Program Overview

Ontario Human Capital Priorities (HCP) is a provincial nomination program based on the Express Entry (EE) system, which is a fast-track immigration program. Applicants must first create their profile in the federal EE system in order to be eligible for an invitation to apply under this HCP stream.

Applicant Requirements

  • Create a profile in the EE system (i.e. meet the pool entry criteria and be in the EE pool);
  • Have work experience that meets the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs (i.e. FSW requires at least 1 year of work experience within the past 5 years; CEC requires at least 1 year of work experience within the past 3 years);
  • Have a Bachelor’s degree or higher education;
  • Meet the language requirement of CLB level 7 or above (i.e. at least 6 each band of IELTS);
  • Meet the minimum settlement funds requirement;
  • The occupation of work experience is an occupation designated by the province of Ontario;
  • Have the intention to reside in Ontario permanently;
  • If applying through the FSW program, meet the minimum score of 67 points on the FSW selection grid.

 

Program Advantages

  • No job offer is required from an employer;
  • Relatively larger number of immigration quotas, with approximately 2,000 spots available annually;
  • Ontario has a wide range of designated occupations, including some in the fields of human resources, finance, accounting, computer/IT, and administrative management, etc.;
  • The required EE score is relatively low compared to direct application to federal programs;
  • The process involves EE system, and typically takes around 6 months to receive permanent residency after submitting the federal application.

 

Application Procedure

  • Register in the EE system;
  • Be selected by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and receive an invitation to apply;
  • Submit the provincial nomination application;
  • Receive the nomination certificate from the province of Ontario;
  • Apply for permanent residency to the federal government;
  • Undergo medical and background checks to obtain permanent residency.