Language Guide

English & French for work and life in Canada

Build practical skills for jobs, daily communication, and immigration goals with a clear study plan.

Why English and French matter

Career opportunities and income

Many roles in customer service, healthcare, trades, and office work require strong communication skills in English or French.

Immigration score advantage

Express Entry uses language test scores for both official languages, and stronger scores can increase your competitiveness.

Citizenship language proof

Applicants aged 18 to 54 generally need to show English or French ability at CLB/NCLC 4 level when applying for Canadian citizenship.

Daily life and community connection

Language skills make it easier to talk with schools, clinics, landlords, neighbors, and local services with confidence.

How to study effectively

English core track

Build your foundation for workplace and everyday communication.

  • Focus on listening and speaking first, then add writing practice.
  • Use real-life topics: work calls, medical visits, rentals, and banking.
  • Record yourself weekly to track pronunciation and fluency progress.

French expansion track

Add practical French skills step by step for jobs and mobility.

  • Start with high-frequency phrases for services, work, and daily routines.
  • Practice short conversations and dictation to improve accuracy.
  • Use beginner-to-intermediate resources consistently (A1 to B1).

Test preparation track

Prepare for CELPIP/IELTS/TEF/TCF with a measurable plan.

  • Choose your target exam and required score before studying.
  • Take a baseline mock test and focus on weakest sections first.
  • Practice with timed tasks and review mistakes every week.

Useful websites and official resources

Use these sites for free classes, language tests, and trusted study materials.

Government

IRCC: Free language classes (LINC/CLIC)

Check eligibility and how to register for federally funded newcomer language classes.

Visit site
Government

IRCC: Newcomer services finder

Search nearby settlement and language support services by city or postal code.

Visit site
Immigration

Express Entry language requirements

Review accepted tests and score conversions used for immigration applications.

Visit site
Citizenship

Citizenship language proof guide

Understand who needs language proof and which test documents are accepted.

Visit site
English Test

CELPIP official website

Book tests, review format, and access official preparation resources.

Visit site
English Test

IELTS official website

Find test details, booking options, and preparation tools for IELTS.

Visit site
French Test

TEF Canada official page

Check TEF Canada structure and registration details from the official provider.

Visit site
French Test

TCF Canada official page

Review TCF Canada modules and official information before booking.

Visit site
Practice

British Council LearnEnglish

Use free lessons and exercises for listening, reading, grammar, and speaking.

Visit site
Practice

TV5MONDE apprendre le francais

Practice French with level-based videos, vocabulary, and comprehension activities.

Visit site

Key links verified on February 5, 2026. Policies and test details may change, so always confirm on official websites.

30-day starter plan

  1. Set one clear goal: job readiness, immigration score, or daily communication.
  2. Create a fixed weekly schedule (for example, 5 days x 45 minutes).
  3. Track weekly speaking, listening, and test-practice progress in one notebook.

Weekly study checklist

  • At least 5 focused study sessions per week
  • 1 mock test section (or timed task) every week
  • Review and rewrite common mistakes after each session
  • Use both active speaking practice and passive input every week

Need help choosing a program?

Settlement organizations and language advisors can help you pick classes by level, schedule, and immigration goals.

If you are in Vancouver, ask local settlement agencies for placement and referral support.
English & French | Essential Services | Hellomark