Traveling to Canada through Express Entry: A Guide for French-speaking Skilled Workers

Do you dream of living in Canada, are you a skilled worker and speak French, if you answered yes, then read this comprehensive article that will guide you to this wonderful country! 

The Express Entry system could be your route this 2024 to Canada and join the new immigrants who along with their families are contributing to its economy. This Immiland article includes important facts about Canada's entry system and a dedicated guide for French-speaking workers to understand the steps to permanent residency. Here we go!

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What is Express Entry and how does it work?

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Express Entry is an innovative online application system designed by the Canadian government to create a pool of eligible candidates for permanent immigration to Canada. To enter this pool, the French-speaking skilled worker must qualify for one of the immigration programs covered by Express Entry and earn points based on his or her skills and experience. Only the candidates with the highest scores receive invitations from the country to apply for permanent residence.

The above description is general for all programs, but what is the particularity of the program involving French speakers or francophones? Join me in reading the following paragraph.

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French-speaking foreigners have extensive advantages to accumulate Express Entry points.

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French speakers or foreigners who speak French are gaining more and more chances to come to Canada thanks to Express Entry. Now, this ability to speak French must be demonstrated to the Canadian government, therefore, when creating their profile on the website, they must demonstrate French (and/or English) language proficiency with the option to choose the one they are most proficient in as their first official language. This strategic decision can significantly increase your chances of scoring more points. Please note that the average score is 500.

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How many points do you get for speaking French?

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Foreign nationals with strong French skills can earn up to 50 additional points, even if French is their second language. If the applicant achieves a proficiency level (NCLC) 7 or higher in the four French skills, he/she can obtain additional points, depending on his/her English proficiency. In this link, you can check your English and French proficiency level for free.

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What are the category-based rounds for proficiency in French?

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Each year in Canada, the Express Entry system conducts rounds based on categories to meet specific government economic objectives. In 2023, French proficiency was chosen as one of the most relevant categories, emphasizing the importance of bilingualism in the Canadian workforce. These rounds are invitation days launched by the IRCC for French speakers to apply to the fast-track entry system and arrive with permanent residency in Canada.

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Who can apply for entry to Canada through Express Entry?

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For this French-speaking program, you must determine your eligibility by answering a few questions, then register your personal reference code and create your profile. Below is a guide to help you make sure you meet all the eligibility details before proceeding with the application process.

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Application guide for qualified French-speaking workers

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Regarding the application process and what to expect after the application process, please note the following:

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1. You must prepare your documents: ‍

If invited to apply for permanent residence, the skilled worker will need to upload his or her documents, so it is crucial that he or she always has them up to date and on hand.

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2. Demonstrate second language skills:

If you speak English and French, please provide passing scores on internationally recognized exams for both languages for additional points.

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3. Create your profile on the government website:

If you are eligible, follow the instructions to create your profile in the Express Entry system by entering your personal reference code and details.

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What to do while your profile is in the database or candidate pools?

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This is a question that many applicants ask once they have already completed the previous process, in that case, while you wait, we recommend that you check the rounds of invitations (iTA) that the government periodically launches to evaluate your probability of receiving an iTA, since if you are invited, you will have 60 days to submit your application.

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What to do after receiving the invitation to apply?

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After receiving an invitation, submit your application for permanent residence. If approved, then begin your travel arrangements. In this Immiland article, you can learn about the steps for good planning before arriving in Canada, Five things to do before traveling to Canada.

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What to do if you did not receive an invitation to apply?

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If an applicant does not receive an invitation, then we recommend evaluating his or her profile to detect areas for improvement; there are some reasons why his or her file was not considered for application, for example:

• You scored low: you may need to gain more work experience in Canada to increase your score; this work experience is facilitated by the French-speaking mobility work permit.
• You are not eligible: you may have had problems with the validity and/or validity of a document, such as your passport, work permit, proof of funds, or certification of your level of English and/or French. In these cases, it is important to double check your documents and explore other alternatives for immigration to Canada. If this happens to you, it is very important that you consider a specialized consultant, in this link you can contact a regulated consultant of Immiland and he will gladly take your case.

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What are the jobs in Canada that require proficiency in French?

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The demand for professionals with fluent French is on the rise, which has created a very attractive range of job prospects. Companies are increasingly interested in people with this skill, whether you are a native French speaker or have honed your proficiency through academic training and experience, just speaking it can significantly improve your job prospects in various industries in Canada. For example:

• Translation and interpretation: this job is one of the most sought-after. It is a job that can be done face-to-face or remotely and, in addition, facilitates communication in international environments in the tourism, business and international relations sectors. 
• Education and teaching: pursuing a career as a French teacher is an excellent option to secure a stable and expanding job. The position will allow you to provide language instruction in schools, language institutes or through private tutoring.
• International business and trade: proficiency in French is advantageous in international trade, linking you to many multinational companies looking for bilingual professionals to navigate French-speaking markets. Jobs in international sales, marketing and customer service are particularly accessible to French speakers.
• Hospitality and tourism: French is significant in the global tourism industry, especially in countries like Canada, where bilingualism is valued. Opportunities to work in hotels, resorts, travel and tourism agencies to cater to French-speaking travelers are booming this year 2024. Here, you can read about the new Alberta Advantage program.

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Benefits of speaking fluent French

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In addition to the many job opportunities for skilled workers, there are other benefits to be gained by mastering the French language, some of which are:

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• It allows you to make contact with more than 300 million French speakers worldwide, helping you to expand your professional network globally.
• Fluency in French gives you a competitive advantage in the job market, making your skills an employable professional both nationally and internationally. 
• Speaking French leads to knowledge of French culture, history and literature, thus fostering intercultural appreciation and facilitating effective collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds.
• There are multiple economic mobility programs in Canada that can bring you to live given the country's interest in increasing its French-speaking population and economic growth.

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Express Entry allows a qualified French-speaking worker to open the prospect of obtaining permanent residency and also positions him/her advantageously in the Canadian job market. If you wish to explore our job opportunities, click here. You can also learn French for Express Entry at our language academy. 

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If you feel that Canada is calling you, then Express Entry is your gateway. Bon voyage! 

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With love,

Immiland