Recent months have seen Express Entry begin targeted category-based draws for applicants in the federal pool who meet Canada’s economic & demographic objectives. For 2023, one of these applicant categories is those with French language proficiency to achieve Canadian PR. 

IRCC has held targeted draws for this group inviting applicants with French proficiency & holding draws with lower CRS scores other than category-based selection draws & all-program Express Entry draws. As a result, many people in Canada & abroad are choosing to learn the French language to boost their chances of receiving an ITA for Canadian PR. 

Below we have discussed resources for individuals residing both inside & outside of Canada. Further, we have also shed light on how these resources can be utilized in one’s language learning journey. 

What Are The Language Learning Stages? 

According to an American linguist & educational researcher, Stephen Krashen, the process of acquiring a second language can be segregated into five steps: 

  • Stage 1: Silent 

Depending upon the individual learner, this stage might last for several hours to several months. During this time, new language learners learn vocabulary & practice pronouncing new words. While they might engage in self-talk, they don’t usually speak the language with any fluency or real understanding. 

  • Stage 2: Early Production

This stage lasts for around six months. In this stage, the learners typically acquire an understanding of up to 1,000 words. They might also learn to speak some words & begin creating short phrases, even though they might not be grammatically correct. 

  • Stage 3: Speech Emergence 

By this stage, learners typically acquire a vocabulary of up to 3,000 words & learn to communicate by putting the words in short phrases, questions, & sentences. Again, they might not be grammatically correct, but this is a vital stage during which learners gain greater comprehension & begin reading as well as writing in their second language. 

  • Stage 4: Intermediate Fluency

This stage can last for a year or more after speech emergence. Learners in this stage have a vocabulary of over 6,000 words. They usually acquire the ability to interact in writing & speech using more complex sentences. The crucial stage is also when learners begin thinking in their second language, which eventually helps them gain more proficiency in speaking it. 

  • Stage 5: Continued Language Development

Most learners/ students take two years to reach this stage. Moreover, they take over ten years to complete mastery of the second language, along with its complexities and nuances. Second language learners need ongoing opportunities to engage in discussions & express themselves in their new language in order to maintain fluency in it. 

Note: Many time frames discussed above are averages & can vary depending upon the individual & their degree of immersion in a given language. 

Resources For Individuals Outside Canada 

Individuals outside Canada can use various online resources to gain proficiency in French. Here are a few popular alternatives: 

  • Rosetta Stone 

Rosetta Stone is an online platform offering numerous services, like its application, speech recognition technology, & bite-sized lessons. It is an immersive technique that assists learners in the first & second stages of language learning to develop fluency & comprehension. The platform is ideal for soaking up new vocabulary & practicing pronunciation. Though it comes with expenses/ costs, Rosetta Stone has various pricing plans to deliver affordable language learning. 

  • Babbel

Babbel is a language learning application that puts an emphasis on application vocabulary & language learning. The Babbel app presents data via a recurrent method which allows for reinforcement in language learning. Moreover, the app also brings users real-life dialogues, practical topics, & vocabulary necessary for stages one, two, & three of language development. 

  • Busuu

Busuu is a free-of-cost online platform & application that emphasizes practicing with others. At the same time, the services provided by the app help with basic vocabulary & sentence formation. However, it differentiates itself because of its network of language speakers, live practice sessions, etc. These attributes make this app apt for stage three, four, & five learners who wish to have convenient & portable lessons to learn on the go & make their language foundation strong. 

  • Preply 

Preply is an online platform that helps connect new language learners with tutors who can teach them in a specific language. The site offers numerous filters & allows gear users to acquire knowledge from tutors with experience with particular learning requirements. Because of the highly personalized nature of this site, it can be used by individuals in any stage of language learning. 

  • Italki   

Like Preply, Italki is another online platform that helps connect language learners & tutors. This platform also has a lot of filters for users to find their tutors, including budget, time, need, etc., for language learning. Many tutors/ educators on the platform also have experiences with approved immigration language tests, with costs ranging from tutor to tutor. This app can also be used at any stage of the language learning process. 

Resources For Individuals Residing In Canada 

While all the resources mentioned above will be available to applicants to achieve Canadian PR, however, those residing within the country also benefit from the following tools: 

  • Government Supports

Municipal & Provincial governments can offer temporary inhabitants language learning support for free. This can significantly depend on the area in which one lives & the local government jurisdiction in question. If you wish to know more, it is advisable to do a web search for immigrants/ newcomers serving organizations in your surrounding area & get into contact with specific service-providing organizations to assess your eligibility. Depending upon the language support provided, these services can cover all stages of the language learning process. 

  • Mauril 

Mauril is a Canadian application which takes a unique view of language learning. This app focuses on Canadian audio & video content to help train users’ listening and comprehension abilities. By providing Canadian-focused content, the app benefits stage one, two, & four learners, thus helping these users build basic vocabulary & comprehension and learn more about Canadian language & culture nuances. 

  • Part-Time Courses & Study Continuation 

Many colleges, universities, & private companies in Canada also offer part-time courses for individuals presently working or studying full-time. A quick web research can reveal what courses are available in your area. Although this might seem to be a bit expensive alternative, these programs can potentially cover all stages of language learning, enabling learners with a community to practice & refine their French-Language skills to obtain Canadian PR.