OINP Express Entry Notifications of Interest: French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream

On September 5, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 86 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates under the Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. This draw was particularly notable for its low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score range, which fell between 290 and 393. This range marks a significant reduction in the required score compared to previous draws, reflecting Ontario’s proactive efforts to attract skilled French-speaking immigrants.

Details of the Draw

A total of 86 NOIs were issued to candidates who met the criteria of the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. The candidates’ CRS scores ranged from 290 to 393, and their Express Entry profiles had to have been created between September 5, 2023, and September 5, 2024. Eligible candidates were required to have work experience in specific occupations classified under TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Trend and Analysis

From January to September 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conductved several draws under the Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, revealing a clear shift in its immigration strategy. Over this period, there has been a consistent decrease in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score ranges, with the upper limit dropping by 75 points and the lower limit falling by 27 points. The number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) has also fluctuated significantly, from a high of 984 in January to 212 in June, and further down to 86 in September. This pattern indicates Ontario’s intent to broaden the pool of eligible candidates, focusing on attracting those with strong French language skills to strengthen its francophone communities.

The decreasing CRS scores and targeted nature of these draws suggest a growing emphasis on French-speaking immigrants, aligning with the province’s goal of enriching its labor market with bilingual talent. By September 2024, a total of 1,282 invitations had been issued under this stream, demonstrating Ontario’s strong commitment to welcoming skilled French-speaking workers. This approach not only aims to support the province’s economic growth but also to enhance its cultural diversity through the inclusion of candidates who can contribute meaningfully to Ontario’s francophone communities.

Eligibility Requirements for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

To qualify under this stream, candidates must fulfill several criteria. They need to have an active profile in the Express Entry system managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They must also have relevant work experience under either the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

For the FSWP, applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time work experience within the last five years in NOC categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. Meanwhile, for the CEC, candidates need a minimum of one year of cumulative paid full-time work experience in Canada within the same NOC categories over the past three years.

Candidates are also required to demonstrate language proficiency, with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in French and 6 in English. Approved language tests include the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or Test de connaissance du français (TCF) for French, and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) for English.

Additionally, candidates must have a Canadian bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. If the degree was obtained outside of Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required. Sufficient settlement funds must be demonstrated to support themselves and any dependents upon settling in Ontario. Finally, candidates must express a genuine intention to reside in Ontario, which can be substantiated by ties such as employment, job offers, or property ownership.

Application Process

The application process begins when a candidate receives a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the OINP. Upon receiving the NOI, candidates have 45 calendar days to submit their application to the program. If their application is successful and they are nominated, they receive a Nomination Approval Letter. This nomination provides an additional 600 CRS points, substantially increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence through the IRCC.

This latest draw underscores Ontario’s commitment to attracting skilled French-speaking workers, particularly through the significant reduction in the CRS score requirement. Lowering the score threshold creates new opportunities for potential immigrants, especially those who can contribute to Ontario’s economic growth and cultural diversity.

So far in 2024, the OINP has issued a total of 1,282 invitations through the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, reflecting the province’s strategic focus on bolstering its francophone communities. This trend suggests that Ontario is actively seeking to enrich its labor market with skilled workers who not only contribute economically but also enhance the cultural fabric of the province.