What level of French do I need to have to immigrate to Canada?

If you dream of immigrating to Canada and you speak Portuguese, mastering French may be the differential you need to significantly accelerate your immigration process. The Canadian government has set one of the most ambitious goals in its history: to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec to 12% by 2029, compared to the current 8.5%. This policy opens up an extraordinary range of opportunities for Brazilians willing to invest in language learning.

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Minimum level: intermediate French (B2 on the European scale)

For those who plan study and work in Canada, mastering French can open doors in provinces such as Quebec, New Brunswick, and French-speaking communities scattered around the country. In most Canadian immigration programs, you must demonstrate proficiency in French equivalent to CLB/NCLC 7, which corresponds to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is considered an advanced intermediate level, where you are able to communicate fluently in everyday and professional situations.

But here's some valuable information: even lower levels of French can bring substantial benefits. In the Express Entry system, candidates with CLB/NCLC 7 or higher in French win 25 additional points, even without knowing English. If you master both French (CLB/NCLC 7+) and English (CLB 5+), you can earn an impressive 50 extra points.

The interesting thing is that for some specific programs, such as the Francophone Mobility Program, the requirement is lower - only CLB/NCLC 5, which is equivalent to B1 or basic intermediate French. This means that you can start working in Canada without LMIA even with a more basic level of French.

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What is intermediate French: practical examples from everyday life

French B2 (CLB/NCLC 7) allows you to communicate effectively in a variety of situations. In practice, this means achieving:

In the professional environment: attend work meetings, present basic reports, discuss projects with colleagues, and understand complex instructions. You are able to express yourself about your area of expertise and understand technical conversations in your sector.

In social life: keep conversations flowing on a variety of topics, from hobbies to current topics. You can easily watch French movies, read newspapers and understand television programs without subtitles.

In bureaucratic situations: fill out government forms, talk to public officials, understand rental agreements, and communicate effectively at banks, hospitals, and other essential services.

On a daily basis: make complex purchases, negotiate prices, give and receive detailed directions, solve household problems, and communicate with neighbors and service providers.

The difference between B1 and B2 is mainly in spontaneity and precision. In B2, you no longer have to stop to think about sentence structure - communication flows naturally, allowing you to actively participate in group discussions and defend your points of view with well-structured arguments.

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How long does it take: 1 to 3 years to get to the right level

The time needed to reach level B2 in French varies depending on your starting point and dedication to studies. For Brazilians who have never studied French, the typical journey is:

Fast pace (25-30 hours per week): Between 18 and 24 months you can achieve B2. This schedule requires intense dedication, with daily classes, constant immersion in the language through podcasts, movies, and conversation.

Moderate pace (15-20 hours per week): From 2 to 2.5 years to reach the desired level. This is the most sustainable pace for those who work and have other responsibilities.

Regular pace (8-12 hours a week): Approximately 3 years to achieve B2. While it's a longer schedule, it allows for greater flexibility and less pressure on learning.

It should be noted that Brazilians have a significant advantage in learning French. The Portuguese and French languages share Latin roots, which makes it easier to understand vocabulary and grammatical structures. In addition, our familiarity with the nasal sounds of Portuguese accelerates the adaptation to French phonetics.

To accelerate your progress, consider that Be Easy offers online French courses, in addition to traditional English courses. Our programs are developed specifically for Brazilians who have immigration objectives, focusing on practical vocabulary and the competencies required in official tests.

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What test to take: two tests accepted by the Canadian government

The Canadian government accepts two main tests to prove your proficiency in French:

TEF Canada (French Evaluation Test): With an approximate cost of R$ 1,850, the TEF Canada is the most popular test among Brazilians. It is valid for 2 years and assesses four mandatory competencies: oral comprehension, written comprehension, oral expression, and written expression. The exam has a total duration of approximately 3:30 minutes and can be taken at authorized centers in Brazil.

TCF Canada (French Knowledge Test): Also valid for 2 years, TCF Canada assesses the same four competencies as the TEF. The main difference is in the structure of the questions and the format of the exam. Some candidates consider the TCF slightly easier, but this varies depending on each person's profile.

Both tests are equally recognized by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). The choice between them should be based on your personal preference and availability of dates in your region. It is essential that the results are valid both at the time of creating your profile and at the final application for permanent residence.

An important tip: Schedule yourself to take the test when you are confident that you will achieve the desired result. Since the validity is only 2 years, you don't want the certificate to expire during your immigration process. For those seeking essential documents for exchange students in Canada, the French certificate can be an important differential.

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How to study: study plan to accelerate learning

Developing a structured plan is essential to achieve your objectives within the desired time frame. Here's a proven strategy:

Phase 1: Foundations (A1-A2) - 6 to 8 months: Focus on the grammatical base, essential vocabulary, and pronunciation. Dedicate 60% of the time to grammar and basic structures, 30% to vocabulary, and 10% to conversation. Use apps like Duolingo for daily review, but complement it with more robust materials such as textbooks.

Phase 2: Development (A2-B1) - 8 to 10 months: Gradually increase exposure to the real language. Watch French series with French subtitles, listen to podcasts for beginners, and start basic conversations online. The focus now is on 40% grammar, 40% oral and written comprehension, 20% oral and written production.

Phase 3: Consolidation (B1-B2) - 6 to 8 months: In this step, prioritize fluency and accuracy. Participate in conversation groups, read French newspapers, practice writing on a variety of topics. The ideal distribution is 20% grammar (for refinement), 40% comprehension in diverse contexts, 40% active production.

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Exclusive programs for French-speaking people

The Canadian government has created several specific initiatives to attract French speakers. Knowing these opportunities can better direct your study efforts:

Express Entry with a French-speaking focus: In 2025, the system maintains specific rounds for French-speaking candidates. In March alone, two exclusive draws were held, inviting 11,500 candidates. For those seeking immigrate to Canada, French may be the decisive differentiator.

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP): Launched in January 2025, this program offers permanent residence for French-speaking skilled workers in rural communities. The six participating communities include locations in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

Francophone Mobility Program: It allows employers to hire French-speaking workers without the need for LMIA. With just CLB/NCLC 5 in French, you can work in any professional category outside of Quebec, including spouses with an open work permit.

For students, there are unique opportunities in provinces such as Quebec, where French is official, and New Brunswick, the only officially bilingual province where 31.4% of the population has French as their mother tongue. Who is considering best cities to study in Canada You should include French-speaking cities such as Montreal, Quebec City, and Moncton on your list.

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Competitive advantages of French

Investing in French goes beyond the extra points in immigration. French speakers have access to better professional opportunities, especially in the federal public sector, where many positions require bilingualism. Multinational companies with operations in French-speaking markets also value bilingual professionals.

The federal government plans to invest 427.2 million dollars in 2025 and 2026 to support French-speaking visitors, international students, and temporary workers. This includes integration programs, specialized services, and financial incentives.

For those interested in technical programs, it is worth investigating how check if your course is eligible for PGWP, as many institutions in French-speaking areas offer programs that lead to permanent residence.

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we understand that learning French is a strategic investment in your future in Canada. Our online French and English courses are developed specifically for Brazilians with immigration objectives, focusing on the competencies required in official tests and on practical vocabulary for Canadian life. Our specialized team offers full support from planning studies to advising on the best immigration programs for French-speaking people. Contact us and discover how we can accelerate your journey towards permanent residence in Canada by mastering French!