Ontario’s Express Entry French‑Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
May 2, 2025
Ontario’s Express Entry French‑Speaking Skilled Worker stream is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and leverages the federal government’s Express Entry system to nominate eligible candidates for permanent residence. This stream is specifically designed for French‑speaking individuals who also possess strong English language skills, along with the necessary skilled work experience and educational qualifications. Candidates must have a valid profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario before they can apply online for a provincial nomination. A nomination from Ontario provides additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly increasing the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC. Applicants to this stream do not require a job offer.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Ontario’s Express Entry French‑Speaking Skilled Worker stream, applicants must meet both the requirements of this specific OINP stream and the criteria of either the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the federal Express Entry system.
1. Express Entry Profile and Notification of Interest
Applicants must have a valid and active profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system.
Applicants must have indicated an interest in immigrating to Ontario and be eligible for either the FSWP or CEC.
Applicants must have received a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario through their IRCC online account. Applications can only be submitted if an NOI has been received for this specific stream.
2. Work Experience
Applicants must meet the minimum work experience requirements for either the FSWP or the CEC, depending on which federal program they choose to be assessed against.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Requires at least one year of continuous full‑time or equivalent part‑time skilled work experience (TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC) in the past ten years.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Requires at least one year of cumulative full‑time or equivalent part‑time skilled work experience (TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC) in Canada in the past three years. Notably, periods of self‑employment may be used to meet the work experience requirement under this OINP stream if the experience falls under specific NOC codes: NOC 31100, NOC 31101, and NOC 31102 [our conversation history].
The work experience must have been in a skilled occupation at the TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 level of the NOC.
3. Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate French language proficiency at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Valid test results from a designated French language testing organization (e.g., TEF Canada, TCF Canada) must be provided. The test must have been taken within two years prior to the application submission date.
Applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 6 or higher in all four abilities. Valid test results from a designated English language testing organization (e.g., IELTS General, CELPIP General) must be provided. The test must also have been taken within two years prior to the application submission date.
4. Education
Applicants must have a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, or a trade certification comparable to Canadian standards.
If the education was obtained outside of Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization is required to demonstrate its equivalency to Canadian standards.
5. Intention to Reside in Ontario
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to reside permanently in Ontario.
6. Funds
Applicants must meet the proof of funds requirement as specified by IRCC for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, even if they are being assessed under the Canadian Experience Class. The required amount depends on the number of family members.
7. Admissibility to Canada
Applicants must be admissible to Canada and intend to reside in Ontario.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
The application process for Ontario’s Express Entry French‑Speaking Skilled Worker stream involves the following steps.
Create an Express Entry Profile
Determine your eligibility for either the Federal Skilled Workers Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
Create a complete and accurate profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system. Ensure you include details of your French and English language test results, educational credentials (with ECA if applicable), and work history.
Indicate Interest in Ontario
Within your Express Entry profile, indicate your interest in living in Ontario.
Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario
The OINP searches the Express Entry pool for candidates who meet the criteria of the French‑Speaking Skilled Worker stream.
If you are identified as a potential candidate, Ontario will send you an NOI through your IRCC online account.
Verify Ontario Stream Eligibility
Once you receive an NOI, carefully review the specific requirements for Ontario’s Express Entry French‑Speaking Skilled Worker stream to ensure you meet all criteria, including the language proficiency levels and work experience.
Submit an Online Application to the OINP
If you meet the Ontario stream’s requirements and the criteria of the federal program you chose (FSWP or CEC), you can submit an online application to the OINP through the OINP e‑Filing Portal. You must do this within 45 calendar days of receiving your NOI.
Complete all sections of the OINP online application form accurately.
Upload all required supporting documents, including copies of your French and English language test results, educational credentials (and ECA if applicable), proof of work experience, proof of funds, and other necessary documents as per the OINP document checklist.
Pay the non‑refundable OINP application processing fee.
OINP Application Assessment
The OINP will assess your application based on the information and documents you provided.
They may request additional information or documentation if needed.
Receive an OINP Nomination
If your application is approved, Ontario will notify you through your IRCC online account and issue a nomination certificate. This nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score in Express Entry.
Apply for Permanent Residence through IRCC
With the additional CRS points from the Ontario nomination, you will likely receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence to IRCC within the given timeframe.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Insufficient Language Proficiency: Ensure you meet the minimum CLB 7 in French and CLB 6 in English. Test results must be valid at the time of OINP application submission.
Ineligible Work Experience: Your work experience must qualify under either the FSWP or CEC and be in a TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. For CEC assessment under this stream, self‑employment in specific NOC codes may be eligible [our conversation history].
Invalid Express Entry Profile: Your Express Entry profile must be active and valid throughout the OINP application process. Ensure all information is up‑to‑date.
Applying Without an NOI: You must receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario for this specific stream before you can submit an application to the OINP.
Missed Application Deadline: You have 45 calendar days from the date of your NOI to submit your online application to the OINP.
Failure to Meet Federal Program Requirements: You must continue to meet the eligibility criteria for the federal Express Entry program (FSWP or CEC) you chose to be assessed against.
Inadequate Proof of Funds: Ensure you can demonstrate sufficient funds as required for the FSWP.
Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: Provide accurate and complete information in both your Express Entry profile and your OINP application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a job offer to apply to this stream? No, a job offer is not required for Ontario’s Express Entry French‑Speaking Skilled Worker stream.
Which language tests are accepted? For French, TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted. For English, IELTS General and CELPIP General are typically accepted. Ensure your tests are from designated organizations and are valid.
Can work experience gained in any country qualify? Yes, for the FSWP assessment, work experience gained outside of Canada can qualify. For CEC, the experience must be gained in Canada.
What happens after I receive an OINP nomination? Your CRS score in Express Entry will increase by 600 points, significantly improving your chances of receiving an ITA from IRCC for permanent residence.
Is there a separate points system for this OINP stream? While Express Entry uses the CRS, Ontario selects candidates from the pool who meet the specific criteria of this stream. There isn’t a separate OINP points system for initial eligibility.
Can I have an Express Entry profile under both FSWP and CEC? Yes, if you meet the criteria for both federal programs, you can indicate eligibility for both in your Express Entry profile. You will need to choose one when applying to the OINP.
Conclusion
Ontario’s Express Entry French‑Speaking Skilled Worker stream provides a valuable immigration pathway for bilingual professionals who meet the criteria of Express Entry and possess strong French and English language skills. By leveraging the federal system and offering a focused stream for French speakers, Ontario aims to attract individuals who can contribute to its diverse linguistic and economic landscape. Careful preparation of the Express Entry profile and the OINP application, along with ensuring all eligibility requirements are met, are crucial for a successful outcome.
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