Ontario held two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws on February 8.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invited Express Entry candidates to apply for a provincial nomination through two PNP draws.

Out of the 828 total invitations issued, 622 went to candidates who may be eligible for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream. These candidates needed to have a profile in the Express Entry system with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 463 and 467. Also, they needed to have at least one year of work experience in the following six tech occupations listed below by NOC code:

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• 0213 Computer and information systems managers
• 2147 Computer engineers
• 2172 Database analysts and data administrators
• 2173 Software engineers and designers
• 2174 Computer programmer and interactive media developers
• 2175 Web designers and developers

The remaining 206 candidates were invited to apply for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) stream. These Express Entry candidates also needed scores between 463-467.

The FSSW requires candidates to have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 7 in French, and 6 in English. Among other eligibility criteria, the OINP will also want to see that candidates have enough funds to cover settlement costs in Ontario.

Those who received an invitation now have 45 calendar days to submit their application for Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

What is the benefit of having a PNP?

PNPs allow Canadian provinces to invite immigration candidates who may be a good match for their regional labour markets.

Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination are effectively guaranteed to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence. With a provincial nomination, candidates get 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points added to their base score, which is more than enough to receive an ITA in a subsequent Express Entry draw.

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