3 Ontario PNP Streams – That Work Directly With Express Entry: 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:

1. Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream

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:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Eligibility Requirements

1. 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).

2. Education:

• A Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree, or equivalent foreign credential.
• An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report is required for degrees obtained outside Canada.

3. Language Proficiency:

• Candidates must score CLB 7 or higher in French or English language test.

4. Settlement Funds:

• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds through bank statements or ongoing employment in Ontario.

5. 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

2. Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

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

1. 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.

2. Language Requirements:

• Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.

3. Current Residence and Legal Status:

• Applicants must reside in Ontario with a valid work permit at the time of application.

4. 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

• No job offer required.
• Candidates must have proficiency in both French and English.
• Operates under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Eligibility Requirements

1. 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).

2. Education Requirements:

• A bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. from a Canadian or recognized foreign institution, along with an ECA if applicable.

3. Language Proficiency:

• Minimum CLB 7 in French and CLB 6 in English.

4. Settlement Funds:

• Applicants need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves and their families.

5. 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.