Canada Boosts Francophone Immigration from Africa in 2025

Canada is reaffirming its commitment to growing Francophone communities by expanding immigration pathways for French-speaking applicants from Africa. Through ongoing initiatives by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), new opportunities are opening for African nationals to study, work, and settle in Canada—particularly outside Quebec.

2025 Destination Canada Mobility Forum Expands to Africa and Europe

A major driver of this effort is the Destination Canada Mobility Forum, returning in September 2025 to two key locations:

• Brussels, Belgium

• Rabat, Morocco

These forums provide French-speaking and bilingual candidates with direct access to:

• Canadian provinces, territories, and municipalities;

• Francophone employers and institutions;

• Immigration program representatives.

The goal: to connect skilled Francophone talent from Africa and Europe with real opportunities in Canada. Registration for these 2025 events will open soon via IRCC’s official platform. [Click Here]

Approval Rates Are Improving for African Applicants

IRCC data shows significant improvements in study permit approval rates for French-speaking African residents:

• 2021: 27%

• 2023: 37% (as of August 31)

Approval rates have nearly doubled in Algeria (from 18% to 38%) and increased significantly in Cameroon (from 20% to 33%). The total number of study permits issued to African students has quadrupled since 2016—surging from 10,170 in 2016 to over 62,000 by August 2023.

These gains are a result of IRCC’s efforts to:

• Host over 360 outreach events across the continent;

• Educate applicants on visa requirements and complete submissions;

• Deter fraudulent agents and false information;

• Promote Canadian post-secondary institutions in French-speaking regions.

Connexions Francophones: Support Before You Arrive

To prepare Francophone immigrants from Africa for a smooth transition, IRCC operates Connexions Francophones—a single window for pre-arrival services. These include:

• In-person assistance in Morocco

• Online support in Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal

This initiative equips applicants with information on settlement services, community connections, and immigration logistics.

Why Francophone Immigration from Africa Matters

Canada values the cultural, linguistic, and economic contributions of Francophone African immigrants. Most French-speaking newcomers settling outside Quebec are from African nations. Through programs like the Mobility Forum and Connexions Francophones, IRCC aims to build sustainable immigration pathways that support both applicants and Canadian communities seeking to grow their Francophone presence.

Are you a French-speaking applicant from Africa looking to immigrate to Canada?
Visaserve Immigration Law P.C. can help you navigate study permits, permanent residence, and skilled worker programs. Contact us for a consultation with Barrister & Solicitor Gaganjot Mundra today.