Human Capital Priorities (EE) 2025 Guide
The Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream is an Express Entry–aligned pathway operated by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It lets Ontario search the federal Express Entry pool for candidates who already meet core federal requirements and whose profiles demonstrate strong human-capital factors—such as education, language ability and work experience. Selected candidates receive a Notification of Interest (NOI), then apply to OINP for a provincial nomination, earning 600 CRS points and effectively fast-tracking them to an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for HCP, you must:
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Have an active Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Meet federal program criteria
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FSWP candidates: ≥ 67 points on the federal selection grid (age, education, work experience, language, arranged employment, adaptability).
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CEC candidates: ≥ 1 year of Canadian skilled work in the past 3 years.
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Hold a Canadian degree or ECA report
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A Canadian bachelor’s, master’s or PhD or a valid Educational Credential Assessment certifying foreign credentials as equivalent to one of these.
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For FSWP: ECA must be ≤ 5 years old on the OINP application date.
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Demonstrate language ability at CLB 7 (English or French) on an IRCC-approved test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, TCF Canada).
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Show settlement funds in line with IRCC requirements (unless you have a valid Canadian job offer).
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Intend to live in Ontario and—if already in Canada—hold valid temporary status.
How Does the Application Process Work?
1. Enter the Express Entry pool
Create or update your profile at Canada.ca/express-entry, selecting FSWP or CEC.
2. Wait for a Notification of Interest (NOI)
Ontario periodically searches the pool and issues NOIs via your Express Entry account.
3. Prepare your OINP application
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If you receive an NOI, gather:
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Your Express Entry profile number and NOI letter
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Passport/travel document
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Language test results
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ECA report or Canadian degree transcript
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Work reference letters (duties, NOC code, hours)
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Proof of settlement funds
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4. Submit to OINP
Apply online via the OINP e-Filing Portal within 45 days of your NOI, upload documents and pay the CAD 1,500 application fee
5. Receive your provincial nomination
On approval, you’ll get a nomination notification in your IRCC account. Accept it to add 600 CRS points.
6. Apply for permanent residence
With your nomination, wait for an ITA in the next Express Entry draw, then submit your PR application through IRCC within 60 days.
7. Complete biometrics and medical exams
After applying, follow IRCC instructions for biometrics (within 30 days) and a medical exam.
Application Fee and Processing Time
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OINP application fee: CAD 1,500 (non-refundable)
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Federal PR fees: CAD 950 processing + CAD 575 right of PR = CAD 1,525
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Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person
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PR processing target: IRCC aims to finalize 80 % of Express Entry PR applications in 6 months
Required Documents
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Valid Passport -
Education Credential Assessment -
Language Test Results -
Proof of Work Experience -
Endorsement Certificate From an Atlantic Province -
Proof of Settlement Funds
Official Application Page
For detailed information and to start your application process, visit the official;
🔗 Apply to Human Capital Priorities – OINP ontario.ca
🔗 Express Entry profile & ITA process – IRCC ircc.canada.ca
🔗 Express Entry draws & processing times – IRCC canada.ca
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a job offer?
No—HCP does not require a job offer. You must simply hold an active Express Entry profile under FSWP or CEC
What CRS score do I need?
There is no set minimum CRS threshold; Ontario invites the highest-ranking eligible candidates in each draw
How long do I have to apply after an NOI?
45 calendar days from the date of your Notification of Interest
Can I update my Express Entry profile after an NOI?
No—updates to your profile after receiving an NOI will not be considered; ensure your profile is current before your NOI is issued.
What happens after nomination?
You receive 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw. Then you apply for PR through IRCC within 60 days.
Can my spouse and children be included?
Yes—include them in your Express Entry profile and PR application; fees apply per person (see “Include your spouse or partner” in the IRCC fee list)
