Ontario is a very popular destination for tech workers and is home to many impressive tech hubs, such as Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo and Ottawa. If you’re a tech worker struggling to get a high enough Express Entry score, read below to learn about the Ontario Tech PNP Draw to see if it’s a good option for you.
Ontario Tech PNP Draw Requirements
There are 3 ket requirements you must meet to have a good chance at the Ontario Tech PNP Draw, and we’ll go into them in a bit more detail below:
1. A Valid Express Entry Profile
In order to receive an invitation to the Ontario Tech PNP Draw (also called a Notification of Interest, or NOI), you will need a valid Express Entry profile that you have submitted into the Express Entry pool. To learn more about Express Entry, see our blog post here.
This means you have to eligible for Express Entry and have already prepared and submitted your profile.
2. Work Experience in One of the Targeted NOC Codes
When you create an Express Entry profile, you choose a primary NOC code that fits your previous work experience and education. In order to be invited to apply through the Ontario Tech PNP Draw, you must have the necessary work experience in one of the following NOC codes:
- Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)
- Computer engineers (NOC 2147)
- Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)
- Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)
- Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)
3. Meet the Human Capital Priorities Stream requirements
The Ontario Tech PNP Draw falls under the Human Capital Priorities Stream for the province of Ontario, which aims to find foreign workers with the necessary experience, education and language skills needed. Luckily, the majority of requirements are identical to the Express Entry requirements, so if you created an Express Entry profile and qualified, there’s a strong chance you’re also eligible under the Human Capital Priorities Stream.
The only notable difference between these requirements and Express Entry is the additional requirement for an intention to live in Ontario, since the province wants to know there are reasons for you to settle and stay here. These include:
- working or have worked in Ontario
- getting job offers or applying/ interviewing for jobs
- studying
- volunteering
- leasing or owning property
- visiting
- having professional networks and affiliations, family ties and personal relationships
And to see the full list of requirements, check out the Ontario website here.
Overall, if you are eligible under Express Entry, have work experience in one of the targeted NOC codes and can prove an intention to live in Ontario, then this might be a good option for you.
What is a Notification of Interest and How Does It Work?
You cannot just apply for the Ontario Tech PNP Draw. Instead, if you meet the above requirements, Ontario will send you a Notification of Interest in your Express Entry profile. They will tell you to connect with the province of Ontario to get the next steps to creating your Ontario application profile, which is similar to the profile you create through Express Entry.
Make sure to take these actions as early as possible, as you only have 45 days from receiving the NOI to submit your application to Ontario.
What is the Ontario Tech PNP Draw Processing Time and Fee?
As of August 2020, the processing time for a Human Capital Priorities Stream application is 60-90 days. Check the Ontario website here to see if this has changed recently.
The processing fee is $1,500 CAD to apply, and they only accept Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard and MasterCard Debit.
Hopefully this guide has made it more clear as to whether you’d be a good fit for the Ontario Tech PNP Draw! If you want access to more guides, live videos and more, make sure to join the community here.
