The Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is an immigration pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), inviting candidates who have strong English skills and want to settle in Ontario. It is divided into two categories:
- CEC Candidates (Canadian Experience Class) – For skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
- FSW Candidates (Federal Skilled Worker Program) – For skilled workers who meet eligibility under the FSW program (including education, work experience, and language proficiency).
Both categories require candidates to have a valid Express Entry profile, strong French proficiency (CLB 7 or higher), and good English skills (CLB 6 or higher).
Here is a table comparing Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) candidates under Express Entry:
| Criteria | CEC Candidates | FSW Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience | Minimum 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (last 3 years) | Minimum 1 year of skilled work experience inside or outside Canada (last 10 years) |
| Language Requirement | TEER 0 & 1: CLB 7 TEER 2 & 3: CLB 5 | All TEER levels: Minimum CLB 7 |
| Education Requirement | Not required (but improves CRS score) | Minimum high school diploma (ECA required if outside Canada) |
| Settlement Funds | Not required if currently working in Canada | Required unless already working in Canada |
| ITA & CRS Score | More chances for ITA with lower CRS due to CEC-specific draws | Needs higher CRS score to get ITA in general Express Entry draws |
| Processing Time | approx. 3-4 months | PR processing takes 6 months |
| Residency Requirement | Must have Canadian work experience | Can apply from anywhere in the world |
| Intention to Settle | Already living and working in Canada | Can settle anywhere in Canada |
If you require assistance with your Express Entry profile or guidance on the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), reach out to FederPath Consultants at Info@federpath.com or call +91 9052350583. Our team is here to help you navigate the immigration process with ease!