Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream (OINP EE)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP) Human Capital Priorities Stream is one of Ontario’s Express Entry Streams designed for skilled workers with the right experience, education, and language abilities to thrive in the province. Let’s break down the process in a clear, approachable way to help you confidently take the next steps toward your Canadian dream.

What Is the Human Capital Priorities Stream?

The Human Capital Priorities Stream is one of Ontario’s Express Entry Streams under the OINP, tailored for individuals with the skilled work experience, education, and language abilities needed to contribute to Ontario’s vibrant economy. It operates through the federal government’s Express Entry system, requiring a valid Express Entry profile and a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario to apply. The best part? You don’t need a job offer, making this stream accessible to skilled workers worldwide.

If Ontario nominates you, you’ll gain a significant boost to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, bringing you closer to permanent residency. After nomination, you’ll apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), who makes the final decision on your permanent residency application.

Steps to Apply

Here’s how to navigate the application process for the Human Capital Priorities Stream. We’ll keep it simple and guide you through the key requirements.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet the criteria for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), along with the specific requirements of the draw tied to your NOI. Check the OINP Program Updates page for draw details, and let’s review the stream’s core requirements.

1. Work Experience

Your skilled work experience is a cornerstone of eligibility. Depending on your chosen federal program, here’s what you need:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):

  • At least one year of continuous, paid, full-time work (or equivalent part-time) in a NOC TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3.

  • The experience must be in the same primary occupation as your Express Entry profile and obtained within the last five years.

  • Work can be from Canada or abroad, with self-employment acceptable if supported by third-party documentation (e.g., client reference letters or invoices).

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

  • At least one year of cumulative, paid, full-time work (or equivalent part-time) in Canada in a NOC TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3.

  • The experience must be gained within the last three years, in one or more occupations listed in your Express Entry profile, while maintaining legal status in Canada.

  • For targeted draws, at least six months of your experience must be in your primary NOC.

  • Physicians in NOCs 31100, 31101, or 31102 can use self-employment, but other self-employed work or co-op terms during full-time studies don’t qualify.

Pro Tip: Full-time work means at least 30 hours per week, totaling 1,560 hours over one year. Part-time work can qualify if it meets the equivalent hours (e.g., 15 hours per week for two years).

2. Education

You need a Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree—or an equivalent credential from another country, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an IRCC-designated organization (e.g., World Education Services or University of Toronto’s Comparative Education Service). The ECA must be less than five years old and shared electronically with the OINP.

Exceptions: Nurses registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario and early childhood educators registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators may be exempt if their primary NOC aligns with specific occupations.

3. Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate proficiency in English (CLB 6 or higher) and French (CLB 7 or higher) through approved tests like IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core (English), or TEF/TCF Canada (French). Tests must be taken within two years of your application.

4. Settlement Funds

You need sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents in Canada. These can come from bank statements, investments, ongoing employment in Ontario, or a job offer. For example, if you need $29,000 for your family size, a $25,000 job offer plus $5,000 in savings would suffice.

5. Intention to Live in Ontario

You must show a genuine intent to settle in Ontario, demonstrated through ties like past work, job applications, studying, volunteering, or owning property in the province.

6. Legal Status (If Applying from Canada)

If in Canada, you must have legal status (e.g., visitor record, study permit, or work permit) when applying and maintain it until nomination. You can also apply in “maintained status” while awaiting IRCC’s decision on a permit extension.

7. Federal Skilled Worker Program Points (If Applicable)

If you choose the FSWP, you must score at least 67 points based on six factors: education, language skills, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Review the OINP’s document checklist to gather your ECA report, language test results, proof of funds, and other required documents. Authorize your ECA organization to share results electronically with the OINP to avoid delays.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit your application through the OINP’s online portal, ensuring you meet the draw-specific requirements tied to your NOI.

Step 4: Await Nomination and Apply to IRCC

If approved, you’ll receive a nomination from Ontario, adding 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score. You’ll then apply for permanent residency through IRCC, who makes the final decision.

Key Factors to Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI)

Receiving an NOI from Ontario is the critical first step to applying for the Human Capital Priorities Stream. Ontario selects candidates from the Express Entry pool based on the province’s economic and labor market needs. While each draw is unique, here are the key factors that can increase your chances of receiving an NOI:

• Competitive CRS Score: A higher CRS score in the Express Entry system makes you stand out. Boost your score by improving language proficiency, gaining additional skilled work experience, or enhancing your educational credentials.

• In-Demand Occupations: Ontario often targets candidates with experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, such as roles in healthcare, technology, engineering, or skilled trades. Check the OINP Program Updates page for targeted NOCs in recent draws.

• Strong Language Skills: Proficiency in English (Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] 6 or higher) and French (CLB 7 or higher) is essential. Higher language scores not only meet the stream’s requirements but also elevate your CRS score.

• Advanced Education: A Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree (or equivalent) is required. Credentials in high-demand fields may give you an edge.

• Alignment with Draw Criteria: Ontario conducts targeted draws that may focus on specific occupations or skills. Keep your Express Entry profile updated and check the OINP Program Updates page to ensure you meet draw-specific requirements.

To maximize your chances, maintain an active Express Entry profile and respond promptly to an NOI, as you typically have 45 days to submit your OINP application.

How We Can Help

Navigating Ontario’s Express Entry Streams and OINP requirements can feel complex, but we’re here to simplify it. As authorized immigration consultants, we’ll assess your eligibility, optimize your Express Entry profile to attract an NOI, and ensure your OINP application is thorough and compelling. From start to finish, we’re with you every step of the way.

Ready to begin your journey to Ontario through the Human Capital Priorities Stream? Contact us today for a personalized consultation, and let’s turn your Canadian dream into reality!