Canadian Immigration Minister announced series of initiatives to support Francophone immigration

Francophone Immigration Policy

The ground-breaking Francophone immigration policy, revealed on 16 January, is designed to motivate economic development in Francophone minority communities. This inclusive policy outlines short, medium, and long-term strategies to restore and surge the demographic weight of these communities. Emphasizing promotion and recruitment efforts within and outside Canada, the policy targets particular industries facing labour shortages. It also introduces a new program dedicated to Francophone economic immigration.

Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative

Under the transformed Welcoming Francophone Communities measure, 14 existing Canadian communities will continue to receive funding to facilitate the integration of French-speaking newcomers. The expansion of this initiative allows the selection of up to 10 extra communities, empowering them to create environments that foster the economic and socio-cultural integration of French-speaking newcomers.

Also read- Category-based Express Entry Draw on 7 Dec- IRCC invites 1,000 French-speaking Candidates

Francophone Immigration Support Program

The newly introduced Francophone Immigration Support Program will finance innovative projects aimed at removing barriers to Francophone immigration. This program is expected to streamline international promotion initiatives and streamline the recruitment process for French-speaking candidates, contributing to the growth of Francophone minority communities.

Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028

These initiatives are reinforced by an investment exceeding $137 million, part of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028. The enactment of these measures highlights the federal government’s unwavering commitment to the vitality of Francophone minority communities.

Speaking about these measures, Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship said,

“Francophone immigration plays a crucial role in strengthening our national identity. The numerous measures we are implementing will attract skilled Francophone workers who will support the economic and cultural development of these communities. Our efforts to ensure the successful reception and integration of French-speaking newcomers support our unwavering commitment to restoring and increasing the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities.”

Minister Miller also reported that the target of 4.4% French-speaking resident admissions outside Quebec was exceeded in December 2023, reaching nearly 4.7% throughout the year. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will confirm the complete 2023 statistics by February 2024. Notably, IRCC set ambitious targets for the next 3 years: 6% in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026 for Francophone immigrant admissions outside Quebec.

These measures are anticipated to strengthen the long-term growth and vitality of Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. The Government of Canada remains committed to co-operating with provinces, territories, and key stakeholders in strengthening these communities.

Significance of French proficiency in Express Entry draws

French language proficiency is also a key category as part of newly introduced category based selections. Last year, the IRCC held a few separate draws for French-Language proficiency category. In these draws, the IRCC invited francophone candidates with relatively low CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) Visa. The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as it is allocate points to the applicants for their French language proficiency as part of CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System).

With the existing and new measures for Francophones, it is best time to apply for Canada PR Visa in 2024, if you are proficient in French or already learning the language.

Also read-

Canadian PNPs invited 4,803 immigration candidates in 2nd Week of Jan 2024

U.S. waves Interview Requirement for Certain Non-immigrant visas Effective January 1, 2024

Canada to Welcome Over 200,000 New Immigrants in 2024 through Express Entry & PNPs- Apply for PR now

Ontario’s Express Entry- Skilled Trades Stream draw invites 2,552 Candidates

To know more and apply for immigration to Canada on PR visa in 2024, you may contact Visas Avenue qualified and trusted Immigration Advisor and Expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar