TL;DR; Although, I agree that everyone should do a basic French course, French is not easy, especially if you aren't exposed to the concept of all nouns having either masculine or feminine gender. Also, basic French will not fetch you any points in the EE draw not a PNP nomination.
Below are the reasons why you should not study French as a short-term solution to get an ITA.
1. French is hard to master. TEF is hard for some native French speakers as well. DELF/DALF are accepted only in Quebec which does not operate through the EE system.
2. Can you learn the pronunciations, vocabulary, grammar and spelling with a basic French course? The answer is no. It takes years to master the speaking part and a lot of effort to build your vocabulary.
3. You need CLB 5 or above get any points for the French language. CLB 5 is CEPR B1. So, for 2-4 point increase, you will end up spending 1 year's worth of time.
You need CLB 7 or higher to get the bonus 30 points for French. So, at CLB 7 you are looking at a 42+ point increase.
4. TEF is more expensive than IELTS and the exam is not conducted in all the countries.
5. French might not add any value to your profile when you search for jobs unless you are applying to government jobs in Canada.
A masters in your field of work will add more value to your profile as well as help boost your EE points.
6. Canada is bilingual but they don't speak much French except for Quebec and some other eastern provinces.
7. French has the most number of exceptions when it comes to grammar.
Advantages of learning French:
1. “To have another language is to possess a second soul”. The way you think, speak and look at others changes when you realise how people other communicate.
2. You can assimilate faster in Canada and chances are you will be accepted more because people will think you are fully committed to living in Canada and respect both their languages. You can live in Quebec.
3. You can work for the government.
4. Your children will have to learn French in school so it helps to know a little bit of French.
5. French is a language that teaches politeness, a quality synonymous with Canada.
6. Vous êtes cool maintenant. Trop cool!
PS I’ve been studying French for a year now at the Alliance Française only because I love the language and the culture. Currently, I’m at B1 level.
