Canada Adds 5,000 Permanent Residence Spaces for French-Speaking Immigrants
OTTAWA — Canada has announced 5,000 additional permanent residence selection spaces for French-speaking immigrants in 2026.
The move aims to strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec and support regional labour needs.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab made the announcement in Moncton, New Brunswick.
The new spaces will come from federal allocations and sit outside existing provincial quotas.
Boost for Provincial Nominee Programs
The extra spaces will flow through Provincial Nominee Programs and regional immigration streams.
Provinces will gain more flexibility to nominate French-proficient candidates.
Officials said the expansion will help address workforce shortages.
It will also support minority Francophone and Acadian communities across Canada.
The federal government has not yet released a province-by-province breakdown.
More details are expected in the coming weeks.
Strong Francophone Immigration Performance
Canada has exceeded its Francophone immigration targets for four straight years.
In 2025, French-speaking immigrants made up nearly nine percent of new residents outside Quebec.
That figure surpassed the federal target of 8.5 percent.
Officials said the results show steady progress toward linguistic balance.
The government plans to raise targets further.
Goals include nine percent in 2026, 9.5 percent in 2027, and 10.5 percent by 2028.
Part of a Broader Immigration Strategy
The expansion aligns with Canada’s long-term immigration plan.
That strategy focuses on economic growth, regional development, and cultural diversity.
French-speaking candidates can already apply through Express Entry and provincial streams.
The added spaces will increase selection opportunities.
Ottawa has also invested in settlement and integration programs.
These supports aim to help newcomers succeed in smaller communities.
Looking Ahead
Officials say the additional spaces will help Canada remain competitive for global talent.
They also reaffirm the country’s commitment to bilingualism.
The government believes strong Francophone immigration benefits the economy and social cohesion.
Further announcements are expected as the 2026 intake approaches.
