Is the former OINP French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream open?

No. Ontario says it closed on May 30, 2026.

What language level applies to TEER 4–5?

Generally CLB 4 in all four abilities.

Does Workforce Priority accept TCF Canada?

Yes. Ontario lists TCF Canada and TEF Canada as accepted French tests.

How long is the test valid?

The test normally must be within two years before application submission.

Does the language threshold allow a direct application?

No. Employer position approval, EOI, invitation, and the other stream criteria still apply.

OINP Workforce Priority: French language and TCF Canada requirements

Ontario's new Workforce Priority Stream replaced the former OINP stream structure. A TEER 0–3 job offer generally requires CLB 6 in all four abilities, or CLB 5 for listed skilled trades; a TEER 4–5 offer generally requires CLB 4. TCF Canada is accepted, and results normally must be within two years of application submission.

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The former French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream is closed

Ontario says the Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream was closed during the 2026 OINP redesign. Its former CLB/NCLC 7 and NOI wording should not be treated as the current application route; use the Workforce Priority Stream page instead.

Match the threshold to TEER

For a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job offer, the general minimum is CLB 6 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking; listed skilled trades generally use CLB 5. An eligible Ontario graduate credential may remove the test requirement. For TEER 4 or 5, the general minimum is CLB 4 in all four abilities.

TCF Canada and the two-year window

Ontario accepts TCF Canada and TEF Canada for French. The test must normally be within two years before the application is submitted, and every ability must meet the applicable CLB. EOI points for one or two official languages are a separate scoring question.

Employer first, EOI second

A job-offer applicant cannot file a nomination application directly. The employer starts through the Employer Portal and seeks position approval; the candidate then registers an EOI and can apply only after an invitation. Meeting the language threshold does not guarantee an invitation or nomination.

Frequently asked questions

Is the former OINP French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream open?: No. Ontario says it closed on May 30, 2026.
What language level applies to TEER 0–3?: Generally CLB 6 in all four abilities, or CLB 5 for listed skilled trades.
What language level applies to TEER 4–5?: Generally CLB 4 in all four abilities.
Does Workforce Priority accept TCF Canada?: Yes. Ontario lists TCF Canada and TEF Canada as accepted French tests.
How long is the test valid?: The test normally must be within two years before application submission.
Does the language threshold allow a direct application?: No. Employer position approval, EOI, invitation, and the other stream criteria still apply.

Official source

2026-08-22.

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