Written by Gabriela Estrada

In Canada, two beautiful official languages coexist: English and French. English and French. Speaking at least one of these languages is a prerequisite for permanent residency. Generally, most people choose English because it is the most widely spoken language, but there are those who decide to learn French in order to change their status and stay and live in the country..

Such was the case of Nicolas "Nico" Delgadoa young Colombian who, although he already spoke advanced English, decided to learn French in order to apply for the PR as a French speaker. He finally succeeded and now tells us his story to inspire many people who want to know what the process is like. But why become a francophone for PR?

Nico knew that Canada offers permanent residency plans through the French-speaking route and in a faster way than any other program. It was not easy, he had to work hard and discover many things along the way, but with study and the guidance of our certified French teachers, he succeeded.But with study and the guidance of our certified French teachers he succeeded. Read with me to the end and learn about her success story.Let's get started!

The road to Canada

Nico came to Canada in 2022 to study for a diploma. He was able to get into the private college because he spoke English. During his stay, he fell in love with the country and decided to stay, so he started his idea of looking for the best ways to achieve it.

"My English was always very good, so I was able to go directly to a private college. I studied for a year, worked in the meantime and with that I paid for a second year at a public college, which gave me a work permit afterwards. During that time I realized that I wanted to stay in the country, so I started to look for better jobs.so I started looking for the best ways to do that.

The decision to learn French 

After completing his studies, Nico began to look for the right immigration program. In Canada, there is a program called Mobilité Francophone (aimed at French speakers)which requires fewer points than the popular and competitive Express Entry system. Not everyone is aware of Mobilité Francophone, so even though many people speak French, they miss out on this opportunity to immigrate.

"...I saw that the English programs asked for a lot of points and Canadian professional experience, something difficult to get in a short time. Then I came across a video on TikTok from Planet Immiland talking about French and how Canada was opening programs for French speakers. They were showing the point tables (for Express Entry) and I was like, 'No, but I'm missing a lot.' That's when I decided that French could be my path."

Nico's experience learning French

"I started with the Mobilité Francophone program because it offered progress in less time." 

At Planeta Immiland, we certainly have two methods of teaching French. One method is for learning from scratch and the other is the accelerated teaching method called Mobilité Franofonphone. A plan that adapts to the requirements of this migratory program and is aimed at French speakers with a minimum level of CLB 5.

"I really enjoyed it. The classes were very interactiveand even though it was three hours a day, they didn't feel heavy.. It made me want to keep studying. I then took three more courses with Planeta Immiland until I reached the level I needed for the residency: the CLB 7".

Nico improved his French outside of class

Nico knew that the daily classes were the foundation, but the real progress was in his commitment to review with homework at home and whatever else was needed to move forward.

"I've never been much of one to sit on my own to study something, so it was also a lot of support from other classmates who were with me in the courses. We would get together outside of class time and try to practice with each other. Talking to people who are at the same level as you takes a little bit of that weight off your shoulders.. That helped us a lot, not only for me, but also for other classmates who also received their invitation.

Perseverance overcame frustration

When a person wants to apply for PR as a francophone in Canada, he/she must prove his/her level of French with an internationally recognized test. The most famous are the TEC and the TEF. Both require preparation, not only of the language, but also of the format of the test. Many postpone this exam because they do not handle the time of answers nor the type of questions that characterize the material. Nico had to insist on taking the exam.

"...I did the TCF twice. The first one I didn't reach CLB 7, I did it in Montreal, much more complicated. The second one I did in Toronto. I never stopped studying. I used a lot of artificial intelligence, online simulations, music in French, movies with French subtitles... everything so that the information would come in from somewhere, you know? Even if I didn't want to.

The obstacles Nico faced with TEF

Taking an international language test involves a lot of study and preparation. a lot of study and preparation. It is not about speaking a language well, it goes beyond this. The process shows that there are words and expressions that have a specific meaning, but there are many vices of the language and confusions when pronouncing, etc. In fact, this is what typically happens when learning a new language, and French is no exception. Nico had difficulties in the process and had to be persevering.

"There are a lot of little words that you say one way and they mean something else. Those kinds of things don't put you off, but they do make you more careful and can make you anxious or afraid to speak. I lived in a place where the guys upstairs were French. When I started studying, I would try to talk to them and they would correct me a lot. They did it with good intentions, but you still feel like you're not moving forward.

I knew that it wasn't enough just to go to class; you had to make an extra effort. And even though I sometimes felt like I wasn't doing enough, it was all worth it in the end."

Message to those who want to live in Canada

If there is one person who can make recommendations for success in French and in Canada, it is Nico.

Graduate of colleges in Canada; bilingual (Spanish and English) and now French-speaking, with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in his hands, his words are a source of inspiration and confidence.

"I recommend to be well informed. Canada opens many doors, but you have to be clear about the immigration plan and know that it is an investment. I recommend to prepare yourself in languages, especially English and, now more than ever, in French. Even if you do not have a high level, start to strengthen it before coming. And if you are going to study English or French in Canada, get good advice about where to do it and what that place offers beyond the course".

A little anecdote that caught Nico de Canada's eye

"Things have happened to me that make me feel that all the effort was worth it. Once I dropped my wallet on the subway and I got a message at home saying, 'Hey, we have your wallet, pick it up.' That kind of thing makes you say: 'Yes, this is worth it.

Learn English and French with Planeta Immiland

Our school is designed to teach the two official languages of Canada, so the focus is migratory. We have the seal of guarantee Languages Canada.

We offer English and French courses and we enhance them according to each student's objective, whether it is to enter college, work or emigrate.

From from zero to advanced leveleach course allows the student to acquire the new language progressively and at his or her own pace. For a better reinforcement at home, we have a Conversation Club where you can speak with people from all over the world and practice your speaking. speaking.

Undoubtedly, guided preparation and constant study are the driving forces that lead the student to the goal of settling in Canada, a possible dream that we want to be part of!

If you wish to evaluate your language level to start your course with us, click on the link to fill out the free test. At the end you will get the result of the course that corresponds to your level.

For more information, please contact us at and we will be glad to help you with whatever you need.

I hope this story inspires you to move forward with your second language and make your biggest dreams come true.

Thanks for reading, see you in the next blog!

With love, 

Planet Immiland