The new Canada immigration levels plan 2025 has reduced annual Canadian PNP allocation by more than 50%.
In such a scenario, PNPs that work directly with the Express Entry system may evolve as a better option as compared to Expression of Interest (EOI) PNP streams.
Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), officially known as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), offer 3 streams that work directly with the Express Entry system.
These PNP streams enable skilled workers to receive provincial nominations, significantly increasing their chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
The good thing about these PNP streams is that you need not create a separate profile with OINP; rather, Ontario regularly scans the Express Entry pool for eligible candidates and sends provincial nomination invitations directly in the Express Entry system.
In this article, we explore the three OINP streams that work directly with Express Entry so that prospective candidates can align their profiles accordingly:
The Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream is designed to target skilled workers with the right qualifications, such as work experience, education, and language proficiency, even if they don’t have a job offer.
This stream focuses on selecting individuals aligned with provincial labour market needs through targeted draws.
Key Features
- No job offer required
- Open to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile
- Candidates need to have expressed their interest in relocating to Ontario and must have a valid Express Entry profile under one of the two programs:
Eligibility Requirements
- Work Experience:
- At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations (based on NOC classification).
- Work experience must have been gained within the last five years (for FSWP) or the last three years (for CEC).
- Education:
- Language Proficiency:
- Settlement Funds:
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds through bank statements or ongoing employment in Ontario.
- Intention to Reside in Ontario:
- Applicants must show ties to the province, such as work experience, property leases, or job applications.
All The OINP HCP Stream Draws in 2024:
Date NOIs issued | Number of NOIs issued | CRS score range | Profiles created in IRCC Express Entry system | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
September 19, 2024 | 1,424 | 505-528 | September 19, 2023 September 19, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 103 occupations. |
September 12, 2024 | 1,269 | 414-444 | September 12, 2023 September 12, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 43 healthcare-related occupations |
July 25, 2024 | 209 | 395-444 | July 25, 2023: July 25, 2024 |
Targeted draw for general practitioners and family physicians (NOC code: 31102) |
July 18, 2024 | 1,240 | 425-444 | July 18, 2023 July 18, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 43 healthcare-related occupations |
March 21, 2024 | 2,281 | 468-480 | March 21, 2023: March 21, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 15 Tech occupations |
March 7, 2024 | 2,104 | 352-421 | March 7, 2023: March 7, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 43 healthcare occupations |
February 8, 2024 | 2,118 | 471–480 | February 8, 2023: February 8, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 15 Tech occupations |
February 6, 2024 | 2,086 | 379-430 | February 6, 2023: February 6, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 42 healthcare occupations |
The Skilled Trades Stream is tailored for individuals with skilled trade experience in Ontario.
It provides a pathway for tradespeople to secure permanent residency without requiring a job offer.
Key Features
- Targets workers with experience in high-demand trades.
- Requires a valid Express Entry profile and Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario.
- Focuses on in-demand TEER categories, such as construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.
Eligibility Requirements
- Work Experience:
- At least one year of cumulative work in eligible trades within the last two years.
- Experience must be gained while maintaining legal status in the province.
- Experience in compulsory trades requires a valid Ontario trade certificate or license.
- Language Requirements:
- Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.
- Current Residence and Legal Status:
- Applicants must reside in Ontario with a valid work permit at the time of application.
- Settlement Funds:
- Applicants must meet the financial requirements based on family size, supported by bank statements or employment income.
This stream is ideal for individuals working in construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades, providing an opportunity to leverage their Ontario work experience toward a successful immigration application.
The best part is that the CRS cutoff score has gone as low as 350 in 2024. Below is the summary of all the OINP Express Entry skilled trades stream draws this year.
