Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
May 5, 2025
Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and utilizes the federal Express Entry system to identify and nominate eligible candidates for permanent residence. This stream targets highly skilled individuals who have the potential to contribute significantly to Ontario’s economy and labour market. Candidates do not need a job offer to apply. To be eligible, applicants must have a valid profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario. A provincial nomination under this stream adds 600 points to the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, substantially increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC. Ontario periodically searches the Express Entry pool for candidates who meet specific criteria, which may include factors like CRS score, occupation, or other strategic priorities.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream, applicants must meet both the requirements of this OINP stream and the eligibility criteria for either the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the federal Express Entry system.
1. Express Entry Profile and Notification of Interest
Applicants must have a valid and active profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system.
Applicants must be eligible for either the FSWP or CEC.
Applicants must have received a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario through their IRCC online account under the Human Capital Priorities stream. Applications can only be submitted if an NOI has been received for this specific stream.
2. Work Experience
Applicants must meet the minimum work experience requirements for either the FSWP or the CEC, depending on which federal program they choose to be assessed against.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Requires at least one year of continuous full‑time or equivalent part‑time skilled work experience (TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC) in the past ten years.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Requires at least one year of cumulative full‑time or equivalent part‑time skilled work experience (TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC) in Canada in the past three years. Notably, periods of self‑employment may be used to meet the work experience requirement under this OINP stream if the experience falls under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: NOC 31100, NOC 31101, and NOC 31102 [our conversation history].
The work experience must have been in a skilled occupation at the TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 level of the NOC.
3. Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to understand, read, write, and speak either English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher.
Valid language test results from a designated testing organization (e.g., IELTS General or Academic, CELPIP General for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French) must be provided. The test must have been taken within two years prior to the application submission date.
4. Education
Applicants must have a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, or a trade certification comparable to Canadian standards.
If the education was obtained outside of Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization is required to demonstrate its equivalency to Canadian standards.
5. Intention to Reside in Ontario
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to reside permanently in Ontario.
6. Funds
Applicants must meet the proof of funds requirement as specified by IRCC for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, even if they are being assessed under the Canadian Experience Class. The required amount depends on the number of family members.
7. Minimum CRS Score (If Applicable)
The OINP may specify a minimum CRS score in the Notification of Interest that candidates must have in the Express Entry pool to be eligible for that particular draw.
8. Targeted Occupations (If Applicable)
Ontario may conduct targeted draws for candidates with work experience in specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes that are in high demand in the province, such as those in the technology sector. If your NOI was part of a targeted draw, you must demonstrate that your work experience aligns with the specified NOC codes.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
The application process for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream involves the following steps.
Create an Express Entry Profile
Determine your eligibility for either the Federal Skilled Workers Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
Create a complete and accurate profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system. Include details of your language test results, educational credentials (with ECA if applicable), and work history.
Indicate Interest in Ontario
Within your Express Entry profile, indicate your interest in living in Ontario.
Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario
The OINP searches the Express Entry pool and issues NOIs to candidates who meet the stream’s criteria and any specific factors for a particular draw (e.g., CRS score, targeted occupations).
You will receive the NOI through your IRCC online account.
Verify Ontario Stream Eligibility
Once you receive an NOI, carefully review the specific requirements for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream and the details of the draw to ensure you meet all criteria, including the language proficiency level, work experience, education, and any minimum CRS score or targeted occupation requirements.
Submit an Online Application to the OINP
If you meet all the requirements, you can submit an online application to the OINP through the OINP e‑Filing Portal within 45 calendar days of receiving your NOI.
Complete all sections of the OINP online application form accurately.
Upload all required supporting documents, including copies of your language test results, educational credentials (and ECA if applicable), proof of work experience, proof of funds, and other necessary documents as per the OINP document checklist.
Pay the non‑refundable OINP application processing fee.
OINP Application Assessment
The OINP will assess your application based on the information and documents you provided.
They may request additional information or documentation if needed.
Receive an OINP Nomination
If your application is approved, Ontario will notify you through your IRCC online account and issue a nomination certificate. This nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score in Express Entry.
Apply for Permanent Residence through IRCC
With the increased CRS score, you will likely receive an ITA for permanent residence from IRCC in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence to IRCC within the given timeframe.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Insufficient Language Proficiency: Ensure you meet the minimum CLB 7 in either English or French. Test results must be valid at the time of OINP application submission.
Ineligible Work Experience: Your work experience must qualify under either the FSWP or CEC and be in a TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. For CEC assessment under this stream, self‑employment in specific NOC codes may be eligible [our conversation history]. If the draw targeted specific NOCs, ensure your experience aligns.
Invalid Express Entry Profile: Your Express Entry profile must be active and valid throughout the OINP application process. Ensure all information is up‑to‑date.
Applying Without an NOI: You must receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario for this specific stream before you can submit an application to the OINP.
Missed Application Deadline: You have 45 calendar days from the date of your NOI to submit your online application to the OINP.
Failure to Meet Federal Program Requirements: You must continue to meet the eligibility criteria for the federal Express Entry program (FSWP or CEC) you chose to be assessed against.
Falling Below Minimum CRS Score (If Applicable): If the NOI specified a minimum CRS score, ensure your score in Express Entry remains at or above that level.
Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: Provide accurate and complete information in both your Express Entry profile and your OINP application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a job offer to apply to this stream? No, a job offer is not required for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream.
What are “tech draws”? Ontario conducts targeted draws under the Human Capital Priorities stream to invite candidates with work experience in specific technology occupations identified by the province as being in high demand.
How does Ontario find candidates in the Express Entry pool? Ontario searches the Express Entry pool based on criteria such as work experience, language proficiency, education, and CRS score. They may also target specific occupations or candidates with a stated interest in settling in Ontario.
What is a Notification of Interest (NOI)? An NOI is a communication sent by Ontario through your IRCC online account, inviting you to apply to the OINP under the Human Capital Priorities stream. Receiving an NOI does not guarantee that you will be nominated; you still need to meet all the stream requirements.
If I receive an ITA from IRCC before the OINP processes my application, what should I do? If IRCC issues you an ITA before the OINP nominates you, the OINP may be unable to proceed with your nomination as your Express Entry profile will no longer be visible to them. You may need to decline the ITA from IRCC to await a nomination from Ontario, if you still wish to pursue that path.
Can the OINP change the criteria for draws? Yes, the OINP reserves the right to make changes to how they select registrants without prior notice, including changes to the scoring grids and the factors they target in specific draws.
Conclusion
Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream offers a dynamic pathway for highly skilled professionals to achieve permanent residence in Ontario by leveraging the federal Express Entry system. By meeting the stringent eligibility criteria and responding promptly to a Notification of Interest, candidates can significantly enhance their immigration prospects. Staying informed about Ontario’s specific draw criteria and ensuring the accuracy of both the Express Entry profile and the OINP application are vital for a successful outcome.
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