Maple News reports that Ontario has invited 443 skilled professionals under the Express Entry system through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on November 12. Candidates selected in this targeted draw had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging from 469 to 477 and met specific occupational criteria.
The invitations—formally known as Notifications of Interest (NOIs)—were issued through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP) Human Capital Priorities stream. This stream enables Ontario to search Canada’s Express Entry pool for profiles that match the province’s labour market needs.
To be eligible for this draw, candidates were required to have recent work experience in one of nine in-demand occupations. These include roles such as financial managers, corporate sales managers, nurses, and dieticians. Importantly, a job offer from a Canadian employer was not mandatory. However, candidates needed to have at least one year of continuous paid full-time—or equivalent part-time—work experience acquired within the past five years.
Receiving a provincial nomination is a significant advantage in Canada’s immigration process. It grants candidates an automatic 600-point boost to their CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in an upcoming federal Express Entry draw.
Those invited in this draw now have 45 calendar days to submit their application for provincial nomination. If successful, their profile will be updated with the additional 600 CRS points, substantially improving their chances in the federal selection round.
The Human Capital Priorities stream operates in coordination with the federal government via Express Entry. To qualify, individuals must first meet the eligibility criteria for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class. This collaboration allows Ontario to select candidates whose profiles align with both federal and provincial criteria.
Express Entry is currently Canada’s main pathway for skilled immigrants, managing applications across three major programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System, which factors in education, age, work experience, and language proficiency.
This latest draw is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to attract international talent and address labour shortages in key sectors. As provincial and federal governments continue to align efforts, skilled immigration remains a cornerstone of Canada’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
Maple News will continue to cover developments in Express Entry and provincial nomination programs to keep aspiring immigrants informed and empowered.