Canada published its 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan in November 2026. It holds permanent residents at 380,000 a year and raises the target for French speakers outside Quebec to 12% by 2029.
The French targets
| Year | Share outside Quebec | Admissions |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 result | 8.9% | |
| 2026 target | 9% | 30,267 |
| 2027 target | 9.5% | 31,825 |
| 2028 target | 10.5% | 35,175 |
| 2029 target | 12% | 40,200 |
That is 8,375 more French-speaking admissions in 2029 than in 2027, with the overall target unchanged. IRCC beat its 2025 target of 8.5%.
Only the first year is firm. IRCC calls later years notional and reviews the plan each year, and it says these targets may need updating once Quebec tables its own 2027 plan.
The rest of the plan
| Per year, 2027 to 2029 | Target |
|---|---|
| All permanent residents | 380,000 |
| Economic programs | 244,700 |
| Federal High Skilled (including Express Entry) | 100,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 95,000 |
| New temporary residents | 370,000 |
IRCC's announcement also describes a time-limited measure for up to 200,000 people already in Canada, up to half of them workers.
Express Entry is changing too
- High-wage points, in force since November 2026: up to 100 CRS points for a qualifying job offer, or up to 70 for Canadian experience, in a high-wage occupation.
- French points are under review: IRCC consulted in 2026 on changing or removing them. For now they still stand, at 25 or 50 points.
- The French category remains one of Express Entry's categories. IRCC calls Express Entry its primary lever for the French target.
The plan does not say how many French rounds there will be, or at what cutoff. See this year's French draws for what has happened so far.
If you are preparing for a French test
- Find your route. Each one asks for a different level.
- Work on your weakest skill. Each is scored on its own, and NCLC 7 must be reached in all four for the French category.
- Time the test. Results last two years. See fees, booking and results.
Common questions
What is Canada's French immigration target for 2027?
9.5% of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec, about 31,825 people, rising to 12% in 2029.
Does the plan guarantee permanent residence for French speakers?
No. It sets national targets. You still have to qualify for a program and be selected.
Does the target include Quebec?
No. These targets count French-speaking admissions outside Quebec. Quebec selects its own economic immigrants.
What level of French do I need?
It depends on the route: NCLC 7 in all four skills for Express Entry's French category, NCLC 5 in all four for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, and NCLC 5 in speaking and listening for the Francophone Mobility work permit.
Where can I practise for TEF Canada?
TEF Trainer, which publishes this guide, has all four papers online: 1,923 listening and reading questions, including TEF-style predictions, and 435 speaking and writing topics with model answers, plus English translations and answer explanations. 142 questions and 32 topics are free, with no account and no card.
Practise with TEF Trainer
TEF Trainer is TEF Canada practice for all four papers, in your browser.
- Predictions: TEF-style listening and reading predictions, based on recent exams and updated regularly (558 questions).
- The full question bank: 1,923 listening and reading questions in all.
- Every speaking and writing topic (435) with a model answer, in French with English alongside.
- English translations and answer explanations, plus shuffle mode, autoplay and audio speed control.
142 questions and 32 topics are free, with everything switched on. No account, no card.
Start practising free See pricing
General information from IRCC's published rules, not immigration advice. For your own case, see a licensed consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer.
Updated November 2026. Exam rules and fees change: check them with your test centre and on canada.ca.