Is there an OINP stream for French-speaking skilled workers?

Not as a standalone stream any longer. OINP's French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream closed to new applications on May 30, 2026; French-speaking candidates now apply through the Ontario Workforce Priority stream's Express Entry-linked pathway. This aligns with the federal government's goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

Under the former stream, you had to have an active Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class, strong French-language proficiency, a minimum level of English, and a period of continuous skilled work experience in an eligible NOC occupation (or a qualifying job offer in Ontario). The Ontario Workforce Priority stream's own detailed criteria for its Express Entry-linked pathway have not yet been published — confirm current requirements before relying on specific figures.

The former stream did not require a job offer if you met its work experience criteria, though having one could strengthen the application. OINP continues to control the pace and thresholds for invitations under the current Workforce Priority stream, but its exact criteria have not been fully confirmed.

For French-speaking candidates, the combined French-bilingual advantage can be significant: federal Express Entry draws also run targeted rounds for French-speaking candidates where CRS minimums have historically been lower than general draws. An OINP nomination in addition to the federal French advantage can be a powerful combination.