Ontario invites tech workers and French speakers in its new PNP draw

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invited 828 express entry candidates on February 8 to apply for a provincial nomination through two PNP draws.

Out of 828 invitations, 622 went to candidates who may be eligible for the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream. To be eligible, candidates need to have a profile in the Express Entry system with a CRS Score between 463 and 467.  They also needed at least one year of work experience in the following six tech occupations listed below by NOC code:

• 0213 Computer and information systems managers
• 2147 Computer engineers
• 2172 Database analysts and data administrators
• 2173 Software engineers and designers
• 2174 Computer programmer and interactive media developers
• 2175 Web designers and developers

Candidates were required to have submitted Express Entry profiles between February 8, 2021 and February 8, 2022. The draws are designed to address labour shortages in the technology sector in Canada’s largest province.

The remaining 206 candidates were invited to apply for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) stream with a CRS score between 463 and 467.

The FSSW requires applicants to have CLB 7 in French and 6 in English. The OINP also needs to see that candidates have enough funds to cover settlement costs in Ontario.

Those who received an invitation now have 45 calendar days to apply for the provincial nomination

The Ontario Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities Stream – Eligibility Criteria

To qualify applicants must have:

• Ongoing profile under the Federal Express Entry system and be qualified for either the FSWP or the CEC.
• Hold minimum of 1-year of full time, or full-time equivalent work experience under NOC occupation level 0, A or B, in the past five years if applying under the FSWP or in the past three years if applying under CEC.
• Hold the equivalent of a Canadian Bachelors degree or higher.
• Show language proficiency of minimum CLB/NCLC level 7 in English or in French.
• Intention to reside in the province of Ontario.
• Residing with legal status in Canada, if applicable.
• Proof of required settlement funds.