Ontario's Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream
Ontario closed this stream to new applicants on June 26, 2026, as part of a redesign of its immigration program. If you already applied, your application is still being assessed under the rules that applied when you sent it. Ontario is replacing its old streams with one new stream called Ontario Workforce Priority — it has not opened yet. Check the official Ontario page for updates.
What is this program?
Ontario's Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is for francophone applicants. If your French is strong and your English is at least moderate, this stream gives you a faster path to a provincial nomination than the general Human Capital Priorities stream — Ontario specifically wants to grow its francophone population. You still need to be in the federal Express Entry pool and receive a Notification of Interest.
Who is it for?
- You have a federal Express Entry profile
- Your French is at CLB 7 or higher in all four abilities
- Your English is at least CLB 6 in all four abilities
- You have at least 1 year of skilled work experience (TEER 0–3) in the last 5 years
- You have a bachelor's degree or higher
- You intend to live in Ontario
What does it lead to?
Provincial nomination, adding 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile. Almost certain Invitation to Apply for PR after nomination. After nomination, the federal step currently takes about 6 months (IRCC's estimate) — Ontario's own step comes first.
Primary requirements
- Active Express Entry profile.
- Receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario.
- French language test at CLB 7+ in all four abilities (TEF or TCF).
- English language test at CLB 6+ in all four abilities (IELTS or CELPIP).
- 1 year of continuous skilled work experience in NOC TEER 0–3 within the last 5 years.
- Bachelor's degree or higher (ECA required for foreign credentials).
- Proof of settlement funds.
- Intent to live in Ontario.
What you'll need to apply
- Active Express Entry profile number
- Notification of Interest from Ontario
- French language test results (TEF Canada or TCF Canada)
- English language test results (IELTS General or CELPIP-General)
- Educational Credential Assessment
- Employer reference letters
- Proof of settlement funds
- Passport, medical, police certificates
Where to start
See which OPEN programs fit you (free)
Or visit the official ontario page for Ontario's Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream to read the government's own requirements.
If you want professional advice before applying, work with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
How we keep this page current
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Informational only — not immigration advice. Always confirm requirements on the official government page.