Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream Explained

What Is The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream

The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream is an immigration pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that allows Ontario to select highly skilled workers from the Express Entry pool. This stream is designed for candidates who have the education, work experience, and language proficiency needed to contribute to Ontario’s economy and workforce.

Unlike other provincial nominee programs, candidates cannot apply directly. Instead, Ontario periodically searches the Express Entry pool and issues Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates who meet the province’s criteria. Once nominated, candidates receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.

Do you prefer to learn by video? For a detailed overview of the Human Capital Priorities stream, we recommend this video guide from Deanne Acres-Lans, founder of Canada Abroad, an immigration consultancy based in Ontario, and one of Moving2Canada’s trusted partners:

What Are the Benefits of the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream?

The key benefits to applying to the Human Capital Priorities Stream include:

✔ 600 Additional CRS Points – Fast-Track to Permanent Residence
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next Express Entry draw, making it one of the quickest pathways to permanent residence.

✔ No Job Offer Required – More Opportunities
Unlike many other immigration streams, you don’t need a job offer to qualify. However, Ontario has occasionally prioritized candidates with job offers in certain fields.

✔ Targeted Invitations – Focus on High-Demand Occupations
Ontario selects candidates based on labor market needs, often prioritizing professionals in tech, healthcare, finance, and other in-demand sectors—increasing your chances of receiving an invitation.

This stream is an excellent option for skilled professionals who want to settle in Ontario without needing a job offer and with a high chance of receiving an ITA.

What You’ll Need To Qualify For The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream

In order to be eligible under Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream, individuals must meet certain criteria.

Express Entry profile criteria:

Candidates must:

• have a valid profile in the Express Entry pool;
• be eligible under either the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC); and
• indicate an interest in immigrating to either Ontario or “All Provinces and Territories” in the Express Entry profile.

Additional criteria

• Work Experience:
  Candidates must have a minimum of either one year of work experience within the past five years according to the criteria under the FSWC OR one year of work experience within the past three years according to the criteria under the CEC.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Language: A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French.
• Settlement Funds: A minimum level of savings or income.
• Intent: An intention to live in Ontario.
• Legal Status in Canada (if applicable): Must have legal status in Canada (i.e., study permit, work permit, visitor record) if currently residing in Canada.
• CRS score:  Must have obtained a minimum CRS score under the Express Entry system as determined by Ontario for each round of invitations.

Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream: How it works

It is entirely feasible for an individual to complete the entire process of immigrating to Canada under the Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream within a 12-month period, if not even more quickly than that.

Below is a run-through of the process, from beginning to end.

1. Meet the criteria of the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class (note that candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Class only are not eligible under this stream).
2. Create an Express Entry profile.
3. Meet the criteria for the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream.
4. Receive a NOI from the OINP (note that not all eligible candidates may be issued a NOI).
5. After receiving a NOI, you have 45 calendar days to apply to OINP.
6. To apply, you must submit your application through the OINP e-Filing Portal and ensure that you include all the required supporting documents.
7. Pay the OINP fee of $1,500.
8. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter from OINP through your Express Entry account notifying you of your nomination. You have 30 calendar days to accept the nomination from Ontario in the Express Entry system.
9. Receive 600 additional CRS points and an ITA for permanent residence at a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.
10. Submit an application for permanent residence within 60 days of receiving the invitation to apply (ITA).
11. Become a permanent resident of Canada.

The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream is one of three Express Entry-linked OINP streams. The other two are the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream and the Skilled Trades stream.

You can keep track of all updates for the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream, including the latest draws as they happen, with our Canada PNP Live Tracker.

You can also view the complete application guide here.

What Makes This Stream Unique?

Ontario searches the Express Entry pool for candidates who meet the criteria, who may then receive a Notification of Interest (NOI, effectively an invitation) from the OINP. This makes the program passive, because not only can candidates not apply directly, they also can’t make an ‘Expression of Interest’ in eventually applying. This offers hope to eligible candidates that Ontario may issue them a NOI.

How Can Express Entry Candidates Maximise Their Chances of Being Selected For this Stream?

Since Ontario selects candidates directly from the Express Entry pool, having a complete and up-to-date profile is crucial. To improve your chances of being noticed:

• Keep Your Profile Updated – Ensure your work experience, education, and language test results are current and accurately reflect your qualifications.
• Improve Your CRS Score – Higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, especially in education, work experience, and language proficiency, make candidates more competitive.
• Target In-Demand Occupations – Ontario frequently prioritizes candidates in specific fields, such as tech, healthcare, and finance. If your work experience aligns with these industries, you may have a better chance of receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI).
• French Language Skills – If you are bilingual or fluent in French, you may have an advantage, as Ontario actively seeks French-speaking candidates.

The benefit of being selected is significant—if you receive a NOI and successfully apply, you gain 600 additional CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.

Get help with your application

Do you need assistance in preparing an application for Canadian permanent residence? If so, view our Book an Immigration Consultant page to see Moving2Canada’s list of recommended, accredited representatives who can assist you in your goals.