Understanding the French Stream in Canadian Immigration

French Stream Skilled Worker Stream Program Ontario

Canada has two official languages, English and French. As one of Canada’s two official languages, the country welcomes French-speaking skilled workers to the country through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (ONIP). The ONIP has a specific initiative known as the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream Program which allows individuals who speak French to gain a work visa in Ontario.

The program provides Ontario’s immigration authorities the power to nominate individuals for the Express Entry pool to the province. These individuals must possess both English and French speaking abilities.

The Ontario province aims to welcome more French-speaking immigrants. Ontario already has over 500,000 Francophone immigrants already living there. The addition of French-speaking immigrants is to complement the existing population of Francophones living in Ontario.

Successful applicants to the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream Program obtain 600 Comprehensive Ranking System points and are then given an Invitation to Apply for permanent Canadian residency.

Compared to other visa programs offered by Canadian immigration authorities, the French-Speaking Stream Program is open to individuals regardless of having or not having a job offer. An individual’s application is based on their “human capital credentials”. Authorities put an emphasis on the English-French speaking and language abilities of candidates.

Ontario French Stream Requirements

To be eligible for the Express Entry of the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, applicants must:

• Create a valid profile in the Express Entry pool
• Be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Exhibit an interest to immigrate to Ontario or “All Provinces and Territories” in the Express Entry program

Applicants must meet specific work and education criteria too. The criteria for work and education include:

• At least one year of work experience within the past five years as outlined by the criteria of the FSWC
• At least one year of work experience within the past three years as outlined by the criteria of the CEC
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher
• A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark with a Level 7 in French and Level 6 in English
• Desire to live in Ontario
• Can meet the minimum financial requirements

How does the Ontario French Stream Skilled Worker Stream Program work?

The Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream Program’s process can take as few as 12 months to complete. It can take longer and not all applicants can complete the entire process within 12 months. However, some applicants may be able to complete the immigration process in fewer than 12 months.

Applicants must complete the following tasks to gain entry to Canada as part of the French Stream

• Meet all criteria outlined by the FSWC or the CEC
• Create and maintain an Express Entry profile
• Meet all criteria for the Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream Program
• Receive a NOI from the OINP
• Within 45 day of receiving a NOI, applicants must apply to the OINP for a provincial nomination certificate
• Obtain a provincial nomination from the OINP
• Obtain 600 additional CRS points and an ITA for permanent residence
• Submit an application for permanent residence no more than 60 days after receiving an ITA
• Obtain permanent residency in Canada

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Understanding the French Stream in Canadian Immigration