the CanadaVisa Team - 30 October, 2017
October 30 marks the first day of National Francophone Immigration Week in Canada, a week-long event created by the Federation of Francophone and Acadian Communities of Canada (Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne, or FCFA) and the Francophone Immigration Networks (Réseaux en immigration francophone, or RIF) to highlight Francophone immigration and diversity in Canada.
Federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen issued the following statement in recognition of the national event, “Each year National Francophone Immigration Week gives Canadians the chance to learn more about, celebrate, and promote the contribution of French-speaking immigrants to the vitality of Francophone minority communities. This week, filled with activities across the country, allows host communities to develop links with Francophone newcomers and Francophiles alike."
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched Mobilité Francophone last year to help ease the hiring of French-speaking or bilingual skilled workers in French-speaking communities outside of the province of Quebec. The Mobilité Francophone stream under the International Mobility Program makes the hiring process easier for both Canadian employers and prospective employees. The process is simpler because it exempts employers from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process when hiring French-speaking or bilingual foreign workers in managerial, professional, or technical/skilled trades occupations (NOC skill level 0, A or B), where the offer of employment is in a francophone minority community outside Quebec.
Minister Hussen added, “Our Government has made increasing Francophone immigration outside of Quebec a priority. While we have much work to do to reach our goal, our promotion efforts, changes to the Express Entry application process, and the Mobilité Francophone stream of the International Mobility Program are just some of the ways that we are already working on this important issue."
Changes to the Express Entry system that came into effect in June, 2017 allow Express Entry candidates with French ability to be awarded up to 30 additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
