Great news for international students and skilled workers aiming for Ontario! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) relaxed language requirements for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants outside Express Entry. This change, effective April 18, 2024, benefits those who may have previously struggled with language tests.
Currently, Canada has 10 provinces and three territories, most of which have agreements with the federal government to nominate immigrants, including foreign workers and international students, through their own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Applicant Requirements for Ontario PNP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
- Expression of Interest and Invitation to Apply:
- You must have received an invitation to apply and applied within the specified deadline.
- Demonstrate that you possess the qualifications claimed in your Expression of Interest with the OINP.
- Education:
- Obtain one of the eligible credentials from a Canadian institution, such as an undergraduate or graduate degree, or a college or university graduate certificate.
- More than half of the requirements for your credential must have been completed while living and studying in Canada.
- Valid Licence or Authorization (if applicable):
- If your job offer requires a mandatory licence in Ontario, ensure you hold a valid licence from the appropriate regulatory body when you apply.
- Intention to Live in Ontario:
- Demonstrate your intent to live in Ontario after receiving permanent residence, evidenced by ties such as employment history, job offers, education, volunteering, property ownership or lease, visits, professional networks, family ties, or personal relationships.
- Legal Status in Canada (if applicable):
- If applying from within Canada, maintain legal status (e.g., study permit, work permit, or visitor record) until nomination.
- ‘Maintained status’ allows you to continue working or studying under the same conditions until a decision is made on your IRCC application.
- Application Period:
- Submit your application within two years of completing the requirements for your degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Use the date on your educational credential or an official letter from your institution stating when your credential will be granted.
According to Ontario’s guidelines for the Employer Job Offer International Student Stream, while there is no mandatory language requirement, applicants can earn points for their language proficiency if they provide valid language test results. Applicants can also earn additional points under the category of “Knowledge of Official.
For instance individuals looking to immigrate to Ontario as a Federal Skilled Worker under various streams, Language isn’t an eligibility requirement, but it significantly impacts your score., Example a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 or higher can fetch you 4 or more points, while a CLB of 6 or lower earns you zero.
Language Scoring Factor
Official language ability
- CLB 9 or higher: 10 points
- CLB 8: 6 points
- CLB 7: 4 points
- CLB 6 or lower: 0 points
Knowledge of Official Languages
Additional points can be earned if applicants have proficiency in both official languages of Canada (English and French):
- Proficiency in both official languages (CLB 7 in one and CLB 6 in the other): 10 points
- Proficiency in one official language (CLB 7 or higher): 5 points
What Does This Mean For International Students And Skilled Workers?
This shift represents a positive advancement for international students and skilled workers exploring PNP pathways beyond Express Entry. By eliminating mandatory language tests, the application process has become more inclusive and accessible. However, this adjustment doesn’t mean language skills can be disregarded. Even though some PNP applications no longer require a language test, enhancing your language proficiency remains prudent. Strengthening your language abilities not only enhances your competitiveness in the application process but also enriches your career opportunities and facilitates smoother integration into Canadian society. Consider preparing for the test regardless—it’s a worthwhile investment in your path toward successful immigration.
