Ontario's Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream is closed. Ontario's stream page says it closed as of May 30, 2026, and the OINP updates page lists it among eight streams removed in the June 2026 redesign. It needed NCLC 7 French and CLB 6 English and gave nominees +600 CRS. Its replacement, the Ontario Workforce Priority stream, needs a job offer and gives French a few bilingualism points, not a stream of its own.
Key takeaways
- The French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream is closed. No new invitations are issued under it.
- It required NCLC 7 in French, CLB 6 in English, a degree and one year of skilled work.
- Ontario Workforce Priority replaced eight streams and needs a qualifying Ontario job offer.
- TEER 0–3 nominees can still take a nomination through Express Entry: +600 CRS.
- Without a job offer, federal French-language draws are now the main French route.
On this page
For years, Ontario's French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream let the province pick French speakers straight from the Express Entry pool, with no job offer. It is now closed. Many websites still describe it as open, so here is what the official Ontario pages say as of October 2026, what the stream used to require, and where French speakers stand now.
- Closed
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream (2026)
- 8 → 1
- OINP streams merged into Ontario Workforce Priority
- +600
- CRS for an Express Entry-linked provincial nomination
What did the stream require?
#Ontario's archived stream page lists these criteria. They no longer open a door, but they help if you're reading an old article or comparing with the new rules:
| Requirement | What Ontario asked for |
|---|---|
| Language | French CLB 7 or higher and English CLB 6 or higher, approved tests taken within 2 years |
| Work experience | FSW route: 1 year continuous full-time skilled work (TEER 0–3) in the last 5 years. CEC route: 1 year in Canada in the last 3 years |
| Education | Canadian bachelor's, master's or PhD, or a foreign equivalent with an ECA |
| Funds and intent | Settlement funds and an intention to live in Ontario |
| Express Entry | A valid profile and a Notification of Interest from Ontario. No job offer needed |
| Result | Provincial nomination, then a PR application to IRCC |
For French tests that meant TEF Canada or TCF Canada, and NCLC 7 in all four skills. That is the same French level as the federal French bonus and French draws, which is why the stream fitted so many candidates.
What happened in 2026?
#OINP changes that affect French speakers (per ontario.ca)
- March 16, 2026Redesign announcedOntario announced regulation changes to prepare for an OINP redesign.
- April 8, 2026Francophone round146 invitations to Francophone candidates with CLB 5+ in French, under the employer job offer streams (not the Express Entry French stream).
- May 30, 2026Amendments in forceOntario's stream page dates the French-Speaking Skilled Worker closure to this day.
- June 26, 2026Eight streams removedIncluding all three Express Entry streams. Replaced by the single Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The EOI system closed to new EOIs.
- August 4, 2026New EOI portalThe EOI portal for the Ontario Workforce Priority stream opened. EOIs under former streams were withdrawn.
Ontario says applications already submitted after an invitation under a former stream are assessed against the rules in effect when they were submitted. If you're in that position, follow the instructions Ontario sent you.
Does the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream help French speakers?
#Somewhat, but it works very differently. You need a qualifying Ontario job offer from a registered employer; the only exception Ontario lists is self-employed physicians. French counts in two places:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accepted French tests | TEF Canada or TCF Canada |
| Minimum (TEER 0–3) | CLB 6 in all four skills (CLB 5 for listed skilled trades) |
| Minimum (TEER 4–5) | CLB 4 in all four skills |
| EOI points: language ability | Based on your lowest skill: CLB 9+ = 15, CLB 8 = 12, CLB 7 = 8, CLB 6 = 4. Higher of English or French counts |
| EOI points: bilingualism | CLB 6+ in all four skills on both an English and a French test = 10 points (one language = 5) |
So French is no longer its own path in Ontario. It is a way to meet the language minimum, or a few extra EOI points if you also have English. We found no French-specific rounds under the new stream on Ontario's updates page as of October 2026, so check the official stream page before you plan on one.
How does the +600 nomination work now?
#- 1Qualify for the streamJob offer, work experience, education and language, as Ontario lists them. Only TEER 0–3 occupations can use the Express Entry option.
- 2Keep a valid Express Entry profileYou must meet a federal program's minimums (FSW, CEC or FST) and say in your OINP application that you want an Express Entry nomination.
- 3Accept the nominationOntario: "If you accept, you will receive an additional 600 points for being nominated." IRCC's CRS grid lists 600 for a provincial nomination.
- 4Apply to IRCCOntario says you then have 60 calendar days to submit your PR application to IRCC. Your language result must still be under 2 years old then (result validity).
What should a French speaker do now?
#Federal French-language draws are the main route. They need NCLC 7 in all four skills and no job offer. See PR with French and no job offer and recent French draw cut-offs.
Look at Ontario Workforce Priority. If you also have English, a French result at CLB 6+ in all four can add the 10 bilingualism points. TEER 0–3 jobs can go the Express Entry route for +600.
The Francophone Mobility work permit needs only NCLC 5 in speaking and listening, and other provinces such as New Brunswick and Manitoba have run francophone-focused selections. In Express Entry, the CRS calculator for French rounds shows your score on the current grid.
Living in or near Ontario? Seats for TEF and TCF Canada in Toronto and Ottawa go quickly, so plan the test early.
Ontario still has a French route with a job offer: Sudbury, Timmins and Superior East take part in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.
- Myth
Ontario still invites French speakers without a job offer.
FactNot through the old stream. It closed in 2026, and the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream needs a qualifying job offer (except for self-employed physicians).
- Myth
The new Ontario stream has a French category.
FactOntario's stream page describes no separate French path. French gives language points and up to 10 bilingualism points.
- Myth
Provincial nominations no longer give 600 points.
FactThey still do. Ontario Workforce Priority nominees in TEER 0–3 who choose Express Entry get +600.
Check yourself
1 of 3.What French level did the old French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream require?
2 of 3.What does Ontario Workforce Priority give for English and French both at CLB 6+ in all four skills?
3 of 3.Which occupations can take an Ontario Workforce Priority nomination through Express Entry?
Questions people ask
No. Ontario's stream page says it closed as of May 30, 2026, and the OINP updates page lists it among the eight streams closed in the June 26, 2026 redesign.
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream, which replaced eight OINP streams. It needs a qualifying Ontario job offer, with an exception for self-employed physicians.
In the new stream's EOI, your language ability points use the higher of English or French, and having both at CLB 6+ in all four skills gives 10 bilingualism points instead of 5.
Yes, for TEER 0–3 nominees who choose the Express Entry option and accept the nomination.
Ontario says applications submitted after an invitation under a former stream are assessed against the rules in effect when submitted. Follow Ontario's instructions for your file.
TEF Canada or TCF Canada, taken within 2 years before you apply.
Terms in this guide
Each one is defined in plain English in the TEF & TCF Canada glossary.
Sources
- Ontario: Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream (closed)
- Ontario: 2026 OINP updates
- Ontario: Ontario Workforce Priority stream
- IRCC: Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria
Rules and fees change. Always confirm with IRCC and your test centre before you pay.
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