Historical note: this thread discusses specific draw patterns and the old 4-digit NOC codes (2174 = software engineers/programmers, since replaced by TEER-based codes). Cut-offs and draw behaviour are time-bound — verify current draw history before acting.An outland applicant with CRS 450 and NOC 2174 (software) asked which provinces pick that occupation through PNP draws. What members offered:
- Ontario (OINP) was the province named for NOC 2174. OINP's Human Capital Priorities stream was known for targeted tech draws that included software occupations, and members confirmed it picks 2174 profiles from the Express Entry pool.
- But the practical cut-off was higher than 450. A member advised boosting CRS to at least 460 to be competitive for those targeted draws — 450 was seen as below the realistic threshold at the time.
- Keep the Express Entry profile active regardless. One member suggested a strong tech profile could be picked directly through Express Entry draws, so a PNP nomination isn't the only route.
- Outland applicants were in a waiting pattern. At the time of the thread, members expected draws including outland candidates to resume shortly — a reminder that draw eligibility (inland vs outland) shifts with policy and should be checked at application time.