Maple News reports that Ontario has kicked off its first Tech Draw of 2021, issuing invitations to 1,186 skilled workers in the technology sector to apply for a provincial nomination through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The draw took place on February 16 and targeted Express Entry candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging from 453 to 467.
This draw focused on candidates eligible under the Human Capital Priorities Stream, a component of Ontario’s Express Entry-linked immigration pathways. To qualify, invited candidates must showcase work experience in one of six tech-related occupations: Computer and Information Systems Managers (NOC 0213), Computer Engineers (NOC 2147), Database Analysts and Data Administrators (NOC 2172), Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 2173), Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers (NOC 2174), or Web Designers and Developers (NOC 2175).
Candidates who receive an invitation have 45 calendar days to submit their application for a provincial nomination. Once nominated, they will automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points—effectively ensuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in an upcoming federal Express Entry draw.
The OINP Tech Draws are designed to help Ontario attract top international talent in the IT sector, aligning with the province’s growing tech industry needs. According to Maple News, this draw is expected to contribute significantly to Ontario’s annual immigration targets, as was the case in 2020 when 6,716 Express Entry candidates were invited through the Human Capital Priorities stream—making it the province’s most active stream last year.
To receive a nomination through this stream, tech professionals must first create an Express Entry profile. Express Entry is a federal immigration system used to manage applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are scored and ranked using the CRS, which evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
The OINP actively scans the Express Entry pool to identify high-potential tech professionals who meet Ontario’s labor market and economic development priorities. These targeted draws provide a faster, more strategic immigration route for qualified international applicants aiming to settle and contribute to Ontario’s dynamic tech landscape.