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.
