If you have been thinking about immigrating to Canada, chances are you already know about many of the requirements for your immigration application. Since Canada is a bilingual nation, those seeking to immigrate have choices when it comes to the language testing results they submit. Results for English, French or both languages are accepted options when the results are from Canadian immigration-approved exams.
While submitting results for both English and French language tests does not allow applicants to double their language points, it does allow them to increase their language results by up to 50 more points. This possible increase in points can make the difference between admission to Canada or being left waiting.
The TCF Exam
One of the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada-approved (IRCC-approved) French language tests is the TCF Canada - the Test de connaissance du français. This test includes speaking, listening, reading and writing sections. The listening section consists of 39 multiple-choice questions as does the reading section. The three speaking tasks increase in difficulty as the test progresses and the three writing tasks also progress in difficulty.
Potential immigrants who choose French as the primary or secondary language for their immigration application language test will do well to take do their TCF Canada exam registration through an approved testing provider. This will ensure they are taking the right exam and will know when they can expect the results. Results are not reported as a pass or fail, but instead are a score that aligns to the Canadian Language Benchmark table.
Your testing centre will provide you with the official results certificate once the results have been calculated and this can be included in your immigration application.
Skilled French-speaking Workers are in Demand
Overall, Canada is looking to attract more French-speaking workers to immigrate throughout the country, outside of Quebec. The desire is to fortify the Francophone communities within the various provinces and territories and create more vibrant, thriving French-focused regions.
Through the Canadian Express Entry program, those who fit the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades program, the Canadian Experience Class and some of the Provincial Nominee Programs can find their best fit and chances for successful immigration. This is where the language test result points plays an important part. Because the Express Entry program asks applicants to apply for immigration when they have a minimum number of points, the language points can be a significant element in reaching that threshold.
Francophone Communities in Canada Outside of Quebec
Immigrating to Canada using French as your primary or secondary language does not restrict you to immigrating to Quebec. Quebec, which is Canada’s most concentrated Francophone province, has its own language requirements which differ from the French language requirements throughout the rest of Canada. There are many Francophone communities outside of the province of Quebec, where those who speak French primarily, or as a second language, find a welcoming environment.
For example, the neighbourhood of Maillardville in Coquitlam, British Columbia, has a Francophone history dating back to the early 1900s and an annual event known as Festival du Bois. Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in Lorne, Manitoba has a significant volume of French-speaking residents and their history is revealed in the Pioneers and Chanoinesses Museum. Then there’s the Township of Moonbeam, Ontario which has a developing tourist industry and a strong focus on outdoor activity.
Canada’s history of French and British colonists, and the battles driven by their mother-lands, influenced the flows of Francophone immigrants to the country. Acadia was a French-speaking colony back in the 1600s, but after a series of wars over this region between the French and the English, Great Britain finally took control of it and French-speaking individuals didn’t immigrate in as much abundance.
Various subsequent events in Canada’s history changed this. Certainly, the Klondike gold rush was one aspect. Francophone adventurers from Europe came to try their luck at striking it rich and a number of French-speaking professionals formed communities through BC to service the dreams of these individuals. There was also a large amount of demand for fertile land and European Francophones came to the prairies to farm and established rural communities.
Canada’s multiculturalism and bilingual status continue to be motivating factors for Francophone immigration. For those who are ready for a new home which supports their French language, culture and roots, Canada is an excellent option both within Quebec and in the provinces and territories outside of Quebec.
Choosing a Francophone Neighbourhood
If speaking French on a daily basis for work, school and activities is an important part of your choice of where to settle in Canada, you will want to research the various Francophone locations to get to know the standards of each community. Francophone communities outside of Quebec often offer French and English job options, French-language schools, community services in French and English and a variety of French and English community supports. However, not every community is the same, thus why getting to know the communities better is important to helping you make a decision about where you want to live.
For more information about Francophone communities and job opportunities in French, search for the Destination Canada Mobility Forum which brings employers together with French-speaking job seekers.
Studying in French
Part of your choice to immigrate to Canada may include a desire to continue your education. Many post-secondary institutions offer educational options in French. This includes well-known universities like The University of British Columbia, University of Guelph, Cornwall University, University of Waterloo and York University. Visit the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne to learn more about the post-secondary education options available in Canada.
For centuries, Francophones have come to Canada and made it their home. This long-standing history not only makes various communities within the country desirable places to settle for French-speaking individuals and families, it also ensures a welcoming neighbourhood with a familiar Francophone environment.
