May 2, 2024

Skilled Worker with French Language Proficiency

The Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream is a component of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) administered by Ontario. This stream selects candidates from the Express Entry pool proficient in English and French, who exhibit skills to bolster the province's workforce.

  • Program Prerequisites
  • Applying Process
  • Notification of Interest (NOIs) - Latest Rounds

Candidates nominated via the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residency, in alignment with the federal Express Entry system. To qualify, candidates must have an active profile in either the:

  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs within Express Entry.

The program operates on an invitation-only basis, with foreign nationals unable to directly apply. Candidates in the Express Entry pool are automatically assessed when they submit their profiles. Successful candidates receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) via their Express Entry accounts, inviting them to apply.

Program Requirements

Requirement
Express Entry Profile Yes
Connection to Province No
Job Offer No
Language Proficiency CLB 7 in French
CLB 6 in English
Level of Education The equivalent of a Canadian bachelor's, masters's or PhD degree
Work Experience NOC 0, A or B
1 year
Investment Requirement None

Express Entry Criteria

Aligned with the federal Express Entry system, the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream necessitates candidates to possess an active profile in either the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs. Additionally, candidates must furnish official language test results in both English and French, with minimum requirements mirroring those of the respective programs.

  • Federal Skilled Worker mandates candidates to hold at least a high school diploma and possess a minimum of one year of continuous full-time skilled work experience. Skilled work is defined as experience acquired in a role classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B.
  • Canadian Experience Class does not impose a minimum education requirement. Candidates must, however, boast a minimum of one year of full-time Canadian skilled work experience. While continuous work experience is not obligatory, it must have been accrued within the three years preceding the application. Skilled work is classified under NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B.

Language Proficiency

To qualify for this program, candidates must provide valid language test results for both English and French, obtained within two years before applying. For French proficiency, a minimum score equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in all four abilities is required, with the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) being the sole accepted test. For English proficiency, a minimum score equivalent to CLB 6 in all four abilities is necessary, with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) being the two accepted tests.

Settlement Funds

Candidates applying for the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream must fulfill the settlement funds requirement set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This can be proven through personal finances or by holding a valid job offer. It's important to note that even candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of Express Entry must provide proof of settlement funds for the OINP application.

CEC candidates are not required to demonstrate settlement funds at the federal level, but it's mandatory at the provincial level.

Application Procedure

The Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream operates through invitation only. Candidates meeting the minimum eligibility criteria must first create an Express Entry profile. Subsequently, they await a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario. Meeting the minimum criteria doesn't guarantee an NOI. Ontario reviews profiles and issues NOIs to eligible candidates. Only those receiving an NOI can apply to the OINP for provincial nomination.

Upon receiving an NOI, candidates have 45 calendar days to prepare and submit their online application via the OINP e-Filing Portal. Upon approval, Ontario notifies the applicant through their IRCC online account. Accepting the provincial nomination boosts the applicant’s CRS score by 600 points, almost ensuring an ITA for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw.

Upon receiving an ITA, the applicant must promptly prepare and submit their official application for Canadian permanent residence within the allocated timeframe. Applications submitted through Express Entry are typically processed within six months.

Assisting French Speakers in Middle East: Pathway to Canada Migration

Pelican Migration Consultants specializes in facilitating the migration journey of French speakers in the Middle East to Canada through the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. With expertise in navigating the intricacies of immigration programs, our consultancy ensures seamless transitions for candidates seeking to bolster Ontario's workforce. Here are five key points:

  1. Understanding Program Prerequisites: We assist candidates in meeting the eligibility requirements of the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, including proficiency in English and French.
  2. Guiding Through the Application Process: Our consultants provide comprehensive support throughout the application process, from creating Express Entry profiles to submitting online applications via the OINP e-Filing Portal.
  3. Navigating Notification of Interest (NOIs): We ensure that candidates understand the significance of receiving an NOI and guide them through the subsequent steps to secure provincial nomination.
  4. Ensuring Express Entry Criteria Compliance: Pelican Migration Consultants ensures that candidates meet the criteria of the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs within Express Entry, essential for eligibility.
  5. Supporting Settlement Fund Requirements: Our consultancy assists candidates in fulfilling settlement fund requirements, whether through personal finances or valid job offers, to meet IRCC standards.

Embark on your journey to Canada with Pelican Migration Consultants, where expertise meets commitment, paving the way for a successful migration experience tailored to French speakers in the Middle East.