Francophone Immigration in Canada: What We Learned at NCIC 2025 and What's Next for the Francophone Mobility Program
Canada's commitment to Francophone immigration is stronger than ever, and at the recent National Citizenship and Immigration Conference 2025 (NCIC 2025), Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shared valuable insights into what lies ahead. Here’s our comprehensive review of key highlights and takeaways directly from IRCC representatives.
Why Francophone Immigration Remains a Top Priority?
Canada’s Francophone and Acadian minorities outside Quebec accounted for 6.1% of the population in 1971. Fast forward to 2021, and this figure had dwindled to just 3.5%. This significant decline has driven IRCC to take bold action, firmly placing Francophone immigration at the center of its strategy—an initiative now embedded in the Official Languages Act.
Ambitious Targets for Permanent Residents
As outlined in IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is aiming for substantial growth in Francophone permanent resident admissions outside Quebec:
2025: 8.5% of total admissions
2026: 9.5% of total admissions
2027: 10% of total admissions
IRCC has even loftier aspirations: 12% by 2029, with discussions hinting at a potential 20% target by 2035—though the latter remains unconfirmed officially. Notably, 80% of Francophone permanent residents admitted in 2024 came through economic immigration pathways, showcasing IRCC’s strategy to attract skilled French-speaking immigrants.
A key quote from the Director of the Francophone Immigration Branch during NCIC 2025 highlights ongoing efforts:
“IRCC is currently working to optimize the admissions of French-speaking candidates.”
This indicates possible new pathways and refinements to existing immigration streams to ensure Canada hits these ambitious targets.
The Future of the Francophone Mobility Work Permit - Is the program expiring in June?
One hot topic at NCIC 2025 was the fate of the Francophone Mobility Work Permit program. Initially introduced in 2016, this program saw significant enhancements on June 15, 2023:
Language proficiency requirements were lowered from NCLC 7 (CLB 7) to only NCLC 5 (CLB 5) and that too only in oral comprehension and expression abilities.
Eligibility expanded from occupations in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, and 3 to all TEER categories (excluding certain primary agriculture occupations).
This expansion, however, is set to expire on June 15, 2025. Will IRCC revert to previous, stricter conditions, or will the program end altogether?
IRCC’s much anticipated answer from NCIC 2025 - We haven’t decided yet.
IRCC representatives candidly acknowledged uncertainty regarding the program's future, partly due to recent federal elections delaying policy discussions. Nonetheless, IRCC assured attendees these discussions are progressing rapidly and remain a high priority. An update prior to the expiration is likely.
Our opinion: Crack the TCF Canada anticipates minor adjustments rather than a major overhaul. It's plausible that some occupations in TEER 4 and 5 could become ineligible, similar to current exclusions for primary agriculture roles. Importantly, the NCLC 5 language requirement is expected to remain unchanged, aligning with standards already set by the Francophone Communities Immigration Pilot.
The overall tone from IRCC suggests the Francophone Mobility Work Permit will continue to serve as a vital tool in Canada’s Francophone immigration strategy, perhaps becoming even more appealing to potential candidates.
Francophone Immigration vs. Skilled Immigration: Different Paths, Same Destination?
With Honourable Lena Metlege Diab now serving as Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, observers are keenly watching how new leadership will influence immigration policy. However, one notable difference between skilled immigration and Francophone immigration strategies emerged clearly at NCIC 2025.
Skilled immigration is increasingly focussing on converting temporary residents already in Canada into permanent residents, aiming to reduce the 3 million temporary resident population without significantly increasing the overall numbers. This approach is reflected in the new ‘in-Canada focus’ quota. The downside of this strategy is that permanent residency aspirants face immense competition—potentially leaving three out of four eligible temporary residents without a pathway to permanent residency.
In contrast, Francophone immigration efforts lean heavily towards attracting French-speakers from abroad, a necessary tactic given Canada’s internal shortage. IRCC representatives emphasized the careful balance required between Francophone, economic, and non-economic immigration streams to ensure sustainable immigration levels. This outward focus results in relaxed criteria for immigration, which a lot of temporary residents inside Canada can take advantage of.
The Unique Opportunity in Francophone Immigration
Even as overall immigration targets gradually decline due to shifting public sentiment and policy adjustments, Francophone immigration remains a unique, thriving exception—its targets rising steadily year over year. For temporary residents in Canada hoping to achieve permanent residency, this represents a distinct advantage.
Learning French emerges not only as a valuable skill but as a strategic tool to stand out amidst fierce competition. Francophone immigration programs, particularly with pathways like the Francophone Mobility Work Permit and other French-focused pilots, offer clear avenues toward permanent residency.
At Crack the TCF Canada, we strongly believe that mastering French is more than just an asset—it’s your golden ticket to securing permanent residency in Canada.
