Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Targets 703 Foreign Tech Workers in Latest Draw

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is run by the provincial government in collaboration with the federal immigration authority – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This program nominates foreign nationals under several sub-categories or ‘streams’, who can contribute to the province’s economy, to apply for permanent residence. 

 

Tech draws under the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream of the OINP select candidates from IRCC’s federal Express Entry pool, who have the technological skills required to power Ontario’s tech sector. The number of points that the candidate has scored based on the selection factors of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is also taken into account as a parameter of eligibility.

 

On 13th May 2020, 703 candidates received Notifications of Interest through a Tech draw, inviting them to submit an application for nomination. Invited candidates had a CRS score between 421 and 451 points, and had prior work experience in Canada. This was the lowest score requirement in the history of the tech draws, which were introduced in June 2019.

 

In this draw, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles between 13th May 2019 and 13th May 2020 received NOIs. It is important to note that some Canadian tech companies are still hiring local and foreign talent, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Immigrant workers are essential for boosting the growth of the tech industry in Canada.

 

To be considered for an OINP tech draw, candidates must meet the requirements of the OINP HCP stream, submit an Expression of Interest under a relevant stream of the federal Express Entry System, and have sufficient work experience in one of the following targeted tech occupations: 

 

• Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)

• Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)

• Computer engineers (NOC 2147)

• Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)

• Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)

• Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)

 

Those who are selected from the pool receive NOIs. Within 45 days of receiving the NOI, they must submit an application to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. The application will be processed by the OINP. If nominated, the candidate will receive 600 additional CRS points, which essentially guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence to IRCC – the authority that takes the final decision on visa approval.