Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream falls under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), offering foreign workers the chance to permanently settle and work in Ontario if they possess the necessary skilled work experience, language proficiency, and education.
To be eligible, applicants must have an active profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario. Once nominated by the Ontario government, applicants proceed to apply to the federal government through IRCC for permanent residency. The final decision on permanent residency lies with IRCC.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program utilizes the federal government’s Express Entry System to oversee applications for various streams, including:
- French-speaking skilled Worker stream
- Human Capital Priorities stream
- Skilled Trades stream
Let us get into the details of this stream in this article.
Table of Contents
- Documents Required for French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- Stream Requirements: French-speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- FAQs for Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
Documents Required for French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
When applying to Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream of the OINP, you must upload scanned copies of the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Notification of interest from Ontario
- Applicant consent form
- Identity documents
- Documents related to your status in Canada
- Education documents
- Language test results
- Documents supporting your employment in Ontario (if applicable) and your work history
- Documents demonstrating that you meet the settlement funds requirement
- Résumé
- Other optional documents (if applicable)
If you have any dependent family members, present the following documents:
- Passports for all dependent family members
- Documents that will show the status of your spouse or common-law partner in Canada
- If applicable, documents related to work experience in Canada
- Language test results for you or your spouse or common-law partner
- Documents related to any relatives you or your spouse or common-law partner have in Canada
- Other optional documents
Stream Requirements: French-speaking Skilled Worker Stream
When applying for the French-Speaking Skilled under the Ontario Express Entry system, candidates must meet specific requirements as outlined below:
1. Work Experience
Candidates must choose between two federal programs for assessment: the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Under the FSWP:
- Requires at least one year of continuous paid full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in NOC categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Work experience must be obtained within the last five years from the application submission date to the OINP.
- Must be in the same primary occupation as declared in the Express Entry profile.
Under the CEC:
- You need at least one year of cumulative paid full-time work experience in Canada in NOC categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. It can even be in equivalent part-time.
- Work experience must be obtained within the last three years from the application submission date to the OINP.
- Must be in occupations identified in the Express Entry profile.
2. Education
Candidates must possess a Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, or its equivalent from another country. If studies were completed outside Canada, candidates must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from designated organizations listed by IRCC.
3. Language Proficiency
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 6 and French at a CLB level 7 or higher. Approved language tests include IELTS (General Training), CELPIP (General), PTE Core for English, and TEF or TCF Canada for French.
4. Settlement Funds
Candidates must have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependent family members upon settlement in Canada. You can prove your funds through three sources namely, bank statements, annual earnings from employment in Ontario, or a job offer in Ontario.
5. Intention to Live in Ontario
Candidates must intend to live in Ontario after obtaining permanent residence, demonstrated through ties to the province such as employment, job offers, studying, or owning property.
6. Legal Status in Canada
Candidates applying from within Canada must have legal status (visitor record, study permit, or work permit) at the time of application submission. ‘Implied status’ is accepted if a renewal/extension application is pending with IRCC.
7. Federal Skilled Worker Program
If opting for assessment under the FSWP, candidates must score a minimum of 67 points on the six selection factors (education, language skills, work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada, and adaptability).
In conclusion, Ontario’s Express Entry French-speaking skilled Worker stream offers a promising pathway for skilled foreign workers to establish permanent residency in Ontario, contributing to its diverse and dynamic workforce. This stream, facilitated by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program within the federal Express Entry system, requires candidates to meet stringent criteria regarding work experience, education, language proficiency, settlement funds, and their intention to reside in Ontario.
By fulfilling these requirements and successfully navigating the application process, candidates can avail themselves of the opportunity to call Ontario home and contribute to its economic and cultural vitality.
FAQs for OINP Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
1. Who is eligible to apply for Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream?
A. Applicants must possess the required skilled work experience, language proficiency (French), and education. They must have an active profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario.
2. What documents are required for the application process of the French-speaking Skilled Worker stream?
A. Mandatory documents include the Notification of Interest from Ontario, applicant consent form, identity and status documents, education certificates, language test results, employment documentation, settlement fund proof, and a résumé. Optional documents may also be submitted.
3. How does the French-speaking Skilled Worker stream assessment work regarding work experience?
A. Applicants must choose between the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). They need at least one year of relevant work experience in specific NOC categories, obtained within the specified timeframes.
4. What language proficiency levels are required for French-speaking applicants under the French-speaking Skilled Worker stream of OINP?
A. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher. Approved language tests include TEF or TCF Canada.
5. Can applicants residing in Canada apply for the French-speaking Skilled Worker stream?
A. Yes, applicants must have legal status in Canada at the time of application submission. ‘Implied status’ is accepted if a renewal/extension application is pending with IRCC.
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