Date | Invitations | CRS score range | Express Entry Profiles Created between | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
October 17, 2024 | 1,307 | 405-435 | October 17, 2023 October 17, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 47 skilled trade occupations |
August 22, 2024 | 1,287 | 400-435 | August 22, 2023 August 22, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 46 skilled trade occupations |
July 11, 2024 | 1,277 | 408-435 | July 11, 2023 July 11, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 46 skilled trade occupations |
March 1, 2024 | 2,583 | 350-424 | March 1, 2023 March 1, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 49 skilled trade occupations |
January 11, 2024 | 2,552 | 350-424 | January 11, 2023 January 11, 2024 |
Targeted draw for 49 skilled trade occupations |
3. Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
The French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) Stream aims to attract bilingual candidates who can contribute to the provincial economy and enhance the Francophone community.
This stream caters to skilled workers with high English and French proficiency.
Key Features
Eligibility Requirements
- Work Experience:
- One year of work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories under the NOC.
- Work experience must be gained within the last five years (for FSWP) or three years (for CEC).
- Education Requirements:
- A bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. from a Canadian or recognized foreign institution, along with an ECA if applicable.
- Language Proficiency:
- Settlement Funds:
- Applicants need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves and their families.
- Intention to Reside in Ontario:
- Applicants must show genuine ties to Ontario through work, study, or personal connections.
The French Speaking Skilled Worker Stream stream strengthens the provincial Francophone community and offers candidates a competitive advantage through bilingualism.
All The OINP French Speaking Skilled Worker Stream Draws in 2024:
Date/time NOIs issued | Number of NOIs issued | CRS score range | Profiles created in IRCCs Express Entry system | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
September 26, 2024 | 243 | 290-445 | September 26, 2023 September 26, 2024 |
General Draw |
September 5, 2024 | 86 | 290-393 | September 5, 2023 September 5, 2024 |
General Draw |
June 20, 2024 | 212 | 305-409 | June 20, 2023 June 20, 2024 |
General Draw |
January 18, 2024 | 984 | 317-469 | January 18, 2023 January 18, 2024 |
General Draw |
How do Ontario Express Entry Streams work?
OINP conducts Express Entry draws after some period of time outlining the criteria and sending the notification of interest directly to the candidate’s Express Entry profile created with IRCC.
Invited candidates then have 45 days to accept the invitation and submit all the relevant documents to claim the provincial nomination.
Once approved and nominated, candidates get 600 additional CRS points to their Express Entry profiles with the guarantee of an ITA.
Why Choose Ontario’s Express Entry Streams?
Ontario’s alignment with the Express Entry system offers a streamlined path to permanent residency.
Here’s why these streams are beneficial:
- 600 Additional CRS Points: Securing a provincial nomination gives candidates a significant boost in Express Entry.
- Fast-track Processing: Express Entry candidates typically receive their ITAs within weeks after receiving provincial nominations.
- No Job Offer Requirement: All three streams do not require a job offer, making it easier for candidates to apply.
- Targeted Draws for In-Demand Occupations: OINP regularly conducts targeted draws, focusing on occupations that match the province’s economic needs.
OINP Express Entry-aligned streams offer candidates a clear advantage in securing permanent residence in Canada.
Whether you are a skilled worker, tradesperson, or bilingual professional, Ontario provides opportunities tailored to meet your qualifications.
With targeted draws and high CRS points, these programs ensure that candidates with the right skills and experience have the best chance to succeed.
If you are considering immigrating to Canada, now is the perfect time to explore these Express Entry streams and take the first step toward becoming a permanent resident in one of Canada’s most vibrant provinces.
Do I need a job offer for OINP Express Entry streams?
No, all three streams—HCP, Skilled Trades, and FSSW—do not require a job offer to apply.
How many CRS points do I receive for an Ontario nomination?
A nomination from Ontario adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile.
What language tests are accepted for these streams?
OINP accepts IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, and TCF Canada as valid language tests.
Can I apply if I am already living in Ontario?
Yes, all streams welcome candidates currently residing in Ontario with a valid status.
How long does the Express Entry process take after receiving an Ontario nomination?
After receiving a nomination, candidates generally receive their ITAs within a few weeks, followed by permanent residency processing within six months.
You may also like: Daylight Saving Time In Canada Ends Soon-Here’s How It Works
Top 10 High Demand Jobs In Alberta Until 2033