PEQ or Ontario PNP for french speakers?
This week we are covering a very specific issue in Canadian Immigration as it pertains exclusively to French speaking candidates.
As many of you are aware already, candidates who can demonstrate french speaking abilities through an official standardized test (TEF, TEFAQ, etc.) are eligible for more immigration opportunities in Canada. The two main immigration programs which benefit french speaking immigrants are the Programme de l'Expérience Québécoise (PEQ) and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): French speakers stream.
We compared these two prominent immigration programs for french speaking candidates and determined that both have their advantages vs disadvantages.
Furthermore, since these are provincial nominee programs, candidates should not be applying for both programs as you need to sign a declaration of your intent to live in the selected province.
Programme de l'Expérience Québécoise:
Have studied in a recognized program in Quebec or have 1 year of work experience prior to application submission
Need to show french proficiency at level B2
Average processing time of PEQ: 20 business days
Spouses can be the main applicant
After obtaining a Certificat de Sélection du Québec through the PEQ, applicants still need to apply for the federal part of their permanent residence application. The federal application takes around 12 months to be processed.
Total processing time: approximately 13 months.
OINP French Speakers Stream:
Have 1 year of skilled work experience within the last 5 years
Have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree
Score a minimum of CLB 7 for French and CLB 6 for English
Must be eligible for Express Entry
The processing time for the OINP-French Speakers Stream is 60 to 90 days
After obtaining a provincial nominee program nomination through the OINP, applicants will link their Express Entry application in order to receive an additional 600 points from the OINP. Applicants are then invited to apply for permanent residency through their Express Entry profile and it takes around 7 months to receive the confirmation of permanent residence.
Total processing time: approximately 10 months.
If you have any additional questions about your eligiblity for the PEQ program or the OINP, feel free to book a free consultation with us!
