Want PR and job in Canada? French may be the new ticket in for Indians​

Thousands of Indians apply to work in Canada every year. However, the country is cutting overall immigration numbers. One group, though, is being actively encouraged — francophones settling outside Quebec.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged during his election campaign to raise the francophone immigration target to 12 per cent of all permanent residents admitted outside Quebec by 2029. The government says the policy is intended to strengthen minority French-speaking communities and secure their future.

So, now, Indians seeking jobs in Canada are increasingly turning to French to improve their chances.

Mayank Kumar, CEO and co-founder of BorderPlus, a workforce mobility platform, told Business Standard that more nurses are investing in language training. “Language proficiency today directly impacts three things: Visa eligibility, access to higher-quality employers, and the ability to integrate into healthcare systems abroad. For nurses, this means that mastering a new language is not just about passing an exam, it’s about securing long-term career mobility and building a life with dignity and opportunity overseas,” he said.

Husain Tinwala, president of upGrad Rekrut, said French has become a “gateway skill” for Indian professionals. “In the last few years, Canada has emerged as one of the top destinations for Indian professionals, especially in IT, finance, and healthcare. What many people miss is that beyond technical skills, French is often a gateway skill in that market,” he told Business Standard.