Canada Expands PR Openings to 5000 for French-Speaking Newcomers

Canada took a fresh step to support French-speaking immigration with a new decision announced on January 19. The federal immigration department confirmed it will add 5,000 more permanent residence spots for provinces and territories to welcome French-speaking newcomers. Officials shared the update during a press conference in Moncton, New Brunswick.

More Space for Provinces and Territories

The government set aside these new spots from “federal selection spaces.” Provinces and territories will receive them on top of their current permanent residence allocations. These existing spaces already support immigration pilots and provincial nominee programs.

With this move, the federal government aims to help local governments attract more French-speaking immigrants. The plan focuses on communities outside Quebec, where officials want to strengthen French language and culture.

Focus on Francophone Immigration

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said Canada once again surpassed its yearly target for French-speaking permanent residents in 2025. The country reached this goal for the fourth year in a row. She also confirmed that Canada plans to raise these targets in the coming years.

The government continues to push for stronger Francophone communities across the country. Officials see French-speaking newcomers as an important part of economic growth and community life, especially in smaller cities and regions.

What This Means for PNP Applicants

The added 5,000 spots will likely change how provinces run their nominee programs. With more room to nominate candidates, provinces may send more invitations to French-speaking applicants.

This change gives French-speaking candidates an advantage. Provinces can now focus more closely on language skills when choosing newcomers. However, officials have not yet shared details on how each province or territory will divide the new spaces.

Authorities also have not confirmed whether provinces will adjust existing programs or create new ones for French speakers. Even so, experts expect more opportunities to open in 2026 through regional and provincial pathways.

Canada Beats Its 2025 Target

During the announcement, the minister shared that French-speaking immigrants constituted about 8.9% of all permanent residents admitted outside Quebec in 2025. The government had set a target of 8.5%.

Most of these newcomers entered Canada through the Express Entry system. Officials credited targeted selection efforts for helping meet and exceed the goal.

Higher Targets Ahead

The government plans to continue raising its targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec. The current goals aim for 9% in 2026, 9.5% in 2027, and 10.5% in 2028.

To reach these numbers, Canada has introduced several measures. These include a French-language category in Express Entry, the Francophone Mobility work permit, a student pilot for Francophone minority communities, and the upcoming Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative.

Together, these steps form a broader plan. Ottawa described them as a path toward reaching a 12% target for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec by 2029.