Maple News reports that the province of Ontario has issued 528 invitations to candidates with technology-sector experience through its second Tech Draw of the year, held on April 13. The draw was conducted under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream, which aligns with the federal Express Entry system.
To be considered for this round, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 456 and 467 and must have had an active Express Entry profile. In addition to these criteria, applicants were required to demonstrate at least one year of work experience in one of six targeted tech 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), and Web Designers and Developers (NOC 2175).
Applicants who receive a notification of interest from Ontario now have 45 calendar days to submit their application to the OINP. Those who are successfully nominated by the province will receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score, virtually ensuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a future federal Express Entry draw.
The Tech Draw initiative is part of Ontario’s effort to attract highly skilled talent to support its rapidly growing innovation economy. In 2020, the province nominated nearly 2,000 candidates through the HCP stream alone, with about 20% of those nominations going to tech professionals.
Candidates with educational credentials obtained outside of Canada may be required to provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that their education meets Canadian standards—typically equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The Express Entry system, managed federally, oversees applications for three primary economic immigration routes: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream integrates with this system to invite individuals who demonstrate the skills and experience needed to thrive in the province’s labor market.
Maple News notes that interest in Ontario’s Tech Draws continues to grow as Canada positions itself as a leading destination for global tech talent, offering clear pathways to permanent residence for skilled professionals willing to contribute to the province’s digital economy.