The Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream is an Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) pathway linked to Express Entry. Ontario searches the federal Express Entry pool and invites strong profiles to apply for a provincial nomination. You don’t need a job offer to qualify, but you must meet Express Entry rules and Ontario’s draw criteria.
Check your CRS before you read on → CRS Calculator (Free).
Human Capital Priorities Stream at a Glance
- No job offer required.
- You must have an active Express Entry profile (FSW or CEC).
- Ontario sends Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to selected profiles.
- Draws can be general or targeted (for example, tech or healthcare).
- If invited and approved by Ontario, you get a provincial nomination (worth 600 points in Express Entry).
- With those extra points, you can get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC.
Who Is Eligible?
To be considered under HCP, you generally need:
- Express Entry profile: You must qualify under Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Education: Post-secondary education. If completed outside Canada, get an ECA to show Canadian equivalency.
- Language: Usually CLB 7+ in English or French (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF).
- Work experience: Skilled experience in TEER 0/1/2/3 that matches your EE program’s rules.
- Settlement funds (as required by your EE program) and a plan to live in Ontario.
- Admissibility: No major medical or security issues.
Note: Each draw can set its own CRS range and may focus on certain occupations. Meeting the general checklist does not guarantee an invitation.
Not sure you qualify? Check your CRS in 60 seconds → CRS Calculator.
How the Selection Works (NOI → Nomination → PR)
- Create/maintain your Express Entry profile.
Make sure your details (NOC, work history, education, language scores) are accurate. - Ontario searches the pool and issues NOIs.
If your profile matches Ontario’s criteria for that draw (CRS range, occupations, etc.), you may get a Notification of Interest. - Apply to OINP HCP after NOI.
You must submit a complete application to Ontario by the deadline. Missing or weak documents can lead to refusal. - Get nominated by Ontario (if approved).
A nomination gives you +600 CRS points. - Receive an ITA from IRCC and apply for PR.
The final decision for permanent residence is made by the federal government (IRCC).
CRS Score & Draws: What to Expect
- Ontario sets a CRS score range for each HCP draw. Your CRS must be within that range on the draw date.
- Ontario can run targeted draws (for example, tech jobs, healthcare roles, or other in-demand occupations).
- Keeping your profile current is vital: update test scores, ECAs, work history, and NOC codes when they change.
Know your real CRS → CRS Calculator (Free)
Targeted Occupations (Examples & Strategy)
Ontario often targets jobs the province needs most. Common examples include:
- Tech: software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity analysts
- Healthcare: nurses, medical technologists, therapists
- Other in-demand roles based on labour needs
Strategy tip: Choose the NOC code that best matches your actual duties, not just your job title. Copying the wrong NOC can hurt your chances.
Documents You’ll Likely Need
Start gathering documents before you get an NOI so you can submit quickly:
- Passport/IDs
- Education: Degrees/diplomas + ECA (if foreign education)
- Language test results: IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF (valid and unexpired)
- Work experience letters: Employer name, title, duties, dates, hours, and pay
- Proof of funds (if required by your EE program)
- Status documents (if you are in Canada)
- Other supporting records that show your experience and qualifications
Organize your files as clear, legible PDFs. Label them so they’re easy to find.
Timeline & Fees
- NOI to application: Short window—be ready.
- Application processing: Ontario reviews your file; timing can vary.
- Nomination to PR: After nomination, you apply to IRCC. Federal processing times vary.
Fees and timelines can change. Always check the latest instructions from Ontario and IRCC.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong NOC selection: Match by duties, not title.
- Expired language scores: Most tests are valid for 2 years.
- Missing ECA: If your highest education is outside Canada, you usually need an ECA.
- Weak reference letters: Make sure letters list duties, dates, hours, and pay.
- Late or incomplete application after NOI: Set up a checklist so nothing is missed.
- Ignoring CRS changes: Age, expiring tests, or new work experience can change your score.
How to Improve Your Chances
- Raise your language scores. Hitting CLB 9–10 can boost CRS and make you more competitive.
- Check your NOC and duties. Make sure they truly match.
- Add French if possible—French can unlock extra opportunities.
- Keep your profile fresh. Update work history, education, and documents.
- Prepare documents early. If an NOI comes, you’ll be ready.
Re-run your CRS after each change → CRS Calculator
HCP vs. Other Ontario Streams
- HCP (this stream): Express Entry–linked; no job offer required.
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker: EE-linked, for candidates with strong French.
- Employer Job Offer streams: Require a job offer in Ontario; scored with Ontario’s EOI system.
If HCP doesn’t fit your profile, another Ontario stream might.
FAQs
Do I need a job offer for HCP?
No. HCP does not require a job offer. You need an eligible Express Entry profile.
What CRS score do I need?
It changes by draw. Ontario sets a CRS range for each round. You must fall within that range when they draw.
Can I apply without an NOI?
No. HCP is invitation-only. You can only apply after Ontario sends you a Notification of Interest.
My NOC changed under TEER. What now?
Update your Express Entry profile with the correct TEER code that matches your duties.
How long do I have after an NOI?
Ontario sets a deadline. Apply fast with complete documents.
Does a nomination guarantee PR?
A nomination gives you +600 CRS points, which usually leads to an ITA. Final PR approval is from IRCC.
