While English is the most commonly spoken language in Canada and spoken in a majority of provinces and territories in Canada, French is the primary spoken language in Quebec.
French is also the main language in some areas of provinces like Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick.
Additionally, there are also Francophone communities throughout Canada.
The federal government of Canada offers government services, documents, as well as publications in both English and French.
| Language skills – in English and French – play an important part in the successful settlement of a newcomer in Canada.
To increase their potential for integration into the Canadian society, an individual pursuing Canada immigration might choose to focus on learning or improving language skills in either 1 or both the languages. The language that ideally must be focused on by the individual will depend on whether French or English is the main spoken language in the Canadian province that they intend living in. |
How do strong language skills help an immigrant?
Strong English or French skills will help a newcomer to Canada in many ways, such as – securing a job, accessing services, integrating into the society, and acquiring Canadian citizenship.
Most regulated jobs and trades in Canada require an individual to be fluent in English or French.
Language tests and certificates
Approved languages tests might have to be appeared for in order to prove the language ability of an individual in either English or French.
Language tests approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] —
| For English | · IELTS: International English Language Testing System
· CELPIP: Candian English Language Proficiency Index Program · TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| For French | · TEF: Test d’évaluation de français
· DELF: Diplôme d’études en langue française |
Benefits of learning the French language
[1] During the Canada immigration process
With French and English the official languages of Canada, a prospective immigrant – applying via the Express Entry system managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] – must prove their language ability for the same.
| Generally, a bilingual candidate is prioritized by IRCC. Additional points – up to 50 points under “additional points” [on the Comprehensive Ranking System points calculation] – are awarded to a candidate with the required skills in the French language. |
Additional points awarded for French speakers have been increased by IRCC from 30 to 50 points.
Skills in the French language can help with an individual’s Canada immigration.
| For 67-point eligibility calculation | Most of the Express Entry applicants give English as their first language.
French ability, at the required level, can fetch a maximum of 4 points towards Canada eligibility calculation if mentioned as the second language by the applicant. |
| For CRS calculation | A maximum of 24 points can be claimed under the CRS for the second official language, be it English or French. |
| Additional CRS points | Up to 50 CRS points can be secured as additional points for strong skills in the French language. |
| Eligibility for certain PNP programs | Canadian provinces accepting applications from French-speaking applicants –
· Ontario · Nova Scotia · New Brunswick Ontario PNP’s French Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is specifically targeted at French-speaking applicants. |
Note. PNP: Provincial Nominee Program, the provincial route that leads to permanent residence in Canada. Almost 80 immigration pathways or ‘streams’ are available under Canadian PNP.
When in the IRCC Express Entry pool, the highest-ranking points that language ability can get a candidate is a total of 160 CRS points. While 136 is the maximum CRS points available for the first language, 24 CRS points are for the second language.
[2] After relocating to Canada
Knowledge of the French language can help an immigrant even after migrating overseas to Canada.
| Open possibilities | The ability to speak French, though not required for living in Canada, can open possibilities for an immigrant in Canada, professionally as well as socially. |
| More employment opportunities | Being bilingual can increase an immigrant’s employment opportunities in the Canadian labour market.
Certain jobs in Canada are exclusively for those proficient in both English and French. Moreover, an individual that is bilingual might choose between jobs available only in French or only in English. |
| Francophone support | Every year, many French-speaking immigrants move to Canada, often settling in Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Various Francophone organizations throughout Canada support and encourage such individuals in planning their new life as an immigrant in Canada. |
| Better integration into the Canadian society | Regardless of the province, speaking at least some conversational French, in addition to English, equip an immigrant for better handling the day-to-day situations in everyday life in Canada. |
| Assist in Canadian citizenship | Adequate knowledge of the French language can also help an individual in becoming a Canadian citizen.
The Citizenship Act of Canada requires new citizens to have an “adequate knowledge” of either English or French language. |
Canada remains the most-accepting country for a migrant. 92% of newcomers in Canada agreed that their community was welcoming: Report.
If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.
If you found this blog engaging, you may also like…
500,000 immigrants working in Canada are trained in STEM fields
Y-Axis
FEEDSPOT ACCREDITATION
How learning French can help you with Canada PR
Posted on August 14, 2021