Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

Ontario is looking to welcome more francophone immigrants to complement an already-existing population of around half a million Franco-Ontarians. Successful applicants receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, followed by an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

The program aligns with the ambition of the Minister of Immigration to support the vitality of Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, as shown by the series of new laws and funding announced in January 2024.

One particular advantage of this OINP stream is that a job offer is not required. Ontario assesses potential applicants based on their human capital credentials, with particular emphasis on language ability.

Do you have what it takes? See the eligibility criteria below to find out.

Do you prefer to learn by video? For a detailed overview of the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, we recommend this video guide from Deanne Acres-Lans, founder of Canada Abroad, an immigration consultancy based in Ontario, and one of Moving2Canada’s trusted partners:

Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: Eligibility Criteria

Express Entry profile criteria

Candidates must:

• Have a valid profile in the Express Entry pool;
• Be eligible under either the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC); and
• Indicate an interest in immigrating to either Ontario or “All Provinces and Territories” in the Express Entry profile.

Additional criteria

• Work Experience
  Candidates must have a minimum of either:
  • one year work experience within the past five years according to the criteria under the FSWC; or
  • one year work experience within the past three years according to the criteria under the CEC.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Language: A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
  • level 7 in French; and
  • level 6 in English
• Intent: An intention to live in Ontario.
• Settlement Funds: A minimum level of savings or income.

Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker: How it works

It is entirely feasible for an individual to complete the entire process of immigrating to Canada under the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream within a 12-month period, if not even more quickly than that. Below is a run-through of the process, from beginning to end:

1. Meet the criteria of the FSWC or the CEC (note that candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Class only are not eligible under this stream).
2. Create an Express Entry profile.
3. Meet the criteria for the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream.
4. Receive a NOI from the OINP (note that not all eligible candidates may be issued a NOI).
5. Apply to the OINP for a provincial nomination certificate within 45 days of receiving the NOI.
6. Receive a provincial nomination from the OINP.
7. Receive 600 additional CRS points and an ITA for permanent residence at a subsequent draw from the pool.
8. Submit an application for permanent residence within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
9. Become a permanent resident of Canada.

Get help with your application

Do you need assistance in preparing an application for Canadian permanent residence? If so, view our Book an Immigration Consultant page to see Moving2Canada’s list of recommended, accredited representatives who can assist you in your goals.