Canada’s Express Entry system is now tailored to provide a pathway for French-speaking immigrants to support economic growth through Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Today, Minister of Official Languages Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced the first Francophone round for category-based selection that will help promote the French language and address labour shortages in communities outside of Quebec.
“The French language is an integral and historic part of Canada’s rich cultural and linguistic landscape,” Taylor said in a statement. “This significant milestone highlights the immeasurable contributions and cultural diversity fostered by Francophone communities.”
“Together, we will continue to promote and preserve Canada’s linguistic and social diversity,” the minister added.
On May 31, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced changes to Express Entry through category-based selection. These changes help address labour shortages that support an identified economic goal by inviting candidates with specific work experience or French language ability to apply for permanent residence. The categories were determined following extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders and the public, as well as a review of labour market needs. A complete list of eligible jobs for the new categories is available on the IRCC website.
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program. In June 2022, the federal government made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada’s labour force growth, helping to address labour shortages in key sectors.
From 2018 to 2022, admissions under the Federal High-Skilled program accounted for between 34% and 40% of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.
