Why immigration experts from Punjab are urging international students in Canada to learn French

Instead of resorting to illegal stay after their PGWP expires, students with good academic records should explore this route, the experts say. Here’s a look at how learning French or being bilingual can help students secure PR.

How can learning French benefit students aiming for PR in Canada?

Canada has two official languages, English and French, with Quebec being the only province where French is the native language of the majority. Over the past few years, Canada has emphasised Francophone (French-speaking) and bilingual immigration, especially outside Quebec, through various initiatives. The country aims to increase the share of Francophone immigrants outside Quebec from 6 per cent in 2023 to 7 per cent in 2025 and 8 per cent in 2026.

“When Canada is offering such opportunities, students must take advantage of them by learning French. With a direct pathway to PR now available for Francophone students, learning French should be a priority,” said Tirath Singh, a Jalandhar-based study consultant from Pinnacle Immigration. He highlighted the recent expansion of the Francophone Communities Initiative (FCI), which now includes several Francophone communities outside Quebec, including Evangeline region in Prince Edward Island, Clare in Nova Scotia, Labrador City, Hawkesbury in eastern Ontario, Sudbury in Northern Ontario, Hamilton in southwest central Ontario, Seine River region in Manitoba, Calgary in Alberta, Prince George in British Columbia etc.

“Students whose PGWP has expired should consider returning to India, learning French here, and then reapplying to secure PR under the Francophone and bilingual immigration programmes,” he added.

The FCI supports the settlement and integration of Francophone newcomers, helping them transition smoothly into Canadian life.

“Proficiency in French makes students eligible for immigration streams that prioritise Francophone immigrants, providing a distinct advantage over non-French speakers,” said Gurpreet Singh of i-Can Consultancy. He explained that Canada’s immigration systems, such as Express Entry, award additional points to candidates with French language skills. “Students who learn French can settle in Francophone minority communities, and it can serve as a direct pathway to PR, avoiding the highly competitive immigration categories,” he added.

Learning French not only enhances students’ eligibility but also opens doors to dedicated programmes that align with Canada’s immigration priorities, making it a worthwhile investment for those aspiring to secure permanent residency, Gurpreet further said.

Is learning French a realistic option for international students?

While experts acknowledge that learning French can be challenging, they say many students possess the aptitude to acquire the language with dedication and consistent effort. For motivated individuals, proficiency in French offers a long-term solution to their immigration challenges, aligning perfectly with Canada’s strategy to attract bilingual immigrants, they add.

Will learning French increase students’ chances of getting work in Canada?

According to immigration experts, there are several job roles in Canada where French proficiency is essential. However, many of these positions remain vacant due to a lack of suitable candidates with the required language skills. This gap is one of the reasons Canada has been steadily increasing its Francophone immigration targets, aiming to meet these demands by 2026, they said.

Students with French language skills will have a significant advantage over those who only know one language as bilingualism is highly valued in both the job market and immigration programmes. By leveraging their language skills, students can avoid resorting to illegal stays, the experts added.