Maple News reports that on July 27, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 1,031 invitations to immigration candidates through the Express Entry system. These candidates were targeted under the Human Capital Priorities Stream, which links directly to the federal Express Entry program—a major pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.
Applicants invited in this round had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging from 458 to 467. All selected candidates had at least one year of work experience in one of 18 specified high-demand occupations, spanning diverse sectors such as health care, construction, finance, and technology.
The in-demand occupations included roles like health care managers, registered nurses, engineering managers, construction and transportation managers, human resources professionals, and business consultants. This targeted approach reflects Ontario’s commitment to addressing labour shortages in strategically vital economic sectors.
The Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream is designed to attract skilled, experienced workers who have the potential to contribute to Ontario’s labor market and economy. A provincial nomination through this stream adds a crucial advantage to applicants—a bonus of 600 CRS points, which virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency during a federal Express Entry draw.
Express Entry is Canada’s application management system for three key immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Once a candidate enters the Express Entry pool, they’re assessed on criteria such as age, education, work experience, and English or French language skills. High-ranking individuals are regularly selected through draws to apply for permanent residence.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has prioritized candidates with provincial nominations by conducting PNP-only draws. These draws have helped provinces like Ontario directly fill critical labour gaps while maintaining immigration momentum during uncertain times.
With this latest draw, Ontario reaffirms its role as a leading destination for skilled immigrants aiming to build successful futures in Canada. Whether in health care, technology, or business management, foreign professionals are increasingly finding new opportunities through province-specific immigration streams.