Canada is a bilingual country and it has two official languages, English and French. Many immigrants focus on English but they don’t know that French can give them an edge in their Canadian immigration process. The French language skills are very useful especially for those who are applying through the Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
In this article, we will explain why French is important for immigration, how much proficiency is required and some tips to learn French in India.
Why Learn French for Canada Immigration?
Some provinces in Canada prefer French-speaking immigrants to promote the linguistic diversity among their citizens. For example, the provinces like New Brunswick and Ontario offer special streams and programs for Francophone candidates. The Quebec immigration system which we will discuss later particularly benefits the French-speaking candidates even more.
If you are fluent in both the languages, English and French then your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score can be improved. This can increase your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and being eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Also, additional points are provided by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to applicants who can speak French.
In short, if you are proficient in French then it can strengthen your Express Entry profile and increase your chances of success in Canada.
How Does French Improve Your CRS Score?
Under the Express Entry system, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is determined by a variety of factors including your:
- Age and education
- Work experience
- Language proficiency
If you take an approved French language test like TEF Canada or TCF Canada and achieve a NCLC level of 7 or higher then you could easily get up to 50 extra CRS points.
You will be rewarded 25 points if only you score NCLC 7 or higher across all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and if English is your first official language with a CLB score of 4 or lower. Moreover, you can get 50 additional points if you achieve NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills of French along with a CLB score of 5 or higher in English.
Quebec Immigration and the French Requirement
Quebec has its own immigration system and this province gives strong preference to French-speaking candidates. There are some programs like the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) which require you to be proficient in French. In some rare cases, if you qualify for the specific expectations, then it gets exempted. Moreover, in this province everyday tasks like work, education and public services are conducted in French only. So, learning this language is not only important for your visa but also to live there.
French Language Tests for Immigration
The two most important French language tests for immigration in Canada are listed below:
- TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
- TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)
Both the tests evaluate your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. These tests are aligned with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
If you want to be eligible for extra CRS points then you must score NCLC 7 or above in each section. It is recommended to prepare seriously for these tests because your results will directly impact your immigration score.
How to Learn French in India?
If you want to learn French so there are so many institutions in India that offer both offline and online French courses for all levels. Some of the popular ways to learn French include:
Online Learning Platforms
There are many websites and apps like Duolingo and Coursera that offer French learning courses at minimal prices. That means you can learn at your own pace and improve your vocabulary and grammar over time by practising regularly.
Private Tutors and Language Institutes
There are plenty of private French language institutes in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi Hyderabad and other cities that offer professional French classes. Moreover, if you prefer a more flexible approach then you can easily join online batches or opt for one-on-one sessions that fit your schedule perfectly.
How Long Does It Take to Learn French?
Well, it depends on your daily practice, learning environment and dedication. However, let’s discuss how much time it usually takes to learn French on average.
- For NCLC 5 level: expect around 6 to 8 months of consistent learning.
- For NCLC 7 level: plan for about 12 to 18 months if you’re putting in steady effort.
It is very important to focus on all the necessary skills that we have discussed above to successfully clear the French proficiency tests.
Tips to Learn French Effectively
Here are some tips that can help the learners especially beginners to learn the French language more effectively:
Speak Daily: If you speak French regularly then it will help you to develop the fluency and boost your confidence while engaging in real-life conversations.
Learn Vocabulary: You should revise new words constantly through flashcards or words as it will strengthen your retention and improve overall language skills.
Balance All Skills: It is important to practise reading, writing, listening and speaking equally to achieve the proficiency.
Take Mock Tests: It is advisable to attempt TEF or TCF mock exams as they help the learners understand the test format and improve performance.
Set Goals: You should also set clear and achievable goals that keep you motivated as a learner and allow you to track your progress as well.
Conclusion
Learning French for immigration to Canada isn’t just a choice because it is a very smart decision. It opens up a whole new world of opportunities, boosts your immigration profile and makes settling into Canadian life a lot easier. However, it might seem a bit overwhelming at first but with regular practice and the right resources you can definitely become proficient in French and get one step closer to your dream of living in Canada.
J & C Language School offers the best French courses and expert-level classes with the flexibility of a hybrid course that will prepare you for internationally recognized certifications such as DELF and TEF. We provide classes for levels like A1 and all the way to level B2 in Delhi or Toronto.
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