In a recent address to Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canadian Immigration Minister, Marco E. L. Mendicino and President of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne, Liane Roy encouraged eligible French-speakers to apply through the TR to PR pathway.
French settlers first came to New Brunswick in the early 1600s and coexisted with the local Indigenous people, creating a new Acadian culture. After Britain took control of the colony, they subsequently deported many Acadians. As a result, Acadians increasingly became a linguistic minority. IRCC has deemed the TR to PR pathway especially important for the future of Acadian communities like Bathurst.
The TR to PR pathway streams have no intake limit for French-speaker applications. Because of this, those who qualify are invited to take advantage of this program to remain permanently in Canada.
What is the TR to PR pathway?
The temporary resident to permanent resident, or TR to PR pathway is a temporary public policy for applicants in Canada. Certain individuals that have either recently graduated from a qualifying Canadian institution or are working in an essential or health occupation are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
While the combined limit of applications accepted for the general streams is 90,000, there is no maximum number for the French-speaking streams.
“One of Canada’s advantages on the world stage is its bilingual nature. So supporting the growth of Francophone minority communities is part of the government’s plan for economic growth and long-term prosperity. This new pathway, with dedicated streams for French-speaking workers and international graduates, will make sure that immigration directly contributes to the development of Francophone communities.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
French-Speakers in Canada
This is not the first initiative Canada has put in place to incentivize the settlement of French-speakers in the country. For instance, in October 2020, IRCC increased the CRS points given to French-speakers in the Express Entry pool. Provinces also continue to use nominee programs to invite skilled French-speakers to contribute to their francophone communities. Since November 2020, Saskatchewan’s skilled worker points system has awarded additional points to French-speakers. Ontario also has a nominee stream specific to French-speakers, and regularly invites qualifying candidates directly from the Express Entry pool.
Lauren Boorman
Adam Pinsky