Maple News reports that on December 15, Ontario held a new Tech Draw under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), extending 668 invitations to immigration candidates in the Express Entry system. The draw specifically targeted tech professionals through the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 460 and 468. A job offer was not required; however, eligible applicants had to demonstrate at least one year of work experience in a designated tech occupation.
The targeted occupations included:
– 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)
– Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)
Candidates who received a Notification of Interest (NOI) must now submit a complete nomination application to the province within 45 calendar days. If approved, they will receive an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent federal Express Entry draw. This pathway significantly boosts an applicant’s chance for successful immigration.
This was Ontario’s fifth Tech Draw in 2020. The largest took place on July 29, inviting 1,288 tech workers. In total, Ontario issued 9,082 invitations through its three Express Entry-linked streams this year: Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Worker, and Skilled Trades. As of December 10, 7,819 provincial nominations have been granted under these streams.
Candidates interested in being considered for a future Ontario Tech Draw must first create a profile in Canada’s Express Entry system. This system manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, both of which are recognized under Ontario’s HCP stream.
Maple News continues to monitor developments in provincial immigration pathways like the OINP Tech Draw, which remain critical routes for skilled global talent aiming to contribute to Canada’s growing tech economy.