June 4, 2015 – Ontario has announced the creation of two new application streams for the federal Express Entry system. The new pathways, part of Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), permit the province to participate in immigration selection using their own criteria based on provincial needs and priorities. While Ontario has had a PNP program for many years, this is the province’s first foray into the Federal Government’s new Express Entry system launched in January of 2015.

Ontario’s two new application streams are:

• Human Capital Priorities Stream
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

In order to qualify for either of these streams, applicants must first meet the minimum requirements of applying through the Express Entry system, including meeting minimum requirements for either the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Program Requirements

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements for participation in Express Entry, applicants for the Ontario PNP Express Entry program must meet additional requirements, and pay additional fees.

Applicants to both streams must meet certain education qualifications, pay an additional processing fee, possess adequate “settlement funds” and intend to reside in the Province of Ontario.

In addition, applicants to the Human Capital Priorities Stream must meet certain English language skills requirements and must achieve and maintain a minimum of 400 points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Applicants to the French Speaking Skilled Worker Stream must be bilingual, meeting both English and French language requirements.

What Does This Mean for Foreign Nationals

Applicants for Express Entry who do not possess qualifying job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may benefit from these new streams. For the purposes of the Express Entry system, successful applicants who meet the requirements above are eligible to receive an additional 600 points in Express Entry, drastically improving their chances of being selected and invited to apply for Permanent Residence.

At this time, Ontario will only consider Express Entry profiles created on or after June 1, 2015.

For more news and updates, assistance with your visa needs or for a Free Assessment of your profile for Immigration or Work Visa’s just visit www.y-axis.com