Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream: Opportunities and Recent Updates

Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream, a part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), is a key pathway for skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residency in Ontario. This stream is designed to attract individuals with the necessary work experience, language proficiency, and educational background to contribute to the province’s labor market. Notably, applicants do not need a job offer to apply for this stream.

Key Requirements and Application Process

To be eligible for the HCP stream, candidates must have a valid profile in the Express Entry system managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They also need to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario, which invites them to apply online for a provincial nomination. If nominated, the final step is to apply to the federal government through IRCC for permanent residency. The federal government ultimately decides on the permanent residency status of the applicants.

Recent Update: Health Occupations Invited (July 18, 2024)

On July 18, 2024, Ontario issued targeted NOIs to candidates who may qualify for the HCP stream under specific health occupations. These candidates needed to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 425 and 444. The targeted health occupations span a wide range of National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, ensuring a diverse pool of healthcare professionals can contribute to Ontario’s healthcare system.

List of Targeted Health Occupations

Candidates with work experience in the following NOCs were eligible if this experience was listed as their primary NOC in their Express Entry profile. For those applying under the Canadian Experience Class, at least six months of their one year of eligible work experience must be in their primary NOC:

• NOC 30010: Managers in health care
• NOC 31100: Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
• NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery
• NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians
• NOC 31103: Veterinarians
• NOC 31110: Dentists
• NOC 31111: Optometrists
• NOC 31112: Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
• NOC 31120: Pharmacists
• NOC 31121: Dietitians and nutritionists
• NOC 31200: Psychologists
• NOC 31201: Chiropractors
• NOC 31202: Physiotherapists
• NOC 31203: Occupational therapists
• NOC 31204: Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
• NOC 31209: Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
• NOC 31300: Nursing coordinators and supervisors
• NOC 31301: Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
• NOC 31302: Nurse practitioners
• NOC 31303: Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals
• NOC 32100: Opticians
• NOC 32101: Licensed practical nurses
• NOC 32102: Paramedical occupations
• NOC 32103: Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
• NOC 32104: Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
• NOC 32109: Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
• NOC 32110: Denturists
• NOC 32111: Dental hygienists and dental therapists
• NOC 32112: Dental technologists and technicians
• NOC 32120: Medical laboratory technologists
• NOC 32121: Medical radiation technologists
• NOC 32122: Medical sonographers
• NOC 32123: Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
• NOC 32124: Pharmacy technicians
• NOC 32129: Other medical technologists and technicians
• NOC 32200: Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
• NOC 32201: Massage therapists
• NOC 32209: Other practitioners of natural healing
• NOC 33100: Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
• NOC 33101: Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
• NOC 33102: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
• NOC 33103: Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
• NOC 33109: Other assisting occupations in support of health services

Stream Requirements

Candidates must meet specific criteria based on the federal program they choose for assessment: the Federal Skilled Workers Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

Federal Skilled Workers Program

Under this program, applicants must have at least one year of continuous, paid, full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in a TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC. This experience must have been obtained within the last five years from the date of the OINP application and in the same primary occupation identified in the Express Entry profile. Work experience can be gained in Canada or overseas.

The Ontario HCP stream continues to offer skilled workers an excellent opportunity to establish their careers and lives in Ontario, contributing significantly to the province’s economy and community.

Summary of Draws in 2024