Written by Eddy Ramírez

Canadian work experience + language = ITA 

In Canada, when the points do not qualify for the Canadian Experience Class immigration program, even if you have qualified work experience within the country, it is urgent to evaluate whether what is needed is to improve your French.

On August 26, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) invited 3300 candidates for permanent residence in a Canadian Experience Class lottery, the minimum score they had to achieve was 507 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The question is: how to achieve such a high score and receive the coveted ITA?

In this Planeta Immiland Education blogI explain the implications of a good level of French on the score for the Canadian Experience Class and other Express Entry routes. Read this article to the end so you know what to do before your next opportunity to apply. Let's get started!

French B2 for qualified Canadian work experience 

Here's what you need to know in four (4) steps to be more successful in the application:

1. Improve the score by reaching B2 level in French

Although the minimum requirements to receive an ITA from this fast track program are: qualified Canadian work experience and language ability, having the intermediate B2 level will benefit them a lot, as there are those who meet the minimum required 12 months of work experience within Canada and even more, but maybe the French they speak is very basic, say a conversational level or a pre-intermediate B1, then another candidate with work experience and intermediate B2 level French will outperform them. Let's take a look at what the B2 level of French and its importance.

2. Importance of French B2 level in Canada

This level is the equivalent of CLB 7 of the Canadian scale, which establishes intermediate proficiency standards in the 4 communication skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. It means understanding speeches and texts on complex and abstract complex and abstract topics, as well as speaking and writing them in fluent French.

Important: the candidate must know what level of French he/she is at, only then will he/she be able to know if he/she needs to improve the language or review other aspects. Planeta Immiland Education offers a free test of your level here.

3. There are other ways to apply successfully thanks to French B2

There is a special category for French speakers that allows them to apply more successfully to Express Entry. If they have not achieved permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class, they can try the French proficiency route. 

Important: A few weeks ago, the IRCC department invited 2000 candidates in a category-based selection lottery for French language proficient candidates and the minimum score required was 394. Moreover, last July, the Department issued 1800 ITAs for this same category and the minimum score required to be considered was 400 in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

As you may notice, the required score is lower than the one set for Canadian work experience, as it mainly considers French proficiency. Many users of our Immiland Canada platforms ask if there is a specific way to improve the language for Express Entry and the answer is yes!

4. There is a specific French course to improve the Express Entry application.

It is called the General French Program - CLB Level 7 and is focused on general grammar applied to everyday and academic communication in Canada. It has a specific focus on speaking, listening, reading and speaking skills required for higher education and is also the most suitable for obtaining points in immigration processes such as Express Entry. 

How many times have you unsuccessfully applied for Express Entry? The French taught by Planeta Immiland is focused on improving the score for your application, see General French or Express Entry French course.

I hope these four important steps will broaden your vision on learning French for a better score, remember that the Canadian Experience Class is equal to Canadian qualified work experience + language (English/French). Never doubt your potential to speak better French. The B2 level is possible and the Planeta Immiland Education team knows how to guide you through each course.

Thanks for reading to the end, see you in another article of our blog. blog!

With love,

Planeta Immiland Education