Ontario’s Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities Stream (OINP Guide)

The Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream in Ontario falls under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), offering a pathway for foreign workers who have the required skilled work experience, language proficiency, and education to seek permanent residence in Ontario.

To be eligible, individuals must maintain a valid profile in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry system. Additionally, receiving a Notification of Interest from Ontario is a requirement before initiating the online application for nomination by the Ontario government for permanent residence.

Upon successful nomination, the next step involves applying to the federal government through IRCC. The ultimate decision on granting permanent residency rests with the federal authorities.

Program Requirements

1. Express Entry Profile

The Ontario Human Capital Priorities aligns with the federal Express Entry system. To be eligible, candidates need an active Express Entry profile in either Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW):

• Minimum requirement: High school diploma.
• Work experience: At least one year of continuous full-time skilled work in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Language proficiency: English or French at CLB level 7.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

• No minimum education requirement.
• Work experience: Minimum one year of full-time Canadian skilled work within the last three years in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Language proficiency: CLB level 7 for NOC Skill Level 0 or A, CLB level 5 for NOC Skill Level B.

Minimum CRS Score

• Express Entry Score:
  • All candidates get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on their profile.
• Ontario Human Capital Priorities Eligibility:
  • To qualify, a candidate needs a CRS score of 400 points or more.
• Minimum Score Changes:
  • OINP has occasionally reduced the score requirement in the past.
    No assurance it will happen again in the future

Calculate your OINP Scores through Ontario PNP Points Calculator

2. Connection & Intention To Live in Province

• Show Intent to Reside:
  • Vital to demonstrate your intention to live in Ontario.
• Establish Ties Through:
  • Employment history, job offers, education, volunteer work.
  • Property ownership or leasing, visits, professional connections.
  • Family bonds and personal relationships.
• Sign of Commitment:
  • These ties signify your commitment to making Ontario your permanent home.

3. Work Experience

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Need at least one year of continuous, full-time work experience in NOC categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  • Work experience should be in the same primary occupation chosen in your Express Entry profile.
  • Can be gained in Canada or abroad within the last five years.
  • Self-employed? Provide verifiable documentation like reference letters or invoices. Family references aren’t accepted.
  • To qualify, score at least 67 points on the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) selection factors.
• Canadian Experience Class
  • Need at least one year of cumulative full-time work experience in NOC categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  • Work experience within the last three years in the occupations identified in your Express Entry profile.
  • Work in Canada must be legal, gained while maintaining status.
  • Excludes paid work during full-time study or self-employment.

4. Education

• Need a Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree or equivalent from another country.
• If studies are completed outside Canada, require an Educational Credential Assessment.

 5. Language

• Need to understand, read, write, and speak English or French at CLB level 7 or higher.
• Take an approved language test before applying.
• Language test results valid for two years.

6. Settlement Funds

• Ensure enough financial resources for yourself and family members.
• Show adequate funds through bank statements or investment accounts.
• Earn annual income from ongoing employment in Ontario.
• Have a job offer in Ontario.
• Be cautious about significant one-time deposits in bank statements; additional documentation may be needed.

7. Legal Status in Canada

• Apply from within Canada for OINP.
• Need legal status (visitor record, study permit, or work permit) during application and until nomination.
• Apply in ‘implied status’ if renewing or extending temporary status with IRCC.
• Stay and work or study under existing permit conditions until IRCC decision.

How to Apply?

1. Ontario Human Capital Priorities is an invitation-only stream.
2. Candidates meeting eligibility must create an Express Entry profile and  Await a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario.
3. Receiving an NOI doesn’t guarantee nomination; only those with NOI can apply to OINP.
4. OINP announces recent NOIs and CRS score range.
5. Once issued an NOI, candidates have 45 days to submit an online application with a $1,500 CAD fee.
6. If approved, Ontario notifies the applicant of provincial nomination.
7. Upon acceptance, the applicant’s CRS score increases by 600 points.
8. This boost virtually ensures an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next Express Entry draw.
9. After ITA, submit a permanent residence application within the specified timeframe.
10. Express Entry PR applications are typically processed within six months.

Occupations eligible for Ontario’s Tech Draws

FAQs

What is the CRS score for Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream?

There’s no specific required CRS score for Ontario Human Capital Priorities stream, but if you have CRS score above 490 chances of getting ITA are more for you.

How much does it cost to apply for human capital priorities stream?

Human Capital Priorities Stream under OINP will require CAD 1,500 to apply under this stream which is non-refundable.

What is the processing time for Human Capital priorities stream?

Processing time for Human Capital Priorities stream is 70-100 days according to latest processing time by OINP.