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Ontario to Start EOI System for 5 Immigration Streams

Ontario will initiate Expression of Interest (EOI) for its 5 economic class immigration streams in the coming weeks. The new system will replace the first-come-first-served service model. Ontario Immigration Nomination Program will implement the new EOI system on the following streams:

  • Employer Job Offer Category Streams (In-demand Skills in Foreign Workers, International Students)
  • Masters Graduate Stream
  • Ph.D. graduate stream

This is a good move. Since many deserving and bright candidates often used to miss the bus according to the previously implemented system. Now the opportunity will remain open for all through merit and not the time limit. Many are expecting the EOI system will be “better and more predictable.” Instead of the first-come-first-served service model, the Ontario Immigrant Nomination Program (OINP) adopts the Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

There are 10 Canadian provinces, with three territories to the north. The provinces are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The three territories are Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.  PNP currently has about 80 unique streams in the participating provinces and territories.

Expression of Interest (EOI) System

EoI is a tool for migration management to assist selection under migration programs. It consists of two steps. In the 1st step, eligible people express an interest in migrating to a specific destination by submitting their profile online. Those who fulfill the needs admitted into a pool, where they are ranked according to a point-based system (PBS) generally called comprehensive ranking system.

In the 2nd step, they may obtain an invitation (ITA) to apply. Expression of Interest (EOI) is a point-based system that values ​​candidates based on human capital such as education, training, intelligence, skills, health, and other things like adaptability and labor market factors. Many other Provincial Nominated Programs (PNPs) already follow this type of system to manage new registrations. OINP is replacing the system; the chain is currently closed to new applicants. They will reopen when the new EOI system launches in the coming days. The opening date of the program has not been announced yet.

Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities collection is an immigration flow under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It provides the following possibilities for overseas workers

  • Skilled experience
  • Language skills
  • Opportunity to stay permanently in Ontario with education
  • And the opportunity to apply for a job

The effect of the EOI system on Ontario’s immigration

An Expression of Interest for Ontario immigration would better serve the high volume of candidates. At the start of winter 2020, Ontario began to obtain public consultation on the proposed Expression of Interest. They received a positive response. About 250 pieces of feedbacks were submitted to the province in September-October, 2020. These submissions were from potential:

  • Applicants
  • Employers
  • Immigration organizations and agents
  • Received from industry associations and professional associations.

More than 90% of respondents are expecting that the EOI system would be more user-friendly than the current intake process. It would be fairer and more predictable.

Features of EoI system  

  • It allows flexibility in migration management
  • It makes a country more attractive
  • It promotes the involvement of regional authorities
  • It cuts backlogs and permits prioritization in case of oversupply
  • It can serve multiple immigration categories and selection purposes
  • It may support international job matching
  • It expands selectivity in immigration management provide a competitive second step selection
  • It increases the appeal of less famous immigration programs

The 5 streams initiating the EOI registration system will use to operate like rushed seating. Foreigners who looking to immigrate via one of these Ontario PNPs will use Ontario’s Web portal. Most other PNPs use the EOI system. In general, this requires people to re-experience their work experience, education, and any other information. They are then given a provincial score, and if they score high enough, they may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. The OINP also says that an EOI system allows the province to “manage the amount of OINP in a way that gives preference to the most suitable applicants.” Many provinces already have an EOI system for handling immigration applications, including Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and BC. The federal government’s express entry system also uses a point-based system to invite immigrants and is welcomed by the OECD as a “role model” for immigration systems in other countries.

Professional category-wise relevance of the province’s immigration

1- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program without a job offer

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is another option for international applicants without a job offer. There are two highly active categories in Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker category that do not require a job offer. The first is a series linked to the Saskatchewan Express entry, however, applying requires a person with an active profile in the federal express system.

The second Saskatchewan profession is the demand stream, which is not required. It brings in skilled workers who are able to meet the labor needs in Saskatchewan. Applicants must have at least one year of experience in a position on the Saskatchewan students’ list of demanding professions in order to qualify.

2- Nova Scotia Nomination Program (NSNP) without a job offer

Nova Scotia Nomination Program (NSNP) is Canada’s most comprehensive and innovative provincial representative program. NSNP uses four streams to select express entry candidates. The NSNP Express searches for entries and identifies candidates with work experience in specific occupations. Although Physical Stream requires a job offer to meet labor market preferences (specifically, as a physician to the Nova Scotia Health Authority), Nova Scotia demands. The Nova Scotia Experience And Nova Scotia’s labor market preferences (other than physicians) do not require job offers to applicants.

3- Ontario’s without job OINP stream 

Finally, Ontario’s Immigrant Nomination Program (OINP), “Human Capital Preferences” series is a more popular choice for those without a job offer. There are three express entry categories in this regard and it is actively issuing invitations to immigration candidates even in 2020. While a job offer is not required, you need to consider an active entry and work experience and will be invited to apply to this stream.

4- Best PNP provinces for Tech related workers

There are two notable PNP routes for tech workers that run through the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. From time to time, Ontario conducts dedicated “tech draws” within the Human Capital Priority stream linked to the Ontario Express registration. It targets people who have experience working in one of six specific designs, such as computer engineers and web designers. No job offer required.

BC’s tech pilots, meanwhile, select immigration candidates to apply for provincial nominations on an almost weekly basis. This pilot works on the path of BC Skills Immigration. The pilot has the ability to offer a job in any of the 29 designated technology professions.

5- Best PNP province for French-speaking candidates

Outside of the French-speaking province of Quebec, there are other PNPs that offer francophones or bilingual applicants. They say OINP’s Express Entry-linked French-speaking Skilled Worker allows the province to find an Express Entry Pool for candidates who are French-speaking skilled workers and who have English in addition to other selection criteria. The series has been active for the past six months, releasing about 700 invitations to apply.