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Learn French as a Second Language to Get CLB 5 For Express Entry – Advantages of French as a Second Language (FSL)

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Learn French as a Second Language to Get CLB 5 For Express Entry – Advantages of French as a Second Language (FSL)

One great advantage of bilingualism in Canada is for immigrants. Learning French as a second language(FSL) and getting CLB level 5 can dramatically help the Canada immigration process for Express Entry programs. Knowing how to speak French is also one of Canada’s two official languages, which can help with selecting the available immigration programs that you can qualify for and make your Canadian life that much more open for you. In this article we discuss the various benefits you have in learning French as they can bring your journey to becoming a Canadian permanent resident.

The “Express Entry system” is a most common process followed by immigration in Canada. The system is a points based immigration process ranking candidates on multiple considerations including language skills. If you are fluent in French, that means you will be awarded with additional points. This can be crucial in a competitive pool of candidates.

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Montreal, Quebec

There are many provinces that have streams targeting French speaking immigrants who have more options to live in Canada. Quebec province prioritizes French-speaking applicants through its Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and other provincial pathways. Learning and mastering French as a second language could help you be an advanced candidate in the immigration program to Quebec. Additionally, the French-speaking population is large here in Canada, and learning French can definitely offer newcomers a supportive network, making the transition to life in Canada smoother and more enjoyable.

Learning French Can Simplify Your Canadian Immigration Process

Canada Express Entry Program

The “Express Entry system” is the most common immigration process in Canada. This is a points based system of immigration process, weighing up a number of factors including language skills. If you are proficient in French you can add to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, giving you a better chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. 

There are a number of provinces with streams targeting a French speaking immigrant, where one can actually settle in Canada. For example, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has a stream for the French speaking skilled worker. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is offering skilled workers and international graduates the opportunity to settle in the Atlantic provinces, given value is placed on the French proficiency. At least with managing French as a second language, it gives you more chances to immigrate to Canada.

Get a Scoop on the Immigration Programs for French Speakers

If you are ready to be a French speaker, don’t miss out the following programs – here are some brief introductions to the most significant immigration programs and their requirements.

Canada French Express Entry(EE) - Permanent Residence PR

It also features in the popular pathway to permanent residency for Canada which is Express Entry system. Applicants are rated according to a number of criteria, including language skills, and extra points are granted for those who speak in both of Canada’s official languages. Thus proficiency in French as a second language can really help you improve your CRS points, and consequently your overall eligibility.

EE Requirements

If you want to stand apart from other candidates in the Express Entry pool and earn extra CRS points. The minimum language criteria to meet are in French: you should also sit approved language tests such as the TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) or TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français). Also note that Express Entry applicants may get an extra 50 more CRS points if they reach a defined level of proficiency in French assessed by TEF or TCF. The higher the proficiency levels, the more points and the better a chance of an Invitation to Apply(ITA) as a matter of course. 

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) - PR

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Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program(ONIP)

The state with most job opportunities throughout Canada is Ontario. However, if you want to live in this land, even learning French in another language is beneficial. French speaking skilled workers have a specific stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Ontario is able to nominate people for permanent residency when they have the necessary skills and French language fluency.

OINP Requirements

To qualify for the OINP French stream, candidates must meet specific language proficiency requirements and have a valid job offer in Ontario. The program is aimed at attracting French speaking people in order to meet the province labour market demand. Learn more about the OINP French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream here.

Francophone Mobility Work Permit Program - Temporary Residence

In 2023, IRCC widened access to the Francophone Mobility Program to allow more opportunities for the recruitment of French speaking immigrants to support developing Francophone communities across Canada. As such, the Francophone Mobility Work Permit Program is created. It aims to attract French-speaking foreign workers to Canada’s labor market. Employers can use this program to hire workers who can speak French without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which gives temporary residents in Canada a path to become permanent residents.

Francophone Mobility Program Requirements

To be eligible for the mobilité francophone program there are certain criteria that must be met.  An LMIA is not required, but you need to show that you have a valid job offer. As a condition, there is a requirement of a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 5 in French. Worth mentioning, applicants must intend to live outside Quebec. For more on requirements for the program, read here. There are plenty of French as a Second Language (FSL) courses available to meet these requirements for those wanting to develop their French skills.

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot - PR

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, due to start in Fall 2024, will bring French-speaking immigrants to rural and francophone communities across Canada. Encouraging the settling of French speaking individuals will help diversify and grow these communities, this pilot program. Considering this program one of the economic immigration programs, IRCC could process a maximum of 5,500 permanent residents annually.

How to Learn French in Canada?

CCC College FSL Certificate Provides Comprehensive French Learning Instruction

There are numerous resources available for learning French as a Second Language (FSL) in Canada. You may find French language courses offered by accredited institutions, community programs, and online platforms. Taking standardized tests like the TEF or TCF can help demonstrate your language proficiency for immigration purposes.

CCC College’s French as a Second Language certificate provides comprehensive instruction in grammar, speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, equipping students to reach a certain level of French proficiency for daily and immigration purposes. The program offers flexible start dates and a hybrid learning mode, including both in-person and online options, to accommodate students’ needs and schedules.

Conclusion

Mastering French as a second language (FSL) provides a strategic advantage for those planning to immigrate to Canada. French proficiency will not only aid you in improving your immigration profile, giving you better employment prospects as well as better integration into the community, helping make your path easier within the country but also prove a useful asset to your experience there.  Start learning French as a second language today with CCC College’s FSL program to make your Canadian dream a reality. Stay informed on the latest school news and tips with us.

FAQ: Learning French as a second language for Canadian Immigration Programs

What is the best way to learn French for Canadian immigration programs?

Enrolling in French language courses and using online resources, such as Duolingo, can help you learn French efficiently. Participating in language exchange programs from Canada Designated Learning Institution(DLI) and communicating with French speakers from local Francophone communities can also be beneficial.

What level of French is required for Canadian immigration?

The required level of French varies depends on the specific immigration program. For the Francophone Mobility Program, a minimum CLB/NCLC level 5 is required. Higher proficiency levels can increase your CRS points in the Express Entry system.

How does French proficiency affect my CRS score?

Proficiency in French can significantly boost your CRS points, making you a more competitive candidate in the Express Entry pool.

Are there any specific immigration programs for French speakers in Canada?

Yes, programs like the Francophone Mobility Program, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, and the upcoming Francophone Community Immigration Pilot are tailored by IRCC and the provincial governments to attract French-speaking immigrants.

Can I apply for Canadian permanent residence if I only speak French?

Yes, proficiency in French alone could make you eligible for various immigration programs, especially those targeting French-speaking individuals. For detailed information, you could visit the IRCC website to search for application requirements of each immigration program.