Canada’s immigration levels plan for 2025 has reduced the annual allocation for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) by over 50%.
This change, as noticed, may shift the focus toward PNPs that work directly with the Express Entry system.
This means that Canada’s immigration plan for 2025 will allow fewer people to enter the country through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) compared to previous years—specifically, by more than half.
As a result of this reduction, recent reports note that there may be a greater emphasis on PNPs that are connected to the Express Entry system, which is a faster and more streamlined process for applying for permanent residency.
According to Immigration News Canada(INC), the changes create a more favourable environment for applicants using these PNP streams compared to the Expression of Interest (EOI) streams.
Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) features three streams that directly collaborate with the Express Entry system, providing skilled workers with opportunities for provincial nominations.
What to know
A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to select individuals for permanent residency based on their specific economic needs.
- Each province has its own criteria and streams that target different groups, such as skilled workers, international students, and business owners.
- The nomination process involves provinces recommending candidates for permanent residency.
- Many PNPs are linked to the federal Express Entry system, which can give nominated individuals extra points, improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
PNPs offer a range of options tailored to local labour market demands, making them a valuable pathway for those looking to settle in Canada.
Overview of Ontario’s express entry streams
Ontario offers three PNP streams aligned with Express Entry, which can enhance candidates’ chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The streams include:
1. Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
2. Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
3. Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
Details of the human capital priorities stream
The Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream targets skilled workers who meet specific qualifications, including work experience, education, and language proficiency. Notably, this stream does not require a job offer for applicants.
- The HCP stream allows Ontario to select individuals who align with provincial labour market needs, reports note. Candidates must express interest in relocating to Ontario and have a valid Express Entry profile.
- Eligibility criteria for the HCP stream include at least one year of work experience in relevant occupations, educational qualifications, and a required language test score.
One must also note that applicants must demonstrate ties to Ontario, such as job applications or property leases.
Insights into the skilled trades stream
The Skilled Trades Stream focuses on individuals with experience in trades. This stream provides a pathway for tradespeople to secure permanent residency without needing a job offer.
The Skilled Trades Stream is a part of Canada’s immigration programs designed for people who have experience working in skilled trades, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. This program allows these workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada even if they do not have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
In simpler terms, if you are a tradesperson with the right skills and work experience, you can still move to Canada and live there permanently, even if you haven’t found a job in advance. This stream helps fill the demand for skilled workers in Canada, making it easier for tradespeople to settle and contribute to the economy.
This stream is crucial for skilled trades workers in Ontario, as It recognizes the importance of their skills in the local economy.”
Eligibility for the Skilled Trades Stream includes at least one year of work experience in eligible trades, as well as a valid Express Entry profile. Candidates must reside in Ontario with legal status.
Information on the French-speaking skilled worker stream
The French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) Stream is intended for bilingual candidates who can contribute to Ontario’s economy and Francophone community. This stream also does not require a job offer.
The FSSW stream, as stated, supports the growth of the Francophone community in Ontario. Reports note that the bilingual candidates also have a competitive advantage in the job market.
To qualify for the FSSW Stream, candidates must have work experience in relevant categories, educational credentials, and proficiency in both French and English.
How the streams function
INC notes that the OINP conducts targeted draws based on Express Entry criteria. After receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI), candidates have 45 days to accept the invitation and submit necessary documents.
Once nominated, candidates receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, greatly enhancing their chances of receiving an ITA.
Opportunities for skilled workers:
Ontario’s Express Entry streams present clear advantages for skilled workers, tradespeople, and bilingual candidates seeking permanent residency.
- These streams, as reported, offer a streamlined path to permanent residency. stated an immigration consultant.
- Reports encourage that now is an ideal time for candidates to explore these options.
For further information about Ontario’s PNP Express Entry streams, click here
