Canada is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Francophone communities across the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, will hold a significant press conference in Moncton, New Brunswick, on January 16, 2026. The announcement is expected to reveal important updates regarding immigration for French speakers in minority communities outside of Quebec.
What Does This Update Mean?
This upcoming announcement signals a potentially significant development in Canada’s ongoing strategy to attract and retain French-speaking immigrants. For years, the federal government has set ambitious targets to increase the proportion of Francophone newcomers settling outside of Quebec, aiming to preserve the French language and support the vitality of these vibrant communities. The choice of Moncton, a city in Canada’s only officially bilingual province, underscores the importance of this initiative.
The update could introduce several changes, such as:
- New Immigration Pathways: A new federal program or dedicated streams within existing programs for French-speaking candidates.
- Express Entry Changes: Adjustments to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to grant more points for French proficiency, or more frequent category-based draws for this group.
- Enhanced Support: Increased funding for settlement services that provide job assistance, language training, and community integration for Francophone newcomers.
Who Is Affected?
This news is highly relevant for a wide range of individuals and groups, including:
- French-Speaking & Bilingual Applicants: Individuals worldwide with French language skills who are considering immigrating to Canada.
- Express Entry Candidates: Applicants in the Express Entry pool may see new opportunities and targeted draws that prioritize their language abilities.
- International Students: French-speaking students hoping to transition to permanent residence after their studies may find new, streamlined pathways.
- Canadian Employers: Businesses outside of Quebec looking to hire bilingual or French-speaking talent could benefit from a larger and more accessible talent pool.
- Francophone Communities: These communities across Canada are set to benefit from population growth and cultural enrichment.
What Can You Do to Prepare?
While we await the specific details of the announcement, prospective immigrants can take proactive steps to position themselves for success:
- Prove Your Language Skills: If you speak French, schedule and take an approved language test like the TEF Canada or TCF Canada. A strong score is essential for any Francophone immigration program.
- Enter the Express Entry Pool: If you are eligible, create your Express Entry profile now. Having an active profile ensures you are ready for any targeted draws that may result from this announcement.
- Get Your Credentials Assessed: Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your foreign education meets Canadian standards.
- Research Provinces: Explore the different provinces and territories outside of Quebec to learn about their Francophone communities, job markets, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Stay tuned for our detailed analysis following the official press conference on January 16, 2026.