Ontario, home to both Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, and the country’s largest city, Toronto, issued 997 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence to Express Entry candidates on August 15.

Express Entry candidates who received an invitation were required to have work experience in one of 10 occupations, as well as a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 439 and 465.

The 10 targeted occupations were:

0114 Other administrative services managers
0601 Corporate sales managers
1122 Professional occupations in business management consulting
0124 Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
0621 Retail and wholesale trade managers
1111 Financial auditors and accountants
3012 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
0111 Financial managers
1114 Other financial officers
0651 Managers in customer and personal services, n.e.c

Since the draws are a part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)’s Human Capital Priorities Stream, a job offer is not required.

In order to be considered for selection by the OINP through its Human Capital Priorities Stream, or its other Express Entry streams, the first step for candidates is to submit a profile in the Express Entry pool.

Candidates have to meet federal and provincial eligibility criteria for the Human Capital Priorities Stream before being issued a provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residence.

Express Entry candidates who are invited to apply for provincial nomination will receive an additional 600 points towards their CRS score, effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.

“The Human Capital Priorities Stream demonstrates how immigration is a necessary means to help fill gaps in the labour market,” said David Cohen, senior partner with the Campbell, Cohen Canadian immigration law firm in Montreal.

“It’s encouraging to see the Province of Ontario facilitating the connection between skilled immigrants and job vacancies.”