any of these potential pathways: Express Entry, a work permit, or provincial/community.

FAQs

1. What are the French tests that the IRCC accepts, and how long will the results be considered valid?
   For the Express Entry route, the IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Results are valid for two years. Upload the report number, keep the original, and ensure the scores are in accordance with NCLC requirements in your profile.
2. Is the French prioritization of any use in case I intend to reside in Quebec?
   The measures discussed here are primarily aimed at Francophones outside Quebec. When planning to settle in Quebec, you may access Quebec programs such as Arrima and CSQ, but they have different rules and distinct selection timelines.
3. Do the French help international students to increase their PR opportunities?
   Some ways French-speaking students can increase PR opportunities include passing approved French exams during their studies, securing Francophone internships, and obtaining post-graduation work permits to gain Canadian work experience before Express Entry.
4. Would I require English bilingualism in case of Francophone Mobility?
   Francophone Mobility usually expects you to demonstrate proficiency in French for the role, not in English. Employers are still evaluating the need for workplaces. The resume, interview, and documents must be in French.
5. Will my spouse’s language scores be of any help in my application?
   When you apply with a spouse, your spouse’s French or English test score can be used to add CRS points. Consider who should be the primary applicant. The two profiles should be updated in case skills are later upgraded.
6. What can I do to prevent missing opportunities, considering the changing patterns of drawings?
   Processing times and draw frequency vary frequently. Creating a full profile as early as possible, having the documents prepared, and following IRCC notifications weekly are important. With valid test results and passports, invitations will not be missed when submitting.