Having knowledge of French can be an advantage for certain immigration programs in Canada, as French is one of Canada’s two official languages and is widely spoken in certain regions of the country, particularly in Quebec.
In 2022, Immigration Canada reached their target of 4.4% French-speaking immigrants outside of Quebec. Overall there are French-speaking communities all across Canada
In recent years, the Canadian government has made a concerted effort to attract French-speaking immigrants to Canada, particularly to Quebec, which is where the majority of French-speaking immigrants to Canada settle. The government recognizes the importance of French language skills in certain regions of Canada and has introduced a number of measures to attract French-speaking immigrants, including creating a separate stream for French-speaking applicants in certain immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry system, and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry system have a separate stream for French-speaking applicants, where points are awarded for French language proficiency. This can make it easier for French-speaking individuals to qualify for these programs and increase their chances of being selected for permanent residence.
Additionally, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program has a separate stream for French-speaking applicants. This program is intended to attract skilled workers to the province of Quebec and prioritizes applicants who have French language proficiency.
It’s worth noting that even if you don’t have a high level of French proficiency, you may still be eligible to apply through the regular stream of these programs, but the points awarded for language proficiency will be lower.
In addition to the above programs, there are also other programs such as the Quebec Business Immigration program, which is intended for entrepreneurs and business people who want to start or buy a business in Quebec and create jobs for Canadians. This program also prioritizes applicants with French language proficiency.
It’s important to note that the number of French-speaking immigrants who come to Canada can vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in immigration policies and economic conditions. I would recommend checking the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or contact them directly to get the most updated and accurate information about the number of French-speaking immigrants who came to Canada in recent years.
Overall, having knowledge of French can be an advantage for certain immigration programs in Canada, particularly for those who want to settle in Quebec. However, it is not a requirement for all programs and not having French proficiency will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from immigrating to Canada. It’s always recommended to check the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant to get more information about the specific requirements and criteria of each program.
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