Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream - Your Path To A Bright Future In Canada

The Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream is an exceptional pathway under the Human Capital streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) designed to attract talented individuals to Ontario. This unique program invites bilingual candidates from the Express Entry pool who possess proficiency in both English and French and have the potential to make significant contributions to the province’s dynamic workforce as skilled professionals. Join us as we explore this exciting opportunity that could open the door to a prosperous and rewarding life in the beautiful province of Ontario.

Criteria for Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

Upon successful nomination through the esteemed Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, candidates will be extended an exclusive invitation to submit an official application for Canadian permanent residence. This streamlined program is intricately aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration system to ensure a smooth and efficient process for aspiring immigrants.

To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, candidates must possess an active profile in one of the two following Express Entry programs:

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This invitation-only program sets itself apart by maintaining exclusivity and ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are considered. Foreign nationals cannot apply directly to the program; instead, all candidates in the Express Entry pool are automatically assessed for eligibility upon submitting their profile. Ontario will issue a Notification of Interest (NOI) to the Express Entry accounts of handpicked candidates, opening the door to a vibrant future in Canada.

French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream’s Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Embark on the path to a fulfilling life in Canada by meeting the minimum eligibility requirements for the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream. To qualify, candidates must:

Satisfy the eligibility criteria for one of Canada’s Federal High Skilled programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
For FSWP applicants: achieve a pass mark of 67 points based on IRCC’s selection factors, including language skills, education, work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada, and adaptability.
Fulfill the stream’s work experience requirements.
Showcase language proficiency with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 or higher in French and a CLB of 6 or higher in English across all four components: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
Provide valid language test results (less than two years old) from designated testing agencies: IELTS or CELPIP (General test only) for English; TEF or TCF Canada for French.
Hold a Canadian Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree OR possess an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization confirming that your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian degree.
Demonstrate your intention to reside in Ontario by providing documentation that showcases your ties to the province.
Maintain legal status in Canada (if applicable) until the time of nomination, with the OINP accepting applications submitted while on implied status.
Prove that you have sufficient funds to cover settlement costs in Ontario through a combination of factors such as bank statements, annual earnings from ongoing employment in Ontario, and/or a job offer in the province.
Ensure that your required settlement funds meet or exceed the amounts listed for each family size, as these requirements are updated annually.

By meeting these essential criteria, you’ll be one step closer to a bright future in Ontario through the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream.

Requirement	Criteria
Express Entry Profile	Yes
Connection to Province	No
Job Offer	No
Language Proficiency	CLB 7 in French, CLB 6 in English
Level of Education	Equivalent to a Canadian Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree
Work Experience	NOC 0, A, or B (1 year)
Investment Requirement	None

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Express Entry Requirement

The Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is seamlessly integrated with the federal Express Entry system, ensuring a smooth and efficient immigration process. To be considered, candidates must possess an active Express Entry profile in either the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) categories, with official language test results showcasing proficiency in both English and French. As the eligibility criteria for this stream are closely aligned with FSW and CEC requirements, meeting these standards will propel you toward a successful immigration journey.

In French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, the Federal Skilled Worker category necessitates candidates to have, at minimum, a high school diploma and a solid track record of continuous full-time skilled work experience, spanning at least one year. To be recognized as skilled work experience, your role must fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B.

On the other hand, the Canadian Experience Class waives any minimum education requirements. However, CEC candidates must possess a minimum of one year of full-time skilled work experience within Canada. While this work experience need not be continuous, it must have been accumulated within the three years leading up to the application. To qualify as skilled work experience, your role must also adhere to the NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B classification.

By meeting these express entry requirements, you will be well on your way to securing a successful and fulfilling future in Ontario as a French-speaking skilled worker stream.

