Ontario's Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream
Ontario closed this stream to new applicants on June 26, 2026, as part of a redesign of its immigration program. If you already applied, your application is still being assessed under the rules that applied when you sent it. Ontario is replacing its old streams with one new stream called Ontario Workforce Priority — it has not opened yet. Check the official Ontario page for updates.
What is this program?
Ontario's Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream lets the province "pluck" strong candidates out of the federal Express Entry pool and nominate them for permanent residence. If Ontario nominates you, your CRS score jumps by 600 points — effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR. You can't apply directly: Ontario reviews the pool and sends Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to people who match what the province needs.
Who is it for?
- You already have a profile in the federal Express Entry pool
- You have at least 1 year of skilled work experience (TEER 0–3) in the last 5 years
- You have a bachelor's degree or higher
- Your CRS score is high enough to attract Ontario's attention (typically 400+ in recent draws)
- You intend to live and work in Ontario after PR
What does it lead to?
Provincial nomination from Ontario, which adds 600 points to your CRS score. That virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next federal Express Entry draw. After nomination, the federal step currently takes about 6 months (IRCC's estimate; it changes monthly) — Ontario's own step comes first.
Primary requirements
- Active Express Entry profile (CEC, FSW, or FSTP).
- Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario — you can't apply without one.
- 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in NOC TEER 0–3 in the last 5 years.
- Bachelor's degree or higher (or its equivalent — assessed via ECA for foreign credentials).
- Language test result: CLB 7 in all four abilities.
- Proof of settlement funds (varies by family size).
- Intent to live in Ontario.
What you'll need to apply
- Active Express Entry profile number
- Notification of Interest from Ontario
- Language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for any foreign education
- Reference letters from each employer
- Proof of settlement funds
- Valid passport, medical exam, police certificates
Where to start
See which OPEN programs fit you (free)
Or visit the official ontario page for Ontario's Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream to read the government's own requirements.
If you want professional advice before applying, work with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
How we keep this page current
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- Change alert. When the page changes, we record it and review the program rules again.
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Informational only — not immigration advice. Always confirm requirements on the official government page.