CANADIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

French classes being made available overseas for Quebec applicants

Thursday, 20 March 2008

Citizenship and immigration Canada has announced that those applicants selected by Quebec will be able to start studying French overseas before arriving in Canada.

The studies will be available through online resources as well as through tutors, or even in classes in accordance with a French government network known as Alliance Francaise. This network already has cultural centers in 17 countries.

The announcement came as part of a series presented on March 16th, 2008, by Immigration Minister Yolande James, who brought forth a proposed $22.7 million improvement over the next three years to extend French education for prospective immigrants.

The province of Quebec has set the target for immigration to 55,000 for the year 2010, which represents an increase of over 9,000 from 2007.

The improvements are in reaction to an outcry for improved French courses and other initiatives designed to help newcomers migrate.

The province currently pays CA$125.00 a week to newly landed immigrants to be enrolled in full-time language courses given at universities, community centers, and other institutions. The duration of the course is typically 11 weeks, and involves 30 hours of class time a week.

The new measures will enable new immigrants to study a more focused French language course while they work, offering flexible hours. Participating firms will be able to apply for a tax credit.

The new education will also allow for a wider range of vocabulary for management, as well as for the plastic and textile industries.

The courses are also being offered to temporary workers and students who have arrived within the last five years and have never bothered to enroll, and will now be offered more often throughout the year to decrease the wait time.

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