To help international students improve their chances of securing a Canadian student visa, several IELTS centres in Punjab have begun offering courses in French, with immigration experts advising students to learn the language to take advantage of Canada’s increasing focus on bilingual immigration.
Over the past few years, Canada has placed more emphasis on welcoming francophone (French-speaking) immigrants, especially those outside Quebec province, where French is the official language. For international students, learning French has thus become an essential strategy, not only for securing a student visa but also for obtaining permanent residency (PR), particularly for those whose postgraduate work permit (PGWP) will soon expire.
According to immigration consultants, Canada is offering direct PR to individuals proficient in French, with this initiative set to continue until 2028. Learning French up to an advanced level can add 63 points to a candidate’s PR application.
Sumit Jain, a Jalandhar-based consultant from Jain Overseas, said the institute offers French language classes alongside IELTS (International English Language Testing System) training. This opportunity extends even to students already studying in Canada. Around 15 students enrolled with Jain Overseas are taking online French classes from Canada.
Jain said, “We are offering free French language classes to our IELTS students by providing them with access to our portal. Just yesterday, a draw for PR was announced, under which 7,000 international students were selected for PR and most of them were selected under the bilingual programme. These students were well-versed in the French language. Although we do not know how many are from India, 7,000 PRs for students is a significant number.” He emphasised the importance of students doing something extra to improve their chances of staying in Canada.
Tirath Singh, owner of Pinnacle Immigration Consultancy in Jalandhar, plans to start French courses soon. He is in search of a qualified teacher for the language. “Many IELTS centres have already begun offering French language courses or are planning to do so in response to Canada’s focus on French for PR purposes,” he said. He added that students should choose their centres carefully to ensure they receive quality instruction.
Singh also pointed out that Canada aims to increase the share of francophone immigrants outside Quebec from 6 per cent in 2023 to 8 per cent by 2026. This bilingual focus can significantly enhance the chances of international students who gain proficiency in French, he noted.
Gurpreet Singh, who plans to introduce French courses at his i-Can Consultancy soon, said talks are underway to collaborate with a reputed French language institute. He said several IELTS centres are now designing French courses to allow students to learn the language while attending their English classes. Singh said that students proficient in both English and French are in a stronger position to secure a job in Canada after graduation and eventually obtain PR status.
Experts also explain that learning French provides students with a competitive edge, especially for those whose PGWP is expiring.
Ashish Ahuja, owner of ACS, Jalandhar, said his career solution centre recently began offering French courses along with IELTS classes. “Being bilingual is always an advantage. Students who gain knowledge of the French language will definitely have an edge in Canada,” he said.
Canada’s two official languages—English and French—are integral to the country’s immigration system. The Canadian government has placed a particular emphasis on attracting bilingual individuals who can integrate into francophone minority communities outside Quebec. These communities, which span provinces such as Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario, offer dedicated immigration streams for bilingual candidates. By learning French, students gain access to these Francophone Community Immigration Programmes (FMCSP), which prioritise French-speaking newcomers, making it easier for them to qualify for immigration streams and secure PR.
Anurag of Jalandhar-based NIDS Infotech Limited, an institute offering language classes, explained that like IELTS, French language courses are offered in different levels, starting from A1, A2, B1, and B2 for beginners and progressing to advanced levels C1 and C2. “Our institute offers both IELTS and French language courses,” he said.
Tirath Singh concluded by emphasising the importance of dedication in learning French. “Students who focus and stay determined will be successful. With proper attention, mastering French is entirely achievable,” he said, adding that for many students, investing in French language skills can be a long-term solution to their immigration goals.
Over the past few years, Canada has placed more emphasis on welcoming francophone (French-speaking) immigrants, especially those outside Quebec province, where French is the official language. (Express File Photo) 
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