Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is ardently pursuing its goal of achieving a 4.4% target of French-speaking immigrants outside of Quebec by the end of 2023. This commitment is embedded in both the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023 and the Francophone Immigration Strategy launched in 2019.
As of September 15, 2022, the proportion of French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec stood at 3.7%, prompting the release of a memo by IRCC detailing post-2023 strategies. The department is actively exploring action areas that align with the proposals under the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028.
Integrating a Francophone Lens into Express Entry Reforms: Enhancing Flexibility for Candidate Selection
The first key area involves integrating a Francophone lens into Express Entry reforms. This initiative aims to enhance candidate selection flexibility, specifically targeting French-speaking and bilingual candidates. Given the pivotal role of Express Entry in supporting Francophone immigration, this strategic integration is crucial for maximizing its potential.
Expanding Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR) for French-Speaking Students and Workers: Tailored Opportunities
Another vital aspect is the expansion of pathways to permanent residence (PR) for French-speaking international students and foreign workers. The memo suggests expanding existing programs or introducing new TR to PR pathways tailored to specific trades or professions. IRCC sees its temporary resident program as an opportunity to facilitate Francophone foreign nationals gaining valuable Canadian work experience, qualifying them for permanent residence pathways.
Broadening the Francophone Mobility Stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP): Inclusive Growth
In tandem, IRCC is actively working to broaden the Francophone mobility stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP). This expansion aims to include French-speaking temporary workers from diverse skill sets and occupations, aligning with the overarching goal of meeting permanent resident admission targets.
Expanding Partnerships, Especially with Provinces and Territories: Tailored Approaches for Diversity
The department also emphasizes the importance of expanding partnerships, particularly with provinces and territories. Understanding the labor force needs of French-speaking and bilingual immigrants is seen as pivotal for the vitality of Francophone communities. IRCC aims to strengthen these partnerships and work bilaterally to develop more tailored approaches, recognizing the diverse interests across provinces and territories.
Ambitious Targets in the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026: Focused Growth
Looking beyond, IRCC’s annual Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 seeks to stabilize the number of new permanent residents in 2025 and 2026, maintaining an overall admissions target of 500,000 new PRs in both years. However, the noteworthy shift lies in the specific target for Francophone permanent residents outside Quebec, which increases from 26,100 in 2024 to 36,000 in 2026.
Strategic Funding: Supporting Integration and Retention in Francophone Minority Communities
To support these ambitious targets, IRCC is allocating substantial resources. As part of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028, $18.5 million will be invested to promote and support the recruitment of Francophone immigrants both within Canada and abroad. An additional $50 million will further consolidate the Francophone integration pathway, focusing on easing settlement and integration for newcomers and enhancing the reception capacity of Francophone minority communities.
Canada’s Francophone Immigration Strategy: A Holistic Vision
Finally, Canada’s overarching Francophone Immigration Strategy, unveiled in 2019, aligns with these efforts. Beyond achieving the 4.4% target by 2023, the strategy aims to support the successful integration and retention of French-speaking newcomers while strengthening the overall capacity of Francophone communities.
In conclusion, IRCC’s multifaceted approach post-2023 reflects Canada’s steadfast commitment to fostering a vibrant and thriving Francophone presence, showcasing a comprehensive strategy that integrates reforms, partnerships, and substantial investments.
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