Work Experience Essentials for Skilled Workers

For French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, the candidates should have the following work experience:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidates must:

Have a minimum of one year of continuous, full-time (or part-time equivalent) employment experience in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) Type/Level 0, A, or B occupation within five years prior to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Notification of Interest (NOI) date.
Full-time work involves at least 30 hours per week or 1,560 hours per year of paid employment.
Continuous work must have no employment gaps, and part-time equivalent work requires 1,560 hours of paid employment over two years.
Self-employed candidates can claim their work experience, provided it is paid, full-time, and falls under NOC Skill Type 0 or Level A or B.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates must:

Have a minimum of one year of cumulative, full-time (or part-time equivalent) employment experience in a NOC 0, A, or B occupation in Canada within three years prior to the OINP NOI date.
Full-time work involves at least 30 hours per week or 1,560 hours per year of paid employment.
Cumulative work experience can have employment gaps, and part-time equivalent work requires 1,560 hours of paid employment over two years.
Candidates must have held legal status while working in Canada, and work experience obtained while studying full-time or during self-employment is not eligible for CEC assessment.

Settlement Funds for a Smooth Transition

Candidates applying for the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream must meet the settlement funds requirement outlined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This ensures a smooth transition to life in Ontario, with sufficient funds to cover living expenses.

Applicants can demonstrate their financial preparedness through personal savings or by maintaining a valid job offer in Ontario. It is important to note that while Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates are exempt from proving settlement funds at the federal level, they must still provide evidence of financial stability for their Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) application.

French-Speaking Skilled Worker Application Process

Navigating the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) for French-Speaking Skilled Workers is straightforward and efficient. This Express Entry-aligned stream requires a valid Express Entry profile and a Notification of Interest (NOI) letter. The OINP identifies potential candidates in the Express Entry pool who align with the eligibility criteria for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream.

With a 45-day window to submit an application after receiving the NOI, it’s crucial for candidates to familiarize themselves with the program’s requirements and documentation checklists beforehand.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Success:

Fulfill eligibility criteria for Federal Skilled Worker Class or Canadian Experience Class.
Create an Express Entry profile.
OINP searches the pool and identifies potential candidates.
Receive an NOI letter from the OINP.
Apply to the OINP under the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream within 45 calendar days of receiving the NOI.
Upon nomination, receive a Nomination Approval Letter and OINP Certificate of Nomination via email. Accept the nomination in the Express Entry system within 30 calendar days.
Enjoy an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent draw from the pool.
Submit an application for Canadian permanent residence to IRCC within 60 days of receiving the ITA.

Embark on an exciting journey to build a new life in Ontario, Canada’s thriving and diverse province, by following this comprehensive application process.

Recent Rounds of Notification of Interest (NOIs) Issued

The table below showcases the recent rounds of NOIs issued to Express Entry candidates, enabling them to apply for the OINP French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream:

Date/time NOIs issued	Number of NOIs issued	CRS score range	Profiles created in IRCCs Express Entry system
March 16, 2023	271	291-489	March 16, 2022 – March 16, 2023
March 16, 2023	344	400-489	March 16, 2022 – March 16, 2023
December 13, 2022	160	341-490	December 13, 2021 – December 13, 2022
September 23, 2022	363	326 and above	September 23, 2021 – September 23, 2022
June 21, 2022	356	440 and above	June 21, 2021 – June 21, 2022
June 9, 2022	153	481 and above	June 9, 2021 – June 9, 2022
April 28, 2022	301	460-467	April 28, 2021 – April 28, 2022
February 8, 2022	206	463-467	February 8, 2021 – February 8, 2022

Final Thoughts:

The Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream offers a unique and valuable opportunity for bilingual professionals seeking to build a rewarding life in Ontario. By meeting the program’s criteria and following the step-by-step application process, you can join the ranks of those who have successfully navigated their way to a bright future in Canada.

If you are willing to immigrate to Canada then, this program not only provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residence but also helps to enrich Ontario’s diverse and vibrant workforce. By seizing this opportunity, you’ll be making a meaningful contribution to the province’s growth and development while enjoying the benefits of living in one of Canada’s most attractive regions.

Take the first step towards realizing your Canadian dream by exploring the possibilities that the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream has to offer.