Canada tabled its immigration levels plan 2027-2029 on November 5, 2026, and the headline for French learners is clear. Total permanent resident targets stay flat at 380,000 a year, but the Francophone share of admissions outside Quebec rises from 9.5% in 2027 to 12% by 2029.
Take a breath, though: the plan doesn't change the French you need. Your TEF Canada or TCF Canada result still has to be valid, and strong in all four abilities.
What the immigration levels plan 2027-2029 sets
The plan keeps permanent resident admissions at 380,000 a year and sets new temporary resident arrivals at 370,000 a year for 2027, 2028 and 2029. Here are the targets from IRCC's backgrounder of November 5, 2026, side by side:
| Target | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent resident admissions | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 |
| New temporary resident arrivals | 370,000 | 370,000 | 370,000 |
| of which new workers | 220,000 | 220,000 | 220,000 |
| of which new international students | up to 150,000 | up to 150,000 | up to 150,000 |
| Economic class share of PR admissions | more than 64% | more than 64% | more than 64% |
| Francophone share of PR admissions outside Quebec | 9.5% | 10.5% | 12% |
You'll also see higher targets for provincial nominations and the Atlantic Immigration Program, because Ottawa is working with the provinces and territories on them.
One detail people miss: economic admissions include people already working or studying in Canada, not only new arrivals. You can verify the official numbers in IRCC's levels plan backgrounder (opens in a new tab).
What do the Francophone targets mean for French speakers?
The Francophone targets are shares of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec, not a fixed number of people: 9.5% in 2027, 10.5% in 2028 and 12% in 2029. They show the direction IRCC wants to go, not how many invitations any one program will send.
So nobody can tell you how many French draws are coming, and you shouldn't trust anyone who claims to. Focus on what sits on your desk today. The rules for 2026 give you clear targets:
- French-language proficiency is on IRCC's list of Express Entry category-based selection categories
- The French category asks for NCLC 7 or higher in all 4 abilities
- Strong French earns up to 50 extra CRS points in 2026: 25 with English at CLB 4 or lower (or no English test), 50 with CLB 5+ in all four English skills
- IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada as the French tests for Express Entry
- IRCC has confirmed that invitation rounds for candidates with strong French skills continue in 2026
Not sure where NCLC 7 sits for you? Here's what CLB 7 in French means in real skills, one section of the exam at a time.
What the levels plan does not include
Two other pieces of news sit outside the levels plan: a one-time 2027 measure for people already in Canada, and the Express Entry points changes that started on November 3, 2026. Because these updates landed around the same time, many people mix them up, but they work quite differently.
The separate 2027 measure
IRCC describes a time-limited measure in 2027, outside the levels plan, to help up to 200,000 people already living in Canada become permanent residents. It runs in two cohorts: up to 100,000 workers and up to 100,000 people in a humanitarian cohort.
The Express Entry changes
Since November 3, 2026, IRCC gives extra CRS points for eligible Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation, and that job offer no longer needs an LMIA. When the change started, IRCC said it would recalculate pool scores automatically, with invitation rounds paused for up to two weeks.
IRCC also says bigger changes to Express Entry and its points system are in the works. For the French side of the November change, read how IRCC refocused Express Entry and what it means for French.
What to do now with your TEF Canada or TCF Canada results
Nothing in the new plan changes your test, so your to-do list stays the same: valid results, NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities, inside the 2-year window. Here is how to audit your file today so you do not waste time or money on another test booking.
- Check the date. Express Entry results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your PR application.
- Check each ability. One ability at NCLC 6 keeps you out of the French category, even if the other three are higher.
- Not tested yet? Take the free French level test to see where you stand in all four skills.
- Choose your exam. Compare the formats before you book, starting with the TCF Canada and its timing.
- Have a tricky personal case? Check with a licensed consultant on the official CICC register. We can teach you the French subjunctive, but only an immigration professional can advise on your file.
Starting from zero? Plan on 12 months of steady work to reach CLB 7. It takes real effort, and it's very doable with a clear plan. Learn French Canada prepares students across Canada for the TEF and TCF Canada online, and has taught 4,500+ students since 2017 across all its programs.
