Canada offers more than 100 immigration programs to French natives, resident and ex-pats. Many French individuals aspire to move to Canada to expand their career in North America, get education from World-class universities or just to improve their lifestyle by earning a decent wage. If you want to know the complete procedure and details of immigration to Canada from France, then follow this article to the end.
Quebec is favourite among French immigrants
Every year around 700,000 French are nominated by Quebec Provincial Nominee Program, that’s why the province has nearly 31% of its population, French in origin. Besides that, 80% of the residents of Quebec speak French as their first language. This makes Quebec one of the most desired destination among French immigrants.
There are certain agreements signed between Quebec and France, for the ease of French immigrants. The first one is on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications, this speeds up the credential assessment process of French citizens, providing them with an easy way to enter the labour market earlier than citizens of other countries. This agreement is specially signed to include doctors, lawyers, engineers, and social workers from France. Another agreement signed between the two regions greatly reduces the fee of students from France who aspire to study in a post-secondary school institution in Quebec.
Pathways to immigrate to Canada from France
To get Canadian Permanent residence as a French citizen, you can apply through one of the following programs:
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Canadian Experience Class
- Quebec Experience Class
- Federal Self-Employed Program
Besides these, there’s a Family Class Sponsorship program through which your Canadian family might be able to sponsor you to migrate to Canada.
1.Skilled Worker path
Canada’s Express Entry system offers three programs to the skilled immigrants all over the World. You may apply for permanent through the Express Entry system in any of its three programs, Federal skilled worker class, Federal skills trade class or Canadian experience class. You can read more about these programs on the IRCC website. Express Entry program also offers additional points to French and Bilingual immigrants.
2.Student Visa path
French students may enter Canada with a study permit and later apply for permanent resident. Canada also has specific immigration programs for international students. A basic requirement to apply for these immigration programs is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) provided by International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES Canada) and World Education Services (WES)
3.Family Sponsorship path
The Federal Family Class program and family streams of PNP are specifically for those individuals who have family in Canada, ready to sponsor them.
4.Provincial Nominee Programs
Provincial Nominee Programs were introduced for certain provinces to nominate skilled workers in the Express Entry program, according to their economic needs. Getting a provincial nomination certificate provides you extra 600 points in the Express Entry pool.
5.Other Programs:
You may apply through Canadian Experience Class and Quebec Experience class programs if you have previous experience of working or living in Canada. Besides that, there are certain programs such as the Canadian start-up visa program and Quebec immigrant investor program for people who wish to invest in Canada or start a business.
Step-by-step guides to immigrate to Canada
Here’s a step by step guide for you to apply for permanent residence in Canada through France:
Step 1 – Select the right province.
Step 2 – Choose the right immigration program.
Step 3 – Pass eligibility requirements for the Canada immigration program that you choose
Step 4 – Verify all require documents
Step 5 – Clear IELTS and TEF Exams
Step 6 – Get your ECA education assessment
Step 7 – Get your Medical Examination done
Step 8 – Get a Police Clearance Certificate
Step 9 – Apply for Biometrics
Step 10 – Get services of a Canada immigration lawyer or agent