The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) offers eligible foreign workers and some self-employed physicians a way to seek a provincial nomination for permanent residence in Ontario.
The stream uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to rank candidates. For applicants who need a job offer, the employer starts the process by submitting the job offer. The candidate can then submit an EOI. If selected by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), the candidate can apply for a provincial nomination.
Language ability is one of the factors used to calculate an EOI score. Better language results can help candidates earn more points. However, an invitation depends on the full profile and may also depend on the labour market or human capital factors targeted in a particular selection round.
How Language Adds To An OWPS Score?
Candidates can receive up to 15 points for official language ability under the OWPS scoring system.
The points are based on the lowest Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level across all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
| Official Language Ability | Points |
| CLB 9 or higher | 15 |
| CLB 8 | 12 |
| CLB 7 | 8 |
| CLB 6 | 4 |
| CLB 5 or lower | 0 |
Candidates may also receive additional points based on their knowledge of Canada’s official languages.
| Knowledge Of Official Languages | Points |
| Two official languages | 10 |
| One official language | 5 |
To receive points for knowledge of both official languages, candidates must have at least CLB 6 in all four language skills in both English and French.
Language is one of several factors that can affect an OWPS EOI score. Other factors include occupation, wage, work region, education, work experience, earnings history, and legal status in Canada.
Some of these factors depend on a candidate’s current situation and may take a long time to change.
Language ability is different because candidates can work on improving it through regular practice and preparation.
Candidates who choose to take a language test or take it again can use the preparation period to understand the test format, learn how the scores are given, and find areas that need more work.
Prepare Early
Language tests are sometimes left until the last stage of an immigration application. Starting early can give candidates more time to understand the requirements and prepare for the test.
An early plan can also leave enough time for another test attempt if the first result is not strong enough. A simple preparation plan may include:
- Reviewing the current OWPS language requirements on the Government of Ontario website.
- Taking an initial practice test to establish a baseline.
- Identifying strengths and areas for improvement across listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Using preparation resources to focus on those areas.
- Allowing sufficient time to retest if necessary.
- Preparing early can give candidates greater flexibility as they consider one of the OWPS ranking factors they may be able to influence directly.
How Can CELPIP Help Candidates?
CELPIP is an English language test used for several Canadian immigration pathways. The test checks how well candidates can use English in common situations, including workplace and social settings.
The test covers four main language skills:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
CELPIP also offers different resources to help candidates understand the test and prepare before test day.
Free Study Resources
Candidates can find free study materials, sample questions, videos, and other resources to help them become more familiar with the test.
Practice Tests
Official practice tests can help candidates understand the timing and types of questions used in the test. They can also show which areas may need more practice.
Webinars And Learning Sessions
CELPIP offers live and recorded sessions covering the test format, scoring, sample answers, preparation tips, and individual parts of the test.
Preparation Programs
Structured CELPIP preparation programs offer focused lessons and practice across the four test areas. These programs can be useful for candidates who want additional support.
Score Interpretation Tools
CELPIP score information and comparison tools can help candidates understand what is expected at different language levels. Sample Speaking and Writing responses can also help candidates understand the scoring system.
Beyond The Application
Improving English skills can be useful for more than an immigration application.
Stronger communication skills can help candidates find jobs, build professional relationships, improve workplace communication, and take part in everyday life in Canada.
For candidates applying through the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, language ability is also one of the areas that can be improved through preparation. A stronger language result may therefore help increase the overall EOI score while also supporting communication skills needed for work and life in Ontario.
Explore your pathway to move to Canada with Immigtoronto. Our team of skilled RCICs offers customized immigration solutions, ensuring a trustworthy and professional process. Contact us at [email protected].
