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The Province of Ontario passed the Ontario Immigration Act to help the province maximize the economic benefits of immigration. The Act aims to facilitate Ontario’s work with the federal government on the selection and admission of skilled immigrants, strengthen the province’s ongoing efforts to reduce fraud, and increase transparency and share information with the province’s immigration partners.
Over the years, Ontario has benefitted from the flow of immigrants to Canada, who have contributed to the growth of its economy through their international networks and connections that have kept the province competitive in global markets.
Ontario is the most favoured destination of immigrants arriving in Canada, with more immigrants arriving to the province than the combined total of all the western provinces and territories. About 30% of the province’s labour force constitutes of newcomers, and it is estimated that over the next 25 years, immigration will be the main source of labour growth and will account for most of the increases in Ontario’s working-age population.
The Ontario Immigration Act aims to build on the government’s current immigration strategy through following four measures:
- Work on strengthening Ontario’s ongoing efforts in reducing fraud by improving accountability and protecting the integrity of its immigrant selection program.
- Facilitate work with federal government on the selection, recruitment, and admission of skilled immigrants into Ontario.
- Improve and enhance transparency and information-sharing with Ontario’s immigration partners.
- Support expansion of the Provincial Nominee Program to bring in skilled immigrants who help in the growth of Ontario’s economy.
The federal government’s economic plan for Ontario includes supporting and promoting Ontario’s immigration programs. The Act has been designed to promote investment in people’s skills and talents, increase investment in public infrastructure, and to create a business-oriented environment in Ontario.
In addition, the Ontario Immigration Act recognizes the contributions of Francophones to Ontario and aims to help the province reach its goal of 5% Francophone immigration.
Program details will become clearer when the government publishes regulations to complement the Immigration Act.
Ontario Express Entry Streams
Coinciding with the launch of its Immigration Act Ontario introduced two Express entry streams targeting applicants who have the requisite qualifications, including education, experience, language proficiency and ability to successfully establish in Ontario and contribute to the province’s economic development. The two streams include:
- Ontario Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Ontario Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
Ontario Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities Stream
To qualify applicants must have:
- Pending application under the Federal Express Entry system;
- Minimum of 1-year of full time, or full time equivalent work experience under NOC occupation level 0, A or B;
- Canadian equivalent Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD;
- Minimum CLB level 7 in IELTS general exam;
- Intention to reside in the Province of Ontario;
- Minimum of 400 points under the Federal Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.
Ontario Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
To qualify applicants must have:
- Pending application under the Federal Express Entry system;
- Minimum of 1-year of full time, or full time equivalent work experience under NOC occupation level 0, A or B;
- Canadian equivalent Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD;
- Minimum CLB level 7 in TEF exam;
- Intention to reside in the Province on Ontario;
- Minimum of 400 points under the Federal Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.
The Province of Ontario will select eligible applicants from the Federal Express Entry Pool. Candidates who are selected will receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario and may then submit an application for nomination under the Ontario Provincial Nomination Program.
Find out if you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
