Written by Andy Rodriguez

Just as there are countries that apply very harsh immigration policies and make entry almost impossible for certain countries, there are others, such as Canada, that rather use inclusive measures and offer a wide range of routes to enter and obtain the coveted permanent residency. One such route is French, Canada's second official language; speaking it can bring you permanent residency upon arrival. This is one of the most sought after goals in recent years by foreigners and, although it requires great effort, time and dedication, it is achievable, so we invite you to read this complete article with information of your interest.

Why is French so important in Canada?

French is part of the social and cultural fabric of Canada, especially in the province of Quebec, where it is the predominant language. However, its importance transcends the borders of this province, as the federal government officially recognizes bilingualism as a fundamental value of the country.

Proficiency in French is not only a requirement for those wishing to settle in Quebec, but can also be a significant advantage for those seeking permanent residency in other parts of Canada. Many provinces and territories, such as Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba, value knowledge of French and award additional points to applicants who speak it, as bilingualism is considered an asset in the Canadian job market. bilingualism is considered an asset in the Canadian labour market and can increase employment opportunities and social integration.

What job and educational opportunities are available when speaking French in Canada?

Speaking French is an invaluable resource in international industry, tourism, telecommunications, education and many other fields. Proficiency in French is a sort of VIP pass directly into the work system, as the ability to communicate in this language is often a requirement for certain jobs in Canada. Remember that it is one of the two official languages (English and French) of the country, if you show a certificate of your good level of French, you will surely stand out above other candidates who only speak English and/or Spanish, and keep in mind that the labor market here is quite competitive; Canadian companies are very careful when selecting their personnel and the immigration authorities look very carefully at the mastery of your two languages.

In addition, French provides access to educational opportunities at renowned institutions throughout the country, such as the Humber CollegeCollege, Ontario, for example. Studying at this prestigious institution and speaking French would make you a very interesting prospect for any company in the region. To enter with a previous level of French at this or any other Canadian institution, you can explore our French courses for beginners by clicking here..

Which permanent residency programs include French language proficiency?

When applying for permanent residency programs in Canada, knowledge of French can increase the chances of success. 

• Express Entry uses a point system to evaluate candidates, and eproficiency in French can award additional points, which improves the prospects of obtaining an invitation to apply for permanent residency. In recent months, IRCC has conducted several rounds of invitations focused on French language proficiency. One of the most recent this 2024 was that of the lottery 295which issued 1400 invitations to apply (iTas).

• The Ontario Immigrant Nomination Program (OINP), which is very committed to the linguistic cultural growth of the French language in the region.
• The Immigration Pilot for Francophone Communities, a program that seeks to diversify French language linguistics and will be launched in the fall of 2024. This plan is intended to increase the number of French-speaking newcomers so that they settle in French-speaking minority communities outside Quebec.

What tips work for improving French?

For those wishing to improve their French proficiency, there are numerous resources available. From online courses to in-person classes offered by educational institutions and community organizations, there are options for all skill levels and learning preferences. In addition, immersing yourself in a French-speaking environment, whether through travel, cultural exchanges or conversations with native speakers, can be an effective way to make rapid progress in the language.

At Immiland, we have seen how the chances of success increase when a Canadian visa applicant speaks French. Convincing the officer at the port of entry is much more expeditious, of course there are factors such as rootedness, financial background, etc., that should also convince you, but the fact that you speak and understand French is a way of demonstrating your commitment to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country. Therefore, those who wish to settle in Canada should seriously consider enrolling in French courses or starting out on their own, the important thing is that they do so and take advantage of this path to Canada.

Obtaining permanent residency in this country means access to a world-class healthcare system, exceptional educational opportunities, and is an excellent way to integrate into its diverse, multilingual and welcoming society. 

We invite you to to know our online language school, Planeta Immiland, which has native and bilingual teachers trained to teach the French you need to speak according to your profile. Don't worry if your level is low, in that case, you will start with the beginners and receive the necessary attention to get you on track within the 8 weeks of the French course from zero. We also have the course Mobilité Francophoneand much more. Visit the website of Planet Immiland Education and you will see the diversity of our academy. Contact us here.

With love,

Planet Immiland