If you are strategizing your move to Canada and feeling discouraged by the recent unrealistically high Express Entry cut-off scores, consider brushing up on your French.
Canada offers several immigration programs specifically targeting French-speaking applicants, either by awarding additional points or providing dedicated streams. Below is a summary of key federal and provincial programs available to Francophone candidates:
1. Express Entry – Targeted Draws
These draws allow French-speaking candidates to be selected with much lower CRS scores, even without Canadian work experience in some cases.
Eligibility: French proficiency at CLB 7 or higher in all four abilities, proven through valid TEF or TCF scores.
2. Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
This pilot provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers who want to live and work in rural or remote Francophone-minority communities. Six communities participate in the program, allowing employers to hire candidates for roles they cannot fill locally.
Requirements:
- A job offer from a designated employer in a participating community.
- At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years.
- French level CLB 5+ in all four abilities.
3. Provincial Nominee Programs
- Ontario – French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream (under OINP)
Eligibility: CLB 7 in French and CLB 6 in English - New Brunswick – Strategic Initiative for Francophones
Eligibility: CLB 5+ in French; job offer not required in some cases - Manitoba – Francophone Community Stream
Eligibility: CLB 5+ in French - Nova Scotia – Labour Market Priorities for French Speakers
Occasionally invites French-speaking Express Entry candidates. - Prince Edward Island (PEI) –
While not a separate stream, Francophone candidates are prioritized under both Work Permit and Express Entry streams.
4. Francophone Mobility Program (Work Permit)
This program exempts employers from needing an LMIA when hiring French-speaking foreign nationals for jobs outside Quebec.
Eligibility:
- French CLB 5+ in speaking and listening.
- Job offer in any TEER category (except TEER 4 or 5 in primary agriculture) outside Quebec.
Reach out at bulantseva.immigration@gmail.