Canada trims 2025 immigration targets while boosting Francophone intake

(CANADA) Canada has lowered its 2025 immigration target to 395,000 permanent residents while increasing goals and special pathways for French-speaking newcomers outside Quebec, according to the federal Immigration Levels Plan released in October 2024. The plan also introduces, for the first time, targets to shrink the temporary resident population—including international students and temporary foreign workers—by roughly one‑third over three years.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations were cut by 50% for 2025, prompting provinces to narrow streams and favor in‑demand sectors such as healthcare and construction.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says the reset aims to ease pressure on housing, public services, and the labor market while still meeting demographic goals. The department’s detailed 2025–2027 plan sets admissions at 395,000 in 2025, then 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027; the plan replaces earlier projections of 500,000 per year. The official plan is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/immigration-levels-plan-2025-2027.html.

Policy changes and Francophone focus

Even with lower overall admissions, the government is raising ambitions for Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

• IRCC plans to welcome approximately 30,000 French-speaking newcomers in 2025, increasing to 31,500 by 2027.
• Funding through the Official Languages Action Plan totals $137.2 million over five years to support outreach, selection, and settlement in minority Francophone communities.
• Officials say the goal is to grow French-speaking populations across provinces and help employers fill jobs where bilingual skills are in demand.

At the same time, Ottawa is tightening the intake of temporary residents. Over a three‑year period, the federal plan aims to reduce international students and temporary foreign workers by about one‑third. IRCC frames this as a reset rather than a freeze, saying a smaller share of temporary residents will improve services for people already in Canada and create clearer paths to permanent residence for those who qualify.

Express Entry and French draws

Express Entry has become the main tool to deliver the new approach. In 2025, IRCC held three large category‑based draws for French speakers—on February, March 6, and March 21—issuing 6,500, 4,500, and 7,500 Invitations to Apply respectively.

• The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut‑off scores ranged from 379 to 428, well below recent all‑program cut‑offs that often exceeded 500 or even 700 points.
• To qualify for these draws, candidates must show at least NCLC level 7 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• French language ability can add up to 310 CRS points when combined with other factors, which lifts many applicants over the threshold.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the French draws now offer one of the surest routes to an Invitation to Apply for skilled workers outside Quebec.

Important: Meeting NCLC 7 across all four abilities is mandatory for selection in these French‑focused rounds.

Impact on applicants and provinces

The cut to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is already reshaping choices for employers and applicants.

• With allocations down by 50% in 2025, provinces have reduced nomination spaces or tightened eligibility.
• Many provinces are steering nominations toward healthcare, construction, and other high‑demand roles.
• Some provinces are negotiating for more spaces, but most are aligning with federal direction to target labour shortages and meet Francophone community goals.

For non‑French‑speaking candidates in the economic stream, the smaller national target of 395,000 permanent residents increases competition.

• General Express Entry draws will likely become more competitive as fewer invitations are available.
• Applicants may need to improve scores or pursue alternative pathways.
• By contrast, French speakers outside Quebec now have a clear edge thanks to lower CRS cut‑offs and dedicated draws.

IRCC is also rolling out supportive programs:

• The Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative (2025–2026) to improve local reception, language services, and job connections.
• Plans to make the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot permanent by end of 2025, potentially opening doors for French‑speaking skilled workers.
• Exploration of work permit streams tied to sectors like agriculture and fish processing that face ongoing shortages.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, re‑elected in April 2025, has said immigration remains a priority but within a more conservative framework that better matches capacity. The government argues this approach balances reduced totals with targeted increases for communities that need them, especially Francophone minorities across Canada. Provincial leaders are split—some want more PNP space, others reset criteria to mirror federal direction.

Practical guidance for applicants (key notes for 2025)

• Express Entry French draws used lower CRS scores (often 379–428); meeting NCLC 7 across all abilities is mandatory for selection in these rounds.
• Provinces cut back PNP spaces by 50% in 2025, so expect tighter occupation lists and more focused employer ties.
• Settlement funding tied to the Francophone push includes $137.2 million to help communities welcome newcomers and connect them to jobs.

Stakeholder reactions and sector impacts

• Universities warn fewer international students could affect campus budgets and local economies.
• Employers in care, construction, and food production welcome targeted selection but request faster processing and predictable rules.
• Settlement groups stress the Francophone focus will work only if there are jobs, housing, and language classes ready where people actually move.

While the plan lowers totals, it does not close the door on growth. The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot moving to permanent status by late 2025 could attract skilled workers who bring experience and French. New sectoral work permits in agriculture and fish processing would support food supply chains while creating entry routes that may later lead to permanent residence through Express Entry or a PNP nomination.

Big picture: Canada will admit fewer newcomers overall in 2025, but it is placing real weight on French. Applicants who align with that priority—and can prove the required language levels—will likely move faster. Others should monitor fast‑changing PNP criteria and caps and consider study or work plans that build French over time.