IRCC Levels Plan — Released 5 November 2026
Canada's 2027–2029 Immigration Plan:
What It Means for French Draws
Francophone targets are confirmed at 12% of all PR admissions by 2029 — that is 40,200 French-speaking immigrants per year. Here is what the plan actually says, what it means for French Express Entry draws, and what you should do right now.
The plan at a glance
Source: IRCC Supplementary Information for the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, released 5 November 2026.
What this means for French Express Entry draws
The most important number in this plan for French speakers is not the 380,000 total — it is the Francophone percentage target. Canada has committed to 9.5% of all PR admissions being French-speaking outside Quebec in 2027, rising to 12% in 2029. That is 40,200 people per year by the end of the plan period.
To meet those targets, IRCC needs French speakers to be invited through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs. The French-language proficiency category — which ran 12 draws in 2026 with cut-offs between 382 and 435 — is the main Express Entry lever for reaching this goal. Rising targets almost certainly mean this category continues and may run more frequently or at higher volumes in 2027 and beyond.
The Federal High Skilled Express Entry allocation has been reduced slightly, from 111,000 to 100,000. This means the total number of Express Entry invitations issued per year is lower than the previous plan. However, the Francophone percentage target within that 100,000 is rising. The practical effect: the share going to French speakers grows, even if the total pool is slightly smaller.
IRCC has also announced one-time measures to transition protected persons and in-Canada workers to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027. These cohorts will count towards the annual 380,000 total. How many of them are French-speaking — and how they interact with the Francophone percentage target — depends on the composition of those cohorts, which IRCC has not broken down by language.
The bottom line: the structural conditions for French-language category draws are confirmed through 2029. The question is not whether French draws will happen — it is whether your profile is ready when they do.
What to do — right now
Get your Express Entry profile in now
Rising Francophone targets mean IRCC needs more French speakers in the pool to meet them. With targets growing from 31,825 in 2027 to 40,200 in 2029, demand for French-language candidates is confirmed and increasing. A complete, active profile is the first requirement for any draw — you cannot receive an ITA without one.
Aim for NCLC 7 or above in all four skills
NCLC 7 across all four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) is the minimum needed to qualify for a French-language proficiency draw. If you are close but not there yet, closing that gap now gives you access to draws where the CRS cut-off is significantly lower than the general pool. In 2026, French draw cut-offs ranged from 382 to 435, while CEC draws ran above 500.
Start TEF or TCF Canada preparation before draws resume
IRCC paused Express Entry draws in late October 2026 to update the CRS formula. When draws resume, candidates who already have a French result in their profile will be positioned to receive an ITA immediately. Preparation takes time — the students at The Franish who have cleared NCLC 7 spent consistent months preparing. Starting now puts you in the draw window when it opens.
Look into the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP)
The 2027–2029 plan specifically names the FMCSP as a Francophone pathway. If you are studying or plan to study in a Francophone Minority Community in Canada, this pilot creates a direct study-to-PR route. It is included in the official Francophone target numbers — not additional to them.
Consider whether the in-Canada worker cohort applies to you
IRCC has announced one-time measures to transition in-Canada workers and protected persons to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027. If you are currently working in Canada on a valid work permit, you may qualify for one of these cohorts, depending on your occupation and situation. Check the IRCC website and speak to a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for your specific case.
What not to do
Don't confuse the Federal High Skilled number with the French draw pool
The 100,000 Federal High Skilled target is the ceiling for all Express Entry draws together — CEC, FSW and FST included. French-language draws are a category within this 100,000, not on top of it. A lower total target does not mean fewer French draws; it may mean the share going to French speakers rises to meet the Francophone percentage targets.
Don't treat the reduced 100,000 Federal High Skilled target as bad news for French speakers
The previous plan had 111,000 for Federal High Skilled. It was reduced to 100,000 to allow increases elsewhere (PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program). Meanwhile, the Francophone percentage targets within that pool are rising. The effective allocation for French speakers within Express Entry is not shrinking — it is growing as a share of the total.
Don't wait for the CRS formula update to decide anything
IRCC has not announced what the formula will change to or when it takes effect. Your French language result, work experience, education and other profile factors do not change because of a formula update — only the points assigned to them may shift. The best response is a complete, accurate Express Entry profile ready before draws resume.
Don't assume the 370,000 temporary resident cap affects your work permit extension
The 370,000 figure covers new arrivals only — not extensions, in-Canada renewals, Post-Graduation Work Permits or changes of status. If you are already in Canada and extending your work permit, this cap does not apply to your extension. Post-Graduation Work Permits are treated as extensions under the plan.
Don't skip the Francophone target numbers when planning your timeline
31,825 Francophone PR admissions in 2027. 35,175 in 2028. 40,200 in 2029. These are not aspirational — they are IRCC's official annual targets, confirmed in the levels plan released 5 November 2026. If you are French-speaking and not yet in the Express Entry pool, the window to benefit from these targets is open right now. It narrows every year that passes without an active profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Canada's Francophone immigration targets for 2027 to 2029?
Canada's 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan sets French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec at 9.5% (31,825) in 2027, 10.5% (35,175) in 2028 and 12% (40,200) in 2029. These targets represent a significant and confirmed increase in the number of Francophone immigrants Canada intends to admit each year.
Will there be more French-language Express Entry draws in 2027?
Rising Francophone targets strongly suggest IRCC will continue French-language category-based draws. The Federal High Skilled Express Entry target is 100,000 per year. With more admissions reserved for French speakers within that, French-language proficiency draws are expected to remain a regular part of the Express Entry calendar. IRCC does not publish a draw schedule in advance.
Does this plan affect the CRS score needed for a French draw?
Not directly. The CRS score needed in any French draw depends on pool size, draw frequency and invitation volumes — not on the levels targets themselves. In 2026, French draw cut-offs ranged from 382 to 435. Future cut-offs will reflect pool conditions at the time of each draw.
What is NCLC 7 and why does it matter here?
NCLC 7 is the minimum French language score needed to qualify for a French-language category draw in Express Entry. On TEF Canada, this means NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills. As Francophone targets rise, clearing this threshold becomes more valuable — it places you in a draw category where cut-offs run significantly below the general CEC pool.
Should I take TEF Canada before or after the CRS formula update?
You can take TEF Canada at any time — results are valid for 5 years. IRCC has not announced a date for the formula update or draw resumption. Waiting does not improve your result. Starting preparation now means your profile is ready the moment draws resume.
The Francophone window is open. Is your profile ready?
40,200 Francophone PR admissions per year by 2029. The targets are confirmed. The draws will come. The question is whether your TEF or TCF Canada result, your Express Entry profile and your overall immigration strategy are ready when they do.
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