How French Language Can help you Immigrate to Canada?

Canada, known for its inclusivity and diverse cultural landscape, extends a warm invitation to French speakers to apply for Permanent Residency (PR). As one of the two official languages of the country, French holds a significant place in the Canadian identity, and the government actively encourages Canada PR for French speakers, recognizing their valuable contributions to the nation.

The Importance of French in Canada

French, alongside English, is recognized as an official language in Canada. The Canadian government places a high value on linguistic diversity, acknowledging the cultural and economic benefits that bilingualism brings to the country. This commitment is reflected in various immigration policies and programs that seek to attract French-speaking individuals and families to become permanent residents.

Accepted French Language Tests by Canada

For prospective immigrants, proficiency in the French language is a key factor in the immigration process. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts several French language tests to assess language skills. Accepted and approved French language test for Canada PR are:

• Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) and
• Test de connaissance du français (TCF).

These tests evaluate language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and successful completion can significantly enhance an applicant's eligibility for Canadian PR.

Express Entry System and PNPs Favour French Speakers

The Express Entry system, Canada’s popular and streamlined immigration pathway, as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), are known to give preference to French-speaking candidates. The candidates proficient in both English and French receive additional French language points for Canada PR, making them more competitive in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used to assess Express Entry profiles.

How to get 50 points for French in express entry

Upon Express Entry profile creation, it is essential to show proficiency in one of Canada's official languages: French or English. Prioritize your strongest language as your primary official language to enhance your prospects of acquiring additional points. Possessing robust French language skills, even if it is your secondary language, allows you to earn up to 50 extra points. If you score a niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 or higher on all four French language skills, you can get

• 25 additional points if you scored a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 4 or lower in English (or if you didn’t take an English test) 
• 50 additional points if you scored CLB 5 or higher on all four English skills 

Category-Based Selections and Separate Draws for French Proficiency

With the introduction of category-based selections in Express Entry draws in May 2023, French-language proficiency has emerged as a vital category. Find below the list of categories, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced for 2023 category-based selections in Express Entry System draws:

1. French-language proficiency.
2. Healthcare occupations.
3. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations.
4. Trade occupations.
5. Transport occupations.
6. Agriculture and agri-food occupations.

The IRCC now conducts separate draws for candidates with strong French language skills, offering them a unique opportunity to get invitations to apply for Permanent Resident (PR) Visa, even with relatively lower CRS scores.

In 2023, the IRCC conducted total six Express Entry draws for Francophones, inviting a total of 8,700 French-speakers. The lowest CRS score in a French- Language proficiency Express Entry draw was just 375 points (i.e. in 12 July 2023 EE Draw).

This development emphasizes the government's commitment to diversify the linguistic landscape making it easy for the Francophones to live, work, and settle in Canada.

Latest Measures to support Francophone immigration

On January 16, 2024, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a series of initiatives to support Francophone immigration. These measures include:

• A new Francophone immigration policy,
• The renewal and expansion of the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative,
• A new program to support Francophone immigration, and
• The implementation of the Action Plan for Official Languages

These measures will strengthen the presence of French in Canada.

Also read- Canadian Immigration Minister announced series of initiatives to support Francophone immigration

How Visas Avenue Can Help

Navigating the complex immigration process requires expertise and guidance. Visas Avenue, a registered visa consultant, stands ready to assist French-speaking applicants in their journey towards Canadian PR. Here's how Visas Avenue can be a valuable partner:

1. French Language Coaching: Visas Avenue provides inclusive French language coaching to help applicants achieve high scores in recognized French language tests. This coaching is tailored to enhance proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, ensuring applicants maximize their language points in the immigration process.
2. Expert Guidance in PR Application: As a registered visa consultancy services associated with CICC member, Visas Avenue possesses the expertise to guide applicants through the complexities of the PR application process. From document preparation to submission, our experienced team ensures that applications meet the every requirements set by Canadian immigration authorities.
3. Personalized Support: Recognizing that each applicant's journey is unique, Visas Avenue offers customized support. Whether applicants are applying through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, Visas Avenue tailors its services to meet the specific needs and goals of the individual or family.

Lastly, Canada's commitment to welcoming French speakers as permanent residents reflects the nation's dedication to linguistic diversity and inclusivity. With the support of a trusted immigration partner like Visas Avenue, aspiring immigrants can navigate the process with confidence, maximizing their chances of a successful and fulfilling journey to Canada on Permanent Resident (PR) Visa.

To enrol with Visas Avenue for French language coaching and Canada immigration assistance, you may contact VA immigration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.