Punjab IELTS Centres Add French Courses to Boost Canada Immigration Hopes

Key Takeaways

Canada requires a minimum French proficiency of CLB 7 (B2 CEFR) for many immigration programs, starting February 2025.
Express Entry candidates can earn up to 50 CRS points for French proficiency through TEF or TCF exams.
Punjab IELTS centres now offer French courses, taking 18-30 months and costing 50,000-100,000 INR to achieve CLB 7.

In recent years, Punjab’s 🇮🇳 IELTS centres have expanded their services, adapting to meet the changing demands of Canadian immigration policies. One major development is the introduction of French language courses to help aspiring immigrants boost their chances of success in immigrating to Canada 🇨🇦. With Canada prioritizing French-speaking immigrants, this shift aligns with the country’s immigration goals while opening new doors for hopeful applicants from Punjab.

The focal point of these changes is Canada’s increasing emphasis on bilingual applicants. As of February 2025, Canada requires a minimum French proficiency level of CLB 7, which corresponds to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This standard applies to many immigration programs, including those under the popular Express Entry system. Punjab’s immigrants have responded to this shift by turning to local language centres for French courses that cater specifically to these requirements.

Punjab IELTS Centres Add French Courses to Boost Canada Immigration Hopes

Why French Matters for Canadian Immigration

French proficiency is more than just a skill; for Canadian immigration, it’s a significant advantage. Candidates applying through the Express Entry system gain up to 50 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points if they demonstrate strong French language skills. These points are critical because they can determine who ultimately receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

For aspiring immigrants, the level of benefit depends on their scores in both English and French. A candidate scoring NCLC level 7 or higher across all four French skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) can earn:

25 additional CRS points if their English test scored CLB 4 or lower (or if they haven’t taken an English test at all).
50 extra CRS points if all four English language skills scored CLB 5 or higher.

The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) and Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) are the exams recognized for Canadian immigration purposes. These tests measure abilities in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and are designed to assess candidates’ ability to function in Canada’s day-to-day linguistic environment.

How Punjab IELTS Centres Are Supporting Aspirants

In response to this growing interest in French proficiency, many IELTS centres in Punjab have broadened their offerings to include French language training. These courses are designed to help students reach CLB 7, the minimum standard for Canadian immigration programs. The training is structured around the TEF and TCF exam formats, ensuring students are well-prepared for these challenging tests.

The courses typically include:

Reading, writing, listening, and speaking practice related to French skills.
Test preparation specifically targeting the TEF and TCF.
Practice exams to gauge progress and build confidence.
Cultural orientation to francophone regions of Canada 🇨🇦, preparing students for life in areas where French is widely spoken.
One-on-one tutoring for personalized support.

Many centres have partnered with skilled French language instructors, including native speakers. They’ve also invested in technology and modern resources, such as online learning platforms, to enhance the learning experience. These efforts reflect a strategic move to attract students searching for quality French instruction that aligns with Canadian immigration requirements.

Time and Investment Required

While French courses in Punjab offer clear advantages, they aren’t a quick fix for Canadian immigration. Language experts suggest that it takes between 18 and 30 months of consistent study to achieve a CLB 7 level in French. This timeline assumes a focused effort combined with quality instruction.

The financial cost of French courses varies depending on the centre, program duration, and intensity. Students often pay an average of 50,000 to 100,000 INR for a comprehensive course aimed at preparing them for the TEF or TCF exams. This cost reflects the specialized curriculum and resources required to help students achieve their goals.

Why IELTS Centres Are Diversifying

The shift to French language training isn’t just about meeting the needs of Canadian immigration applicants; it’s also a broader response to changing trends in Punjab’s immigration landscape. In 2024, Canada introduced stricter rules for international students, reducing the number of Punjabi students pursuing study visas through IELTS. This development led to a contraction in the IELTS market.

As of early 2025, Punjab saw the number of registered IELTS centres fall from about 11,000 in 2023 to approximately 6,000. Many remaining centres have diversified their services to stay operational, and French courses have become an attractive new offering for both students and centre operators.

Canada’s Strong Focus on Francophone Immigration

Canada’s commitment to attracting French-speaking immigrants extends beyond simply rewarding French proficiency with additional CRS points. In June 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw dedicated solely to French-speaking candidates. This draw featured one of the lowest CRS cutoff scores in the program’s history, further emphasizing the preference for francophone applicants.

Additionally, the Canadian government has ambitious targets for increasing francophone immigration outside Quebec 🇨🇦. Through the Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028, Canada has allocated $137.2 million to promote francophone immigration over a five-year period. This is a major investment designed to encourage bilingual or French-speaking individuals to settle in areas where French is less commonly spoken.

The Future of French Language Training in Punjab

For aspiring immigrants in Punjab, French proficiency presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While mastering a second language at the required level demands time, effort, and resources, it also opens up unique pathways to permanent residency in Canada. Those who meet CLB 7 standards not only enhance their immigration chances but also position themselves for potentially settling in French-speaking communities within Canada.

As Canada prioritizes growing its francophone population, particularly outside Quebec, Punjab’s language centres are expected to see a steady increase in demand for French courses. IELTS centres that have incorporated French training into their offerings demonstrate an adaptability that reflects the evolving priorities of Canada’s immigration programs.

Conclusion

The addition of French courses in Punjab’s IELTS centres marks a significant adaptation to global trends in immigration. With Canada actively rewarding French-speaking applicants and aiming to attract more francophone immigrants, developing French language skills has become a strategic step for candidates from Punjab. This localized response by language centres highlights how closely connected Punjab’s immigration industry is to Canadian policies.

For aspiring immigrants, investing in French skills might require time, effort, and financial resources, but it remains an essential opportunity to enhance their chances of success. Staying informed about policy changes and choosing the right language training can help candidates move closer to their dream of starting a new life in Canada.

For those seeking more information on applying for Canadian permanent residency or learning about the language test requirements, visiting the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website is strongly recommended. Meanwhile, VisaVerge.com also offers reliable analysis and updates on topics like Canadian immigration pathways, ensuring candidates stay ahead in this competitive process.

Learn Today

CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) → A standardized scale measuring language proficiency in Canada for immigration, ranging from basic to advanced levels.
CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) → A points-based system used in Canada’s Express Entry to rank immigration candidates based on various factors.
Express Entry → An online system managing applications for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada through specific immigration programs.
TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) → A standardized French proficiency test accepted by Canada for immigration, evaluating speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Francophone Immigration → A Canadian initiative prioritizing French-speaking immigrants to boost linguistic diversity and support French-speaking communities outside Quebec.

This Article in a Nutshell

Punjab’s IELTS centres now offer French courses, aligning with Canada’s growing emphasis on bilingual immigrants. French proficiency can earn up to 50 CRS points in Express Entry, boosting chances for permanent residency. With specialized training targeting TEF and TCF exams, aspirants gain valuable skills, making French a game-changing investment for Canadian immigration success.
— By VisaVerge.com