Francophone immigration outside Québec: targets and results

For Francophone immigration outside Québec, IRCC is aiming for 9% of new permanent residents in 2026, or 30,267 people, according to its 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan. In 2025, the share reached 8.9%, or 29,630 admissions, above the 8.5% target. Cameroon accounted for about 40% of them, according to our calculations from IRCC data.

Targets and results since 2024

IRCC sets a target for French-speaking immigrants among permanent resident admissions outside Québec. The table brings together the targets in the 2025-2027 and 2026-2028 levels plans and the results published by IRCC: a news release of January 19, 2026, a note to the CIMM parliamentary committee dated December 4, 2025, and the Francophone immigration dashboard (data as of February 25, 2026).

IRCC's 2026-2028 levels plan lowered the 2026 and 2027 targets: the 2025-2027 plan had set them at 9.5% and 10%. A target promises nothing to any individual candidate. For Québec, which sets its own rules, read our article on the French level for the PSTQ and the PEQ.

What the results from 2024 to 2026 show

In 2025, the share of French-speaking immigrants admitted outside Québec reached 8.9%, or 29,630 people, according to IRCC data published in 2026. That is above the 8.5% target, and above the 2024 share, which was 7.21% for 30,550 admissions.

The 2025 number is slightly lower than the 2024 one, even though the share increased: mechanically, total admissions outside Québec therefore fell between the two years. From January to August 2026, IRCC counts 16,500 Francophone admissions outside Québec. These figures describe the past and guarantee no admission.

Francophone programs: which TEF level?

Three federal pathways cited in our research directly target French-speaking candidates, with different French requirements. The table shows the required level, the tests concerned and the date of the IRCC page that specifies it.

On the TEF Canada results certificate, CLB 5 starts at 352 in reading and listening, 330 in writing and 387 in speaking; CLB 7 starts at 434, 434, 428 and 456 respectively, according to IRCC (instructions amended June 23, 2026). For Express Entry, only the “Équivalence ancien score” (old-score equivalent) column counts: our article on CLB 7 on the TEF Canada explains it.

For these federal pathways, IRCC recognizes the TEF Canada as well as the TCF Canada, but the TEFAQ is not accepted for Express Entry. For French-language draws, the test must be less than 2 years old. And the official exam can only be taken at an approved test centre: an “online TEF” or a certificate bought on the internet has no value.

For Francophone Mobility, listening counts as much as speaking: test yourself with a listening comprehension mock test to compare your estimated score out of 699 with the 352 threshold. As in the official exam, each recording is played only once. A free account gives access to mock tests marked “Free”.

There is also a provincial route: since 2026, 5,000 federal spaces have been reserved for provinces and territories to nominate French-speaking immigrants, according to IRCC. Our research does not detail each province's criteria: check the program of the province or territory you have in mind directly, before setting your target level.

Where French speakers admitted outside Québec come from

In 2025, Cameroon accounted for 11,935 of the 29,630 Francophone admissions outside Québec, or about 40%, according to our calculations from IRCC data. The table lists, in order, the ten countries identified by our research in IRCC's data on Francophone immigration.

According to IRCC, 84.8% of these admissions came from Africa and the Middle East, and 22,505 went through Express Entry, the most widely used pathway. Our review of Express Entry French draws details the invitations, and our guide to TEF Canada prices in 2026 compares test fees country by country.

To compare with all admissions, regardless of language, read our article on permanent residents from 13 countries: it sets out IRCC data country by country, from 2023 to August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Francophone immigration target outside Québec in 2026?

The target is 9% of permanent resident admissions outside Québec, or 30,267 people, according to IRCC's 2026-2028 levels plan. It then rises to 9.5% in 2027 and 10.5% in 2028, with an objective of 12% by 2029. A target guarantees no individual admission.

What French level do you need for Francophone Mobility?

CLB 5 in listening and speaking, according to IRCC (page of April 20, 2026). On the TEF Canada results certificate, CLB 5 starts at 352 in listening and 387 in speaking. Written skills are not required for this program.

Is Cameroon the top country for Francophone immigration outside Québec?

Yes, in 2025: according to IRCC, 11,935 of the 29,630 Francophone admissions outside Québec came from Cameroon, or about 40% according to our calculations. Algeria (2,700) and Morocco (2,615) follow. These figures describe the past and guarantee no invitation.

Do you need CLB 7 to immigrate outside Québec as a French speaker?

Not always. Express Entry French-language draws require CLB 7 in each skill, but Francophone Mobility asks for CLB 5 in oral skills and the FCIP for CLB 5 in all four skills, according to IRCC. Each program has conditions other than language: check them on its official page.

In short

Outside Québec, the federal target rises to 9% in 2026 and French remains a concrete lever, but no target guarantees an invitation. Choose your program first, then the level to reach: train on a speaking mock test, the test where CLB 7 requires 456 out of 699, and check the subscription prices to access the other mock tests.

Réussir Mon TEF is an independent practice platform. It is not affiliated with Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France), which designs the TEF, or with any immigration authority. Our mock tests are original: they are not official test papers.