Canada’s 2025 Immigration Levels Plan reduces annual allocations to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) by more than 50 per cent.
As announced, these changes may shift the focus to PNPs that work directly with the Express Entry system.
This means that Canada’s 2025 Immigration Plan will allow more than half as many people to enter Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as in previous years.
This decline could result in greater emphasis on PNPs being linked to the Express Entry system, which according to a recent report is a faster and more efficient process for applying for permanent residency.
According to Immigration News Canada (INC), these changes create a more favorable environment for applicants using the PNP stream compared to the Expression of Interest (EOI) stream.
Ontario’s Provincial Nomination Program (OINP) has three streams that work directly with the Express Entry system to provide skilled workers with provincial nomination opportunities.
What you need to know
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to select individuals for permanent residency based on specific economic need.
- Each state has its own standards and streams targeting different groups, including skilled workers, international students, and business owners.
- The nomination process involves the state nominating candidates for permanent residency.
- Many PNPs are connected to the federal Express Entry system, which can provide nominated individuals with additional points to increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence (ITA).
The PNP offers a variety of options to meet local labor market demands, making it a valuable route for those looking to settle in Canada.
Overview of Ontario’s Express Entry Stream
Ontario offers three PNP streams linked to Express Entry to increase candidates’ chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence (ITA). Streams include:
1. Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priority Stream
2. 온타리오의 Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
3. Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
Details on human capital priority streams
The Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream targets skilled workers who meet specific qualifications, including work experience, education, and language skills. Notably, this stream does not require applicants to make a job offer.
- The HCP stream allows Ontario to select individuals who meet provincial labor market needs, the report said. Applicants must express interest in moving to Ontario and have a valid Express Entry profile.
- Eligibility criteria for the HCP stream include at least one year of work experience in a relevant occupation, educational qualifications and required language test scores.
Applicants must also demonstrate a connection to Ontario, such as applying for a job or renting real estate.
Insights into skilled deal flow
The Skilled Trades Stream focuses on individuals with trading experience. This stream provides a path for traders to secure permanent residency without a job offer.
The Skilled Trades Stream is part of Canada’s immigration program designed for people with 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 receive a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Simply put, any trader with the right skills and work experience can move to Canada and live there permanently, even if they haven’t found a job before. This flow will meet the demand for skilled workers in Canada, making it easier for traders to settle and contribute to the economy.
“This stream is critical to Ontario’s skilled trades workers because it recognizes the importance of skills to the local economy.”
Qualifications for the Skilled Trades Stream include a valid Express Entry profile as well as at least one year of work experience in a qualifying trade. Candidates must be a legal resident of Ontario.
Information on the flow of French-speaking skilled labor
The French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) stream targets bilingual applicants who can contribute to Ontario’s economy and the francophone community. This stream also does not require a job offer.
As stated, the FSSW stream supports the growth of Ontario’s Francophone community. According to the report, bilingual candidates also have a competitive advantage in the job market.
To qualify for the FSSW stream, applicants must have work experience in a relevant field, educational qualifications and proficiency in French and English.
How Streams Work
INC notes that OINP conducts the grand prize drawing based on Express Entry criteria. After receiving the Notice of Interest (NOI), candidates have 45 days to accept the invitation and submit the required documents.
Once nominated, candidates will receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and significantly increase their chances of receiving an ITA.
Opportunities for Skilled Workers:
Ontario’s Express Entry stream offers a clear advantage to skilled workers, technicians, and bilingual applicants seeking permanent residency.
- As reported, these streams provide an efficient route to permanent residency. said the immigration consultant.
- The report recommends that now is an ideal time for candidates to explore these options.
Click here to learn more about the PNP Express Entry stream in Ontario.
