Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
International students turn to French to boost PR chances
On This Page You Will Find:
- Why learning French is crucial for PR applicants
- Real-life stories of international students' struggles and successes
- Expert insights on navigating the CRS system
- How French fluency opens career doors
- Trends in French language education for immigrants
Summary:
In Canada, the race for Permanent Residence (PR) has become increasingly competitive, with many international students now turning to French as a pathway to success. This article explores the stories of students like Harbal Deep Sidhu, who invest in learning French to boost their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores and unlock additional opportunities in the job market. It dives into the expert advice from immigration lawyers and highlights the growing trend of French language programs for newcomers. With only 395,000 PR spots available this year, understanding how French can enhance your application is critical for anyone pursuing long-term residency in Canada.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Learning French can significantly increase your CRS score Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
- French fluency opens doors to more job opportunities, especially in government roles The Globe and Mail.
- A 222% increase in French language program enrollments highlights its growing importance CBC News.
- French proficiency can classify you as a Francophone, offering a lower cutoff score for PR Toronto Star.
- The increasing PR cutoff points make French an essential skill for applicants CTV News.
Navigating the PR Battlefield: Why French Matters
Imagine investing $42,000 in a master's degree, only to find that the path to Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada has become a maze of fluctuating rules and high cutoff scores. This is the reality for Harbal Deep Sidhu, a recent graduate from the University of Windsor, who now spends $2,000 monthly on French classes to boost his PR application chances. "The cutoff points are very high, even for a master's or PhD student," Sidhu explains. "Learning French can give us extra points Toronto Star."
Sidhu's story is far from unique. With 3.02 million temporary residents vying for just 395,000 PR spots this year, the competition is fierce Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. For many, like Sidhu, mastering French is not just an option but a necessity. He dedicates two hours daily to this pursuit, hoping it will be his saving grace as he races against the clock with just two years left on his work permit CBC News.
The French Advantage: More Than Just Points
For Gurasees Singh, a computer system technician student at St. Clair College, and many in the IT field, learning French isn't just about PR points. "French is an asset in the job market," Singh notes, highlighting how bilingualism is increasingly preferred by data and networking companies CBC News.
The trend is echoed by immigration lawyer Lou Janssen Dangzalan, who has advised clients for two years to consider French as a backup plan. "Pursuing French as a second language increases your CRS points," says Dangzalan. Additionally, the possibility of being classified as a Francophone under Express Entry provides a lower cutoff score CTV News.
Career Prospects: French as a Competitive Edge
Amangel Bhullar, a PhD student and new Canadian citizen, views French as a tool to unlock better career opportunities. "In today's job market, knowing an extra language gives you a competitive edge," she asserts, pointing to the growing number of bilingual job openings in research and governmental sectors The Globe and Mail.
However, mastering French is no small feat. Bhullar anticipates it might take up to three years to achieve fluency sufficient for her career goals, a sentiment echoed by many fellow students CBC News.
Rising Demand for French Programs
Across Canada, institutions like Boreal College are witnessing a surge in demand for French programs. "There's a 222% increase in registrations from international students," says Simon Goulet, Boreal's campus director. This trend is not just about immigration but also a growing curiosity and desire to engage with Canada's official languages The Globe and Mail.
Goulet emphasizes the importance of immersion, noting that conversational skills are a focal point of their programs. With more campuses offering the French examinations required by IRCC, the accessibility and appeal of learning French continue to grow Toronto Star.
Conclusion
As Canada continues to tighten its PR pathways, learning French emerges as a powerful strategy for international students and temporary residents. Whether it's to secure more CRS points or to enhance career prospects, the demand for French language skills is clear. For those navigating the complex landscape of Canadian immigration, mastering French could very well be the key to unlocking not just residency, but a wealth of opportunities.
