Express Entry Ontario French-Speaking Stream
Express Entry Ontario French-Speaking Stream
The Ontario French-Speaking Stream is designed to attract French-speaking skilled workers who wish to settle and work in Ontario, contributing to the province’s Francophone community. This stream is aligned with the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs under the Express Entry system.
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Candidates must decide which of the following two federal programs you would like to be assessed against:
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Eligibility Requirements:
- Work Experience: Candidates must have at least one year of continuous, full-time paid work experience (or an equivalent amount in part-time) in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the last five years.
- Education: Candidates must possess educational qualifications equivalent to a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma. Additionally, they may benefit from higher education credentials, such as diplomas, degrees, or certificates, obtained from recognized institutions.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is required, with a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Settlement Funds: Candidates must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents upon arrival in Canada.
- Intent to Live in Ontario: Candidates must demonstrate a genuine intention to settle and integrate into the Francophone community in Ontario.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Eligibility Requirements:
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years preceding the application. The experience must be in NOC skill level 0, A, or B occupations.
- Education: While there are no specific education requirements, candidates with Canadian educational credentials may receive additional points.
- Language Proficiency: Similar to FSW, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French at CLB 7 or higher.
- Settlement Funds: There are no specific settlement fund requirements for CEC candidates.
- Intent to Live in Ontario: Similar to FSW, candidates must show a genuine intention to settle and integrate into the Francophone community in Ontario.
Comparison of Eligibility Requirements:
- Work Experience Requirements: Both FSW and CEC applicants must have relevant work experience, but FSW requires experience within the last five years, while CEC requires experience within the last three years.
- Settlement Funds: FSW candidates must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, while CEC candidates do not have specific requirements.
- Education Requirements: FSW candidates must meet minimum educational requirements, while CEC candidates are not subject to specific educational criteria.
- Intent to Live in Ontario: Both streams require candidates to demonstrate a genuine intention to settle and integrate into Ontario's Francophone community.
- Language Requirements: Both streams require proficiency in English or French, but FSW has a higher minimum CLB requirement (CLB 7) compared to CEC.
Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker: How the Process Works
It’s entirely possible for an individual to complete the entire process of immigrating to Canada through the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream within a 12-month timeframe, or even faster. Below is an overview of the process, step by step:
01
Meet the eligibility criteria of either the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). (Note: Candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Class are not eligible under this stream).
02
Create an Express Entry profile.
03
Meet the eligibility criteria for the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream.
04
Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). (Note: Not all eligible candidates may receive a NOI).
05
Apply to the OINP for a provincial nomination certificate within 45 days of receiving the NOI.
06
Receive a provincial nomination from the OINP.
07
Receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence during a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.
08
Submit an application for permanent residence within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
09
Become a permanent resident of Canada.
Overall, the Ontario French-Speaking Stream provides opportunities for French-speaking skilled workers to contribute to Ontario's diverse cultural and linguistic landscape, whether through the FSW or CEC pathway, while meeting specific eligibility criteria tailored to support Francophone integration and community development.
Is a job offer necessary to apply for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream?
No, a job offer is not required to apply for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream. This flexibility allows individuals to apply based on their language skills and work experience alone.
What are the criteria for the French stream?
To qualify for the French stream, you must exhibit a language proficiency level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher in French, along with a CLB 6 or higher in English across all four components, namely speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
Express Entry Ontario French Speaking Stream Questions
No, a job offer is not required under this stream. However, having a valid job offer from an Ontario employer can improve your CRS score and overall chances of receiving a Notification of Interest.
Yes, you need a Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, or an equivalent foreign credential, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if the degree is from outside Canada.
After accepting the nomination, you receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points in the Express Entry system, which guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Yes, you can apply from anywhere in the world as long as you have a valid Express Entry profile and meet all the eligibility criteria for the Ontario French Speaking stream.
Once you are nominated you are expected to live and work in Ontario. While there is no legal obligations but failure to reside in Ontario after obtaining permanent residence can affect future applications and the integrity of the provincial nominee programs