Ontario Invites 1,179 under OINP’s Express Entry HCP Stream

Ontario holds another Tech Draw under the Provincial Nominee Program. Notifications of interest issued to six eligible NOC codes. 

On September 28, 2022, Ontario issued notifications of interest “by targeted occupations”. The latest round of invitations was for candidates eligible for the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream.

With the latest OINP draw, a total of 3,076 HCP candidates have been invited so far in 2022. Previously, HCP draws this year were held on - 

• February 22, 2022 (NOIs: 773)
• February 8, 2022 (NOIs: 622)
• January 12, 2022 (NOIs: 502)

Ontario is among the provinces and territories part of the Provincial Nominee Program, also referred to as Canadian PNP. Ontario PNP is officially the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). 

Note. CRS: Comprehensive Ranking System. NOC: National Occupational Classification. 

These occupations are as per the National Occupational Classification (NOC) matrix that gives a unique 4-digit code to each job in the Canadian labour market. Ontario is preparing to switch to new NOC codes. 

Which Ontario PNP streams are linked to IRCC Express Entry?

Three Ontario immigration pathways under the OINP are linked with Express Entry, an application management system. These are - 

1. Human Capital Priorities stream
2. French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream
3. Skilled Trades stream

Express Entry is used for processing Canadian permanent residence applications from skilled foreign workers that want to settle in Canada with family. 

What is Ontario PNP’s Human Capital Priorities stream?

Ontario PNP’s HCP stream gives foreign workers a pathway to live and work in Ontario on a Canada PR visa, provided they have the required - 

1. Education, 
2. Skilled work experience, and 
3. Language abilities.

To be considered by Ontario PNP for an NOI under HCP, you must have a valid Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). An NOI from Ontario PNP will be needed before you can apply. 

What happens after a nomination by OINP?

The next step is that of submitting your Canada PR application to the federal government of Canada through IRCC. The decision to let you live permanently in Canada with your family depends on the federal government. 

What are the eligibility requirements for OINP HCP?

To qualify, you must meet each of the requirements of - 

1. Work experience, at least one year paid full-time in the recent past (within the last five years for FSWP, three years for CEC).  
2. Education, at least a Bachelor’s degree. An ECA Report will be needed. 
3. Language ability, at least a Band 6 in all four abilities in IELTS. 
4. Settlement funds, include spouse/partner and dependent children.
5. Intention to settle in Ontario on a Canada PR visa.

How to apply under Ontario’s HCP stream?

Step 1: Create an Express Entry profile

You must score 67 points on Canada Skilled Immigration Eligibility Calculation to make your Express Entry profile online. There is no cost or fee for profile creation. Before you can create a profile with IRCC Express Entry, you will need - 

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report, and
• Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP for English). 

At the time of profile creation, you must indicate your interest in immigrating to Ontario. You can select either ‘Ontario’ or go for “All Provinces and Territories”. 

Step 2: Receive an NOI from OINP 

If shortlisted by Ontario for a PNP nomination, you will be issued an NOI in your IRCC online account. Do keep in mind that you must be able to prove - through the relevant documents - that you meet each of the HCP eligibility requirements. 

Step 3: Securing an OINP nomination under Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream

Your OINP application must be submitted within 45 days from receiving the communication from Ontario PNP. All supporting documentation will have to be provided as validation of claims. In case the document is not in French or English, a notarized translation must be submitted along with the copy of the original document. 

Step 4: Apply for Canada PR visa

If successful in securing an OINP nomination, you can then use the Nomination Certificate to apply to IRCC for being granted Canadian permanent residence. 

Immigrating to Canada takes the perfect blend of strategy and planning. Many different pathways lead to Canadian immigration. The most suitable Canada PR route for you will be as per your profile and other factors. The right immigration advice can make all the difference between a visa grant and rejection. 

Avail Free Consultation to assess your options.