October 15, 2025

Francophones: why choose Express Entry to immigrate to Canada

The Express Entry system has become one of the most popular pathways to obtain permanent residency in Canada. It allows for the selection of qualified candidates based on the needs of the Canadian labor market to settle outside Quebec.

A targeted system for skilled workers

Express Entry includes three main categories:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Canadian Experience Class (reserved for candidates who have been or are currently in Canada)

Candidates are assessed using a points-based system that considers various criteria such as age, work experience, language skills, and education level.

Benefits for Francophones

Since 2023, targeted selection categories have made it possible to prioritize certain profiles, particularly Francophones. This measure aims to support Francophone communities in minority situations, especially in provinces outside Quebec.

Francophone candidates benefit from an advantage in the Express Entry system. Thanks to additional points awarded for French language skills, they have a better chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency, even with a lower overall score than other candidates.

In practical terms, with an identical profile (same age, education, and work experience), a Francophone has a better chance of being selected than an Anglophone due to the additional points awarded for French.

Latest Express Entry invitation rounds in 2025

DateNumber of invitations issuedMinimum score
October 64,500432
September 44,500446
August 82,500481
March 217,500379
March 64,500410
February 196,500428

Example of a Francophone profile likely to be selected

A highly qualified, bilingual couple in their forties. Each holds a master’s degree in their field of expertise, is fluent in French, and speaks English fluently. In addition, both have more than three years of experience in a skilled profession.

Francophone communities outside Quebec

Thanks to Express Entry, the number of Francophone immigrants outside Quebec is on the rise. This contributes to the vitality of Francophone communities in Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta, and elsewhere.

Moreover, many services are available in French: medical care, education, support for settling in, etc.

Interested in settling in Canada outside Quebec?

Check your eligibility using our pre-assessment to find out if you can immigrate to Canada through Express Entry.

The use of the masculine gender in this text is intended solely to simplify the reading and includes all individuals, without discrimination.
Picture by Reza Madani on Unsplash
This article contains general information about immigration and is intended to simplify and explain key concepts. It does not constitute legal advice. For a complete legal opinion tailored to your situation, please consult a qualified professional.
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