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TPS in the U.S. Is Ending for Haitians. Your Options in Canada Are Just Beginning.
If you’re a Haitian or other French-speaking national in the U.S., the French language isn’t just your heritage. It can be your pathway to a new life in Canada.
Speak with Doherty Fultz Immigration about your options to work, study, and settle permanently in Canada if you have been or are currently on TPS (Temporary Protected Status) from Haiti.
A New Beginning in Canada
With TPS in the United States being cancelled, many Haitian nationals and other French speakers are suddenly facing difficult choices. The good news: Canada actively encourages French-speaking newcomers to live and work in provinces and territories across the country. The federal government has mandated thousands of permanent residence spots for Francophones over the next 5 years.
As a French speaker, you already meet one of the most important requirements for several programs that lead to temporary status, Canadian work experience, and even permanent residence.
Key Francophone Pathways to Canada (Outside Québec)
There are multiple programs designed to promote French-speaking immigration across Canada. Some offer temporary work permits, others lead directly to permanent residence, and many can be combined into a long-term strategy.
- Express Entry – French-Language / Category-Based Draws (Permanent Residence)
- Francophone Mobility Work Permit (Temporary Work)
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (Permanent Residence)
- Francophone Student Pathways / Pilot Initiatives (Study & Future PR)
Express Entry: French-Language and Category-Based Draws
Express Entry is one of Canada’s main systems for selecting skilled workers for permanent residence. In recent years, Canada has introduced French Language category-based draws and special measures that give extra attention and have a much lower barrier to entry for candidates with French-language skills.
For example, the most recent Express Entry round of invitations under the French Language Proficiency category was December 17, 2025 with 6,000 invitations and a minimum Comprehensive Ranking Score (points) of 399. Contrast with the most recent standard Express Entry draw under Canadian Experience Class only on December 16, 2025 with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking Score of 515 points.
Who This May Suit
- Skilled workers with post-secondary education and work experience in professional or trades fields.
- Candidates who can demonstrate French language proficiency (and ideally some English as well).
- Those willing to live and work in a province or territory outside Québec.
How It Can Fit Your Plan
Many applicants use a temporary pathway first (like a Francophone work permit or study permit) to gain Canadian work or study experience. That experience can significantly improve your profile in Express Entry by giving you additional points, as well as eligibility for multiple PR streams. It will also increase your chances in French-language or category-based draws. Family members can also be included in the PR application.
Francophone Mobility Work Permit (Mobilité Francophone)
The Francophone Mobility work permit allows eligible French-speaking foreign nationals to work in Canada outside Québec without the employer needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This can make it much easier and faster for Canadian employers to hire you.
Key Features
- Work anywhere in Canada outside Québec for an eligible employer.
- No LMIA required, which reduces time, cost, and paperwork for employers.
- You don’t need a French-language based job: Your job can be in English or any other language and you can still use the Francophone mobility work permit.
- Often a strong stepping stone toward permanent residence through Express Entry or other programs.
Family Benefits
In many cases, spouses or common-law partners may be eligible for open work permits, and dependent children can obtain study permits. This makes the program attractive for families planning a move together.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot is a pathway aimed at helping Francophone minority communities across Canada grow and thrive. It gives French-speaking workers a direct route to permanent residence in participating communities outside Québec.
Key Elements
- A full-time job offer from a designated employer in a participating Francophone community.
- Required work experience and language ability in French.
- Community support and recommendation as part of the process.
- A clear pathway to permanent residence for you and your eligible family members.
Why Consider FCIP
FCIP is ideal if you are open to joining a smaller or mid-sized community where French is actively supported, and you want a more direct line to permanent status in Canada.
Francophone Student Pathways & Pilot Initiatives
Canada also promotes French-speaking students through various programs and initiatives, sometimes referred to
as francophone student pilots or special measures. These are designed to attract French-speaking students to study in Canada outside Québec.
Why Study in Canada as a Francophone
- Obtain a Canadian diploma, degree, or professional qualification at a Francophone educational institution.
- Gain Canadian work experience through on-campus or post-graduation work options.
- Strengthen your profile for permanent residence after graduation.
- Apply for PR right after graduation
For many French-speaking nationals, especially younger applicants, a study pathway can be an effective long-term strategy: study, work, and then apply for permanent residence.
Is a Francophone Pathway Right for You?
- You are a French-speaking national (for example, from Haiti) currently in the U.S. or abroad.
- You’re worried about losing your status in the U.S. and want more stability.
- You’re open to living in a Canadian province or territory outside Québec.
- You’re interested in real options for work permits, study permits, and permanent residence.
If this sounds like you, it’s time to talk about a realistic plan tailored to your situation, language level, work history, and family needs.
Why Work With Doherty Fultz Immigration
Focused on French-Speaking Immigration
Our team has extensive experience with Francophone-focused programs and understands how to present your French language skills as a major advantage.
Strategy, Not Just Paperwork
We don’t just fill out forms. We help you build a strategy that can combine temporary options (work or study) with permanent residence pathways, so you have short term solutions while you are always moving closer to long-term stability.
Support for You and Your Family
We consider your spouse, partner, and children wherever possible, exploring options for open work permits, study permits, and eventual permanent residence for the entire family.
Clear Communication
Immigration rules can be complex and stressful. We explain your options in clear language and keep you updated throughout the process. Our team is comprised entirely of immigrants who have all personally experienced the immigration process, including its disappointments and triumphs.
Learn more about Doherty Fultz Immigration here.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Your French language ability is an asset. Let’s use it to build a safer, more stable future in Canada.
Book a confidential consultation with Doherty Fultz Immigration to:
- Review your current status and background.
- Determine which Francophone programs you may qualify for.
- Plan a step-by-step pathway toward work, study, or permanent residence in Canada.
Don’t wait for your status to run out. Start your Canada plan today.