How to Move to Canada if you speak French
Yes, it’s true – the Canadian government has developed some innovative programs to encourage French speaking candidates to move to Canada.
The updated Francophone Mobility Program is one of the amazing opportunities for Canadian employers to hire French speaking workers (outside of Quebec). So, what is the Francophone Mobility Program and how can it help you come to Canada?
This is one of the LMIA exempt processes available to an employer to be able to offer a qualifying foreign worker a work permit for Canada - and that is important because it is a faster and less expensive process available to an employer who is looking to hire a foreign worker. The bonus is they gain a bilingual worker!
The basic qualification criteria are: an ability to speak and listen in French at an intermediate level – that is defined as niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 5 or higher, have a job offer in almost any category that is outside of the province of Quebec.
But wait, there’s more to consider here than just the Francophone Mobility Program!
If you are going to have your French language tests completed, make sure you test in all four areas, speaking, listening, as well as reading, and writing. You might qualify under the Express Entry system and your second language score could be the difference to your final score that pushes you higher in the rankings to get noticed.
Did you know that Canada started having category-based draws in 2023? One of those categories is French language proficiency and at the time of writing this post, 4 such draws have taken place.
So, if your French ability is at least a NCLC level 7 in all four areas, and you are part of the Express Entry pool, then you might just have enough points to receive an invitation in the next French language category draw.
If you want to come to Canada as a French – speaking candidate, I would be happy to meet with you to understand your immigration goals and see how you might start your Canadian Immigration journey. As a professional Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Consultant, (RCIC), I am licensed to practice Canadian immigration law and I take great pride in helping individuals find their path to Canada.
You can contact me and learn more through my website at www.ldpimmigration.ca and make sure you complete the information form to receive a FREE INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Let me help you build your life in Canada.
Laurie Parris, (RCIC), is a member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship, (CICC), National Board member and Chair of the Lobbying Committee of Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants, (CAPIC), and Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Law, Queen's University, Graduate Diploma in Immigration & Citizenship Law.
