CANADA – New Express Entry Streams Introduced into Ontario
Skilled workers hoping to live and work permanently in Ontario now have two new streams under the Express Entry program for which they might qualify. The Human Capital Priorities Stream and the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream are the two newest streams that will allow qualified individuals to be nominated under Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program. These new streams will add opportunities for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency who do not have a LMIA-based job offer.
In order for foreign candidates to qualify, they must meet the requirements set forth under each stream. The Human Capital Priorities Stream requires a minimum of 400 points in the Express Entry ranking system as well as skills in the English language. The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream requires a certain level of skill in both the French and English languages, the equivalency of a Canadian bachelor’s degree or higher, and sufficient funds for settlement.
Foreign candidates must meet the qualifications under these two new streams before they can be chosen from the Express Entry pool. If an applicant is chosen and receives a notification of interest from Ontario, he or she will have 45 days to apply to the Provincial Nominee Program. If approved for nomination, he or she will then have 30 days to accept the nomination. Finally, once the applicant obtains an invitation to apply, they must apply for permanent residency within 60 days.