🛬 Introduction: What is the Human Capital Priorities Stream?
The Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream is a popular immigration option under Ontario’s Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It allows skilled workers from other countries to become permanent residents of Canada by settling in Ontario.
If you are a professional with work experience, good education, and English or French language skills, this stream might be your best chance to move to Canada.
In this blog post, we will explain everything in easy language, including:
- What is Express Entry?
- How the HCP Stream works
- Eligibility requirements
- Step-by-step application process
- Common FAQs
- Latest updates and tips
Let’s get started!
🗂️ What is Express Entry?
Before understanding the HCP stream, it’s important to understand the Express Entry system.
Express Entry is the federal online immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage permanent residency applications. It covers three main economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
You must create an Express Entry profile to be considered for most immigration programs, including Ontario’s HCP Stream.
📍 What is Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
OINP is Ontario’s own immigration program that selects foreign workers, students, and business people to meet local labour market needs.
Ontario selects candidates from the Express Entry pool and nominates them to the federal government for permanent residency.
There are several OINP streams. The Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream is one of the most popular streams because:
- It targets skilled workers
- You don’t need a job offer to apply
- It gives you 600 extra CRS points, boosting your chances to get PR
✅ Eligibility Requirements for HCP Stream
To apply for the HCP stream, you must meet both Express Entry and OINP requirements. Here’s a breakdown in easy language:
1. Have an active Express Entry profile
You must be eligible for:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program OR
- Canadian Experience Class
2. Get a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario
You cannot apply directly. Ontario will review Express Entry profiles and send a “Notification of Interest” if you match their needs.
3. Work Experience
- Minimum 1 year of continuous, paid, full-time work in a skilled job (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 5 years (for FSWP) or 3 years (for CEC)
4. Language Skills
- Minimum CLB 7 in English or French (for FSWP and CEC)
- IELTS score: Listening 6, Reading 6, Writing 6, Speaking 6 (General Training)
5. Education
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Must have a WES or other ECA report if studied outside Canada
6. Proof of Settlement Funds
- You must show enough funds to settle in Ontario (unless you are working in Canada or have a valid job offer)
7. Intent to live in Ontario
You must show strong intention to settle in Ontario through ties like previous travel, education, job search, etc.
🔁 How the Process Works: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s go through the application steps in simple words:
Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile
- Go to Canada.ca and make an Express Entry profile
- Choose Ontario as a province you are interested in
- You will enter the Express Entry pool
Step 2: Wait for Notification of Interest (NOI)
- Ontario reviews Express Entry profiles regularly
- If your profile matches Ontario’s needs, you’ll receive an NOI in your IRCC account
Step 3: Submit Application to OINP
- After receiving an NOI, you have 45 calendar days to submit your application through the OINP e-Filing Portal
- Pay the application fee:
- $1,500 for most jobs
- $2,000 if your job is in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in NOC 0, 1, 2, 3
Step 4: Get Nomination from Ontario
- If approved, you receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate
- You will also get 600 extra CRS points added to your Express Entry profile
Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- With those extra CRS points, you will likely get an ITA in the next Express Entry draw
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency
- After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your PR application to IRCC
📊 What are the CRS Scores for HCP Stream?
Ontario does not have a fixed CRS score. It changes based on labour needs. However, Ontario often targets candidates with CRS scores:
- Between 350 to 490+
- In-demand jobs such as:
- Software Engineers
- Financial Analysts
- Healthcare Workers
- Teachers
- Marketing Professionals
Example: In the July 2025 draw, Ontario invited tech workers with CRS between 458 and 482.
💼 Occupations in Demand (Examples)
Ontario usually targets skilled workers in specific jobs. Here are some commonly selected occupations:
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Software Engineers | 21231 |
| Registered Nurses | 31301 |
| Financial Analysts | 11101 |
| Web Developers | 21234 |
| Elementary School Teachers | 41221 |
| Database Analysts | 21223 |
| Project Managers | 13201 |
| HR Professionals | 12101 |
| Marketing Coordinators | 11202 |
| Business Analysts | 21221 |
Always check the OINP updates page for the latest NOC codes and draw information.
📝 Documents Required
Here’s a list of the most common documents you’ll need:
- Passport
- Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker Code
- Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report
- IELTS or CELPIP results
- Work experience letters
- Pay slips or employment contracts
- Proof of funds (bank statements, etc.)
- Proof of Ontario ties (if any)
📆 How Long Does It Take?
The timeline can vary, but here’s an estimate:
| Step | Time Taken |
|---|---|
| Get NOI | Depends on draw |
| Submit OINP application | Within 45 days of NOI |
| OINP processing time | 60 – 90 days |
| Receive ITA from Express Entry | Next draw after nomination |
| PR application processing | 6 – 12 months (IRCC) |
So overall, the entire process can take around 8 to 16 months.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Keep your Express Entry profile updated
- Prepare documents in advance (like IELTS, ECA)
- Apply quickly after receiving NOI (within 45 days)
- Use a simple and professional resume (Canadian format)
- Watch for Ontario-specific draws like Tech Draws, Health Draws, or French-speaking draws
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need a job offer for HCP stream?
👉 No, you don’t need a job offer.
Q2: Can I apply without IELTS?
👉 No. You must have valid IELTS or CELPIP results.
Q3: What if my CRS is below 400?
👉 Sometimes Ontario invites candidates with lower CRS if the occupation is in demand.
Q4: What if my profile expires before I get an NOI?
👉 Update your Express Entry profile or create a new one.
Q5: Can I include my spouse or children?
👉 Yes. You can include your family in the PR application.
Q6: Can I live in another province after getting PR through OINP?
👉 You are expected to live in Ontario. Moving right away could cause issues with your PR.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream is one of the most successful immigration pathways for skilled workers to become permanent residents of Canada.
It’s perfect for professionals with education, work experience, and language skills—especially those in tech, finance, healthcare, and education fields.
✅ You don’t need a job offer
✅ You get 600 CRS points
✅ You can settle in Ontario, Canada’s economic hub
Prepare early, stay alert for Ontario draws, and apply as soon as you get the opportunity. If you need help, consider talking to a licensed immigration consult.
Have any questions about this stream or immigration to Canada? Drop your comment below or share this post with someone who might benefit.