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)
• New Brunswick – Strategic Initiative for Francophones
• Manitoba – Francophone Community Stream
• Nova Scotia – Labour Market Priorities for French Speakers
• Prince Edward Island (PEI) –

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.

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