The OINP Tech Draws – Immigration to Ontario as an IT Specialist

Ontario is home to three of Canada’s most prominent tech hubs – Toronto, Ottawa, and Waterloo. As tech workers, IT professionals can benefit from these cities’ career growth and development opportunities. The OINP Tech Draws are explicitly designed to help foreign workers apply for permanent residence.

IT specialists can immigrate to Ontario, Canada, through Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream of the OINP. Eligible candidates must have an active Express Entry profile as the OINP chooses applicants from the pool. In addition, those who receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) will get an additional 600 points after the nomination. This will increase their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system.

Who is eligible for immigration under the OINP Tech Draws?

To be eligible for OINP Tech Draws, applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience in a high-skilled occupation in the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) Category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) in the same primary occupation as identified in the Express Entry profile within five years before applying.

To qualify for the OINP tech draws, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree or higher, a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher, settlement funds, and legal status (if they are already in Canada) and intention to live in Ontario. All applicants must also demonstrate work experience in one of the following technology-related NOCs:

  • Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
  • Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
  • Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
  • Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
  • Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
  • Web designers (NOC 21233)
  • Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
  • Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
  • Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers (NOC 21311)

Click here to read about the detailed description of the eligible occupations

NOC 21211 – Data scientists

Data scientists employ sophisticated technologies like machine learning and predictive modelling to detect patterns, extract data from unstructured sources, and supply automated recommendations. They are in high demand by universities, financial institutions, IT departments within both public and private sectors, and consulting firms.

NOC 21231 – Software engineers and designers

Software engineers and designers are in high demand, working across the private sector, government departments and as self-employed professionals. Their integral role is to develop software systems that include applications, technical environments, operating programs, embedded software solutions and telecommunications platforms. They must assess their designs thoroughly before integrating them into existing infrastructure while ensuring they meet the operational requirements of end users.

NOC 21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers

Computer systems developers and programmers are integral to the innovation of software applications, data processing applications, operating systems-level, and communications software. Their expertise can be found in computer software development firms, information technology consulting companies, and various sectors. From crafting alluring code to modifying existing programs – these tech professionals continually strive for excellence when creating digital masterpieces that enhance our connections with technology.

NOC 21232 – Software developers and programmers

Software developers and programmers are responsible for creating the infrastructure of efficient systems while running diagnostic programs to ensure they work correctly. They write and test innovative code that can be used in various contexts. Employers turn to these professionals when their organizations require software solutions, video games, and IT consulting services within the public and private sectors.

NOC 21234 – Web developers and programmers

Web developers and programmers are essential for creating, modifying, and optimizing websites using many programming languages. They assess user requirements when building content, graphics, performance levels and website capacity to produce the most effective outcome. Furthermore, they can interlink the site with other computer applications if needed. These professionals are employed in various sectors, such as software development companies or IT consulting firms, while some may choose self-employment instead.

NOC 21233 – Web designers

Web designers are vital to developing, creating, and optimizing websites and apps. They take charge of ensuring that users have a seamless experience when accessing information or utilizing applications by providing convenience and easy navigation. Web Designers can work for software companies, IT consultancies, private and public sector businesses or even freelance depending on their skill set.

NOC 21223 – Database analysts and data administrators

Database analysts and administrators are experts at designing and managing data solutions that maximize efficiency. They create policies, protocols, and models to ensure the safekeeping of all information. From IT consulting firms to public and private sectors alike – these specialists contribute their talents in many areas of expertise.

NOC 20012 – Computer and information systems managers

Computer and information systems managers have a range of responsibilities, from planning to organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating the activities of organizations specializing in computer software, networks, and IT services. They are responsible for overseeing the development processes related to analyzing, designing, implementing, and administering computer telecommunications technologies.

NOC 21311 – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)

Computer engineers analyze, strategize, construct, and modify cutting-edge computer hardware and telecommunications systems. They can work at leading engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications organizations or as consultants to governmental institutions, universities and research centers.

How to get the invitation to OINP Tech Draws?

It is impossible to apply for OINP Tech Draws without a prior invitation from the Ontario government in the Express Entry profile of the candidate. Follow these recommendations to increase your chances:

  1. You must select Ontario as one of the provinces you are interested in settling in Canada.
  2. You must allow Ontario government access to your profile upon registration.
  3. You must select one of the nine eligible NOCs in your Express Entry Profile as your primary NOC.

How to qualify for OINP Tech Draws

Usually, Ontario invites IT specialists in the OINP Tech Draws, whose score is slightly lower than the passing score in the Express Entry Draws. This means, that typically you must get enough points for several factors.

The ideal combination of human capital factors to get enough points is not very different from the requirements for the ideal Express Entry candidate:

  • Age below 30 (100 points for married and 110 points for single candidates).
  • Master’s degree (126 points for married and 135 points for single candidates).
  • Language at CLB level 9 (116 points for married and 128 points for single candidates).
  • 3 years of work experience (in combination with a master’s degree and CLB 9 gives you 100 points).
  • Spouses can bring additional 25-30 points.

What to do if you cannot score high enough to be invited?

Many IT specialists willing to immigrate to Canada get fewer points if they are older than 30, hold a bachelor’s degree, or did not reach CLB level 9.

In such cases, we recommend the client find an employer in Ontario, who will be willing to support your Permanent Residence and or Work Permit application.

A job offer supported by LMIA can give an IT specialist additional 50 points. If this is still insufficient, you can apply for a work permit under LMIA and come to Canada as a foreign worker. One year of work experience allows you to get additional 35 points if you are married or 40 points if you are single.

How many IT specialists have been invited to Ontario?

Below you can find the history of the invitations in the OINP Tech Draw since the start of this program in 2019.

DateITACRS
2019-07-121623439
2019-08-011773435
2020-01-15954460
2020-05-13703421
2020-07-291288463
2020-10-15772462
2020-12-15668460
2021-02-161186453
2021-04-13528456
2021-10-271408455
2022-02-08622463
2022-09-281179496
2022-12-19936484
2023-02-021127481
2023-03-10815479
Total15582421-496

Currently, Ontario is experiencing severe labour shortages in the technology sector. To address this problem, the province will welcome thousands of skilled professionals through the OINP Tech draws throughout 2023. Immigration Canada Pro can help you navigate the application process and determine if you are eligible to apply.

Contact us today to assess your chances for an invitation under the OINP Tech Draw!

Book your individual consultation about OINP Tech Draw today!

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