French-Speaking Candidates to Dominate Category-Based Express Entry Draws in 2024
As per the Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2024–2026
IRCC aims to admit 26,100 French-speaking permanent residents in 2024. This figure is slated to rise to 31,500 newcomers in 2025 and further to 36,000 in 2026.
French language proficiency constitutes one of the six categories prioritized by IRCC, focusing on candidates possessing sought-after skills and work experience for occupations listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC).
Throughout the Express Entry draws scheduled for 2024, 78.5% of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) will be allocated through category-based draws, with the remaining 21.5% of ITAs being issued through general draws.
Applying Through Express Entry
Before embarking on your Canada immigration journey, assess your eligibility to apply through Express Entry Canada. Utilize a 67-point calculator to evaluate your age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant factors. While a maximum of 24 points can be attained for English proficiency, an additional 4 points are awarded for French skills, potentially offsetting any lost points in other areas.
Also Read Stay in Canada After PGWP Expires
If deemed eligible, proceed to create an Express Entry profile and join the candidate pool. Within this pool, your profile undergoes ranking via the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), where points are allocated based on the same factors as assessed by the 67-point calculator.
In the CRS assessment, language proficiency carries significant weight, with 160 points attributed to this factor. Additional CRS points are granted for French proficiency, with a potential maximum of 50 points, even if French is not your primary language. To secure these additional points, attain at least an NCLC 7 proficiency level across all French language skills in TEF.
A higher CRS score enhances your likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Also Read Canada invites French Speakers Again
Requirements for French Speakers to Apply for Express Entry
The French language proficiency criterion stands as the sole category where your work experience is not factored into the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian PR from India.
To qualify, attain the minimum French language score mandated for Canadian PR:
TEF or Test d’évaluation de français serves as the language assessment tool utilized by IRCC to evaluate applicants’ French language proficiency. It assesses Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking skills, assigning scores across various proficiency levels ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).
Also Read What is the Scope of Studying in British Columbia,
Here’s a breakdown of the TEF for Canadian PR, presented in no specific order:
Reading: This segment evaluates your capacity to comprehend written French texts, encompassing articles, reports, or literary works.
Writing: You’ll be tasked with composing essays or reports in French, assessing your ability to articulate thoughts in the language.
Listening: The TEF evaluates your aptitude to comprehend spoken French, encompassing everyday conversations and interviews. You’ll listen to diverse audio recordings and respond to corresponding questions.
Speaking: This component involves engaging in a conversation with an examiner, covering a variety of topics.
To meet the eligibility criteria for a Canadian PR visa, you must attain a minimum French proficiency level of NCLC 7, equivalent to a B2 level on the TEF test.
Also Read Are you considering bringing your spouse or partner to Canada with you?
Ensure compliance with all requirements outlined in the instructions for the respective invitation round.
Alternative Routes for Canadian PR from India for French Speakers
If you fail to meet the criteria for Express Entry, consider exploring these alternative immigration pathways tailored for French speakers:
Quebec Immigration
Quebec, a predominantly French-speaking province in Canada, offers numerous immigration avenues for individuals proficient in the French language. If you seek an alternative to Express Entry, consider applying for the following Quebec programs:
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW): Tailored for Indian nationals with skilled work experience aiming for permanent residence in Quebec. The province operates independently from the Government of Canada, implementing its own selection criteria for immigrants likely to integrate successfully. PR applications under this program are typically processed within approximately 9 months.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): Indians possessing French-speaking abilities and legally acquired work experience in Quebec are eligible for the Quebec Experience Program (program de l’expérience Québécoise). PR applications under PEQ are typically processed within 6 months.
Also Read Top Immigration Questions Asked At the Canadian Airport
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Numerous provinces across Canada provide pathways for French-speaking individuals to obtain permanent residence. Explore the following options:
Direct Nomination
New Brunswick: The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream targets French-speaking candidates possessing in-demand skills and experience beneficial to the province’s economy.
Northwest Territories: Indian French speakers can consider the Northwest Territories Francophone Stream, provided they hold a valid job offer from an NWT employer.
Nomination via Express Entry
Several provinces extend invitations to candidates from the Express Entry pool through various PNP streams. A provincial nomination enhances your overall CRS score by 600 points in the CRS score calculator, thereby augmenting your chances of receiving an ITA for Canadian PR.
Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP): Explore the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream (FSSWS) under this PNP, open to individuals with a minimum NCLC 7 proficiency in French and CLB 6 in English. Additionally, fulfills the requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Ontario provides additional points to bilingual French and English speakers in its Employer Job Offer and Graduate streams.
Also Read Canada Student Visa Checklist
Temporary Routes for Immigration to Canada
Canada offers the Francophone Mobility Program, facilitating the straightforward hiring of foreign nationals possessing French-speaking skills by Canadian employers. Unlike the usual cumbersome and unpredictable process of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), Canadian employers are exempt from this requirement when hiring individuals through this program.
To be eligible for the Francophone Mobility Program, you must secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer outside of Quebec. Additionally, you need to demonstrate proficiency at NCLC level 5 or higher and fulfill general eligibility criteria.
Also Read Canada Temporary Visa To Permanent Visa
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
On March 6, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot program, in line with the federal government’s dedication to enhancing the economic development and demographic vitality of Francophone minority communities beyond Quebec.
The primary objective of this pilot initiative is to foster linguistic diversity and bolster the thriving Francophone minority communities throughout Canada by attracting skilled immigrants proficient in French.
This commitment is evident in recent category-based Express Entry draws, where thousands of eligible French-speaking candidates have received invitations, provided they meet the requisite criteria.
To date, IRCC has extended invitations to 12,400 immigrants possessing French language proficiency. If you are proficient in French, stay updated on the latest Express Entry draws in 2024.
Require assistance?
Reach out to Universal Adviser, a premier immigration consultancy in Delhi NCR. Their expert team will assess your case and provide tailored solutions for applying for Canada PR from India.
Whether you need support with your application, documentation, job search, or any other aspect, they have you covered!
Avail a complimentary consultation session to determine the optimal approach for your situation. For more information you can drop us a mail at info@universaladviser.com or give us a call on +91–730–345–0222 and speak to our experts directly.
