The Government of Ontario has announced plans to target experienced tech workers who are registered in the Express Entry system, for a new provincial immigration draw. The selected candidates will have a pathway to permanent residence.
The draw will be targeted to Express Entry candidates who have work experience in six tech-related occupations, through the current Human Capital Priorities Stream.
Express Entry candidates and ranked based on their CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System), which is based on several factors such as language skills, education, etc.
Express Entry candidates who have a provincial nomination receive 600 additional points, thus guaranteeing permanent residence.
Ontario is the top choice of new immigrants to Canada, as 65% of newcomers chose the province as their choice of settlement.
To be eligible for the OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) tech draw, individuals must create an Express Entry profile.
Tech draws will reflect employer needs
Tech draws have been a recent immigration trend for Ontario, due to an ongoing shortage of tech workers in major tech-hubs such as Waterloo, Toronto, and Ottawa.
It is reported that up to 220,000 skilled workers are needed for Canada’s technology sector by 2021.
OINP will search for Express Entry profiles that meet the following 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)
Job offers are not required in order to be eligible. As well, the Human Capital Priorities Stream has in the past invited candidates with lower than average CRS scores.
Selected candidates will receive a Notification of Interest from the OINP, and will need to apply by 45 days.
For more information on how to be eligible for tech draws, contact Green Light Canada.
