Quebec Immigration - Is French Mandatory

[daffodils05]

Hello,
I sent my initial application as a FSW under 0213 NOC on 24th June, and obviously my application wouldn't be considered any more.

I need suggestion regarding QSW. Do I need to send a proof of French language with CSQ. My French knowledge is nil, but I'll start French classes in Oct. I go through the evaluation process, and I qualify even if I select French level 1-2. Learn French and go through TEF will took around 5 or 6 months, and rules can suddenly changes so I don't want to loose this opportunity.
Can anyone suggest me what to do?

 

[god0fwar]

i'm planning to file my application as i passed the online assessment.

can i submit my application even without proof of french (TEF, etc...)? will my application still be processed (that is Quebec would just request my proof of french later on the application processing)?

merci!

 

[Shahi]

@ doffodil and Godofwar

Guys ur right..rules can change anytime...just send the application and learn some french in the meanwhile..i guess that is a wiser option..Good Luck

Shahi

 

[daffodils05]

Thanks shahi,

one more questions......
My points for QSW is 60 without French knowledge, and I am planning to apply within next few days. I'll start French course in Oct.
What level I'll need to show in interview(do I need TEF or any other test results with me as a proof) or language skills in speaking /understanding is fine.

I read somewhere that at least overall 7 is required regardless of total QWS points.

 

[Shahi]

hey daffodil.. Just attach a slip of fr course u have or will join.. N update wen u finish.. TEF n DELF r acceptéd..

 

[Malmo]

GodOfWar:
I was told to attach it.


Malmo

 

[god0fwar]

GodOfWar:
I was told to attach it.


Malmo

Hi Malmo,

After you applied, how long did Quebec take to respond to you and ask for your proof of french?

Thanks!

 

[JohnBenjamin]

Yes, French is mandatory. No French, no QUES visa. I thought Bill 101 made French the sole official language of Quebec. Is it English too?

 

[Malmo]

GodofWar:
I applied via CampbellCohen visa office. In my application I also photocopied my primary school diploma and high school diploma where 5 years of French classes (total) were shown.

Malmo

 

[mtlguy]

I've said this once before and i'm gonna say it once again...only for the sake of CSQ applicants to provide them with some hope and support.

I am from India and I do not speak a single word of French. If i managed to get a Canadian PR through the CSQ program, so can you, if you have filled in the online assessment through the govt of quebec website truthfully and have received a positive response.

Things that went in favor of me:
1. I am an aerospace engineer (US degree and work exp). Aerospace is once of the occupations in demand in Quebec.
2. My wife has an MBA from USA as well. Once again, my wife being a professional helped me secure some extra points
3. I received a CSQ interview waiver. Both my wife and I enrolled for the french course at the adult education center and simple mailed a photocopy of the registration along with the CSQ application and supporting documents.

Bottom line, if you fill in the information truthfully in the govt of Quebec website and receive a positive response, whether or not you know french, I recommend going ahead with the process and enrolling for french lessons in the mean time.

I have known few applicants from India who developed basic french skills by the time they received their interview call. They all got their CSQ's.

Govt of Quebec would like to see that you are interested in developing your french skills which in turn will help you to successfully integrate with the society in Quebec.

Word of caution:

1. Unless you are in aerospace or couple of other industries where there is severe labor shortage, one cannot find a job even at Mc Donald's or as a night watchman without knowing french.

2. I live in an English speaking neighborhood in Montreal. I can get away without speaking any french. If you end up in any other city, french is a must to sustain.

I am not here to argue with senior board members or anyone else...but yeah, you can get your CSQ without french as i did...maybe I was lucky but u could be lucky as well. I am writing this only to motivate and support fellow applicants and provide honest information regarding my success story.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck!

 

[Shahi]

@mtlguy...thanks. well written and explained for everyone...Shahi

 

[Mal]

If you have perfect English and zero French but super experience and US degree is most likely that you have to convince the Quebec immigration that you will not move from Quebec to any other part of Canada. Great degrees and jobs required great communication skills.He most important for them is-you will find job on demanding list or not.

 

[KAMMAR]

Malmo:

You didn't tell when did you receive a request for the French certificate?
I missed the federal process because my NOC is removed and I'm planning to apply for Quebiq asap. My spouse education were in French for more than 11 years. Should she send a certificate of her french language or just attach a certificate from her French school.

btw, I don't know any French, could we still apply to Quebiq using my spouse as main applicant?

Thanks,
-k

 

[Malmo]

I was told by my visa office to copy my certificates when I logged my application. I also had to write one letter wherein I had to describe my French abilities in English. So In the letter I wrote how and why I spoke French, where and why I got interested in learning French, how well I spoke it. Whether I spoke it nowadays etc.

Malmo

 

[BlueRobin]

@mtlguy Excellent post.

However a word of caution to others. @mtlguy is in a very specialized occupation and he lives in an English speaking neighbourhood. So getting a CSQ without speaking a word of French or demonstrating a willingness to learn French is an exception rather than the rule. In this case, probably his occupation was the deciding factor.

However if you are in any other profession or going to look for a job on your own, then without knowing French, it will be all but impossible to find a job. Beyond the job, one also needs to socialize, go to movies, go shopping, call government office, enroll kids in school. All of these are not possible without some level of French.

To give an example, there are people who live in US without any knowledge of English. But then, they never integrate with society as well.

I don't mean to sound offensive to anybody. But everybody should try their best to learn as much French as possible.