3 Ontario PNP Streams That Work Directly with Express Entry

As Canada unveils its latest immigration levels plan for 2025, it includes significant changes to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations, cutting the annual intake by over 50%. In this context, Ontario’s Express Entry-aligned PNP streams are increasingly attractive for those seeking a more efficient immigration pathway. These streams, part of Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), offer targeted routes for skilled professionals, tradespeople, and French-speaking candidates who qualify under Canada’s Express Entry system.

By leveraging Ontario’s Express Entry-linked PNPs, candidates can receive a provincial nomination, boosting their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by 600 points. This increase makes them highly competitive for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Let’s dive into the three OINP streams that work directly with Express Entry, how they function, and why they offer a strategic advantage for prospective immigrants.

How Do Ontario Express Entry Streams Work?

Ontario’s Express Entry-aligned PNP streams function by directly tapping into the federal Express Entry pool, removing the need for candidates to submit a separate application to the province. Ontario conducts targeted draws, issuing Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to eligible candidates based on specific criteria, such as occupation, experience, language proficiency, and alignment with provincial labor needs. Once nominated, candidates receive an additional 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.

Why Choose Ontario’s Express Entry Streams?

Ontario’s Express Entry-aligned streams offer several benefits that make them a preferred option:

600 Additional CRS Points: A provincial nomination from Ontario effectively guarantees an ITA for permanent residency.
Fast-Track Processing: Once nominated, Express Entry candidates typically receive an ITA within weeks, and PR processing averages six months.
No Job Offer Requirement: All three Express Entry-aligned streams—Human Capital Priorities, Skilled Trades, and French-Speaking Skilled Worker—do not require a job offer.
Targeted Draws for High-Demand Occupations: OINP frequently tailors its draws to meet labor demands in Ontario, giving skilled candidates an advantage.

With this overview, let’s explore each Ontario PNP Express Entry-aligned stream in more detail.

1. Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream

The Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream is designed to attract skilled professionals who meet Ontario’s labor market needs, even if they do not have a job offer. This stream focuses on candidates with education, work experience, and language skills suited to Ontario’s economic demands, selecting profiles that best match the province’s workforce needs.

Key Features of the HCP Stream

No Job Offer Needed: Candidates do not require an Ontario-based job offer.
Eligibility through Express Entry: Candidates must have an active Express Entry profile under either the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Targeted Occupations: The HCP Stream frequently prioritizes occupations in high demand in Ontario, such as tech and healthcare professions.

Eligibility Requirements

Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations, gained within the past five years for FSWP or three years for CEC.
Education: A Canadian or equivalent foreign bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree. Degrees from outside Canada require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in either English or French.
Settlement Funds: Candidates must prove sufficient funds through employment or financial assets.
Intent to Reside in Ontario: Candidates should demonstrate their intention to live in Ontario through evidence such as work history, job applications, or residential leases.

The HCP Stream allows candidates with strong professional backgrounds to enhance their CRS scores, even without an employment offer in Ontario.

2. Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

Ontario’s Skilled Trades Stream offers a dedicated pathway for trades professionals with experience in high-demand sectors, such as construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. This stream does not require candidates to have a job offer, making it accessible to skilled tradespeople already working or with recent experience in Ontario.

Key Features of the Skilled Trades Stream

No Job Offer Required: Candidates do not need an active job offer, but must have work experience in a relevant trade within Ontario.
Focus on High-Demand Trades: This stream targets skilled trades within TEER categories that address Ontario’s labor shortages.
Eligibility via Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have an Express Entry profile under either FSWP or CEC.

Eligibility Requirements

Work Experience: At least one year of work experience in an eligible trade within the past two years, with legal status maintained throughout.
Trade Certification: If working in a regulated trade, a valid Ontario certificate or license is necessary.
Language Requirements: Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.
Current Residence and Legal Status: Applicants must reside in Ontario with a valid work permit at the time of application.
Settlement Funds: Applicants must demonstrate financial capability, backed by employment or bank statements.

Stream Benefits and Insights

The Skilled Trades Stream has gained popularity, especially with CRS scores for these candidates dipping as low as 350 in recent draws. By focusing on Ontario-based trade professionals, this stream enables candidates to secure permanent residency through their skilled work experience.

3. Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) Stream

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is aimed at bilingual candidates proficient in both English and French. This stream supports Ontario’s Francophone community by encouraging French-speaking professionals to settle in the province.

Key Features of the FSSW Stream

Bilingualism Required: Candidates must demonstrate high proficiency in both French and English.
Alignment with Express Entry Programs: The stream is available to candidates in the FSWP or CEC.
No Job Offer Requirement: This stream is accessible to qualified French-speaking professionals without a job offer.

Eligibility Requirements

Work Experience: A minimum of one year of work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations within the past five years (for FSWP) or three years (for CEC).
Education: A Canadian or equivalent foreign bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D., with an ECA required for foreign credentials.
Language Proficiency: Candidates need at least CLB 7 in French and CLB 6 in English.
Settlement Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to support oneself and family.
Intent to Reside in Ontario: Candidates should provide evidence of their commitment to live in Ontario.

The FSSW stream is an excellent choice for bilingual professionals aiming to join Ontario’s vibrant Francophone community.

Steps After Receiving an Ontario Nomination

Once a candidate receives a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario, they have 45 days to accept the invitation and submit supporting documents. After securing a provincial nomination, their Express Entry CRS score increases by 600 points. This additional score makes them highly likely to receive an ITA, after which they can complete the permanent residency application, typically processed within six months.

Ontario’s Express Entry-aligned PNP streams provide unique advantages for candidates targeting permanent residency in Canada. Whether you’re a skilled worker, a tradesperson, or a French-speaking professional, Ontario offers an efficient route that aligns with federal Express Entry. With targeted draws, high CRS boosts, and no job offer requirements, these streams are ideal for eligible candidates ready to make Ontario their new home.