OINP Express Entry – Skilled Trades

The OINP Express Entry – Ontario Skilled Trades Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) allows skilled workers in eligible occupations to settle permanently in Ontario through the federal Express Entry immigration system.

Because thisOntario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)stream is linked toExpress Entry, candidates who receive a provincial nomination through the Ontario Skilled Trades Stream are awarded additionalComprehensive Ranking System (CRS)points and receive anInvitation to Apply (ITA)to apply for permanent residence in a future draw from the Express Entry pool.

OINP Express Entry – Skilled Trades stream requirements

To qualify under the OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, a candidate must:

• Hold a valid profile in the federal Express Entry pool;
• Be eligible forCanadian Experience Class (CEC);
• Indicate an intention to immigrate to Ontario or to “All provinces and territories”, as specified in the Express Entry profile; and
• Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario through their Express Entry online account withImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Express Entry candidates must provide documentation demonstrating:

Work experience

A total of at least 1 year of paid, full-time work (or the part-time equivalent) in Ontario within the two years preceding the date the Notification of Interest (NOI) was issued by Ontario. The work experience must be in a skilled occupation listed in Minor Group 633 or Major Group 72, 73 or 82 of theNational Occupational Classification (NOC).

• Cumulative means the work experience must amount to one year in total and need not be one continuous year of work.
• Full-time work means at least 30 hours of work a week in one job, comprising at least 1,560 paid hours of work in a year.
• Part-time equivalent experience means:
  • at least 15 hours of work a week in one job, comprising at least 1,560 paid hours of work over two years, or
  • at least 30 hours of work a week across several concurrent jobs, comprising at least 1,560 paid hours of work in a year.
• Note: work experience gained under an Apprenticeship Programme may be eligible if it was paid and the candidate performed the activities set out in the lead statement of the occupation and a substantial number of the main duties under the NOC. Paid work experience gained while studying full time at a post-secondary institution (for example, a co-op work term) and self-employment are not eligible under the CEC.
• Candidates must hold (or currently hold) the appropriate licence if the required work experience is in a compulsory trade in Ontario.

Trade certification

A valid licence or certificate from the Ontario College of Trades at the time of application, where the candidate is working or has worked in a trade in Ontario that requires a licence or certificate.

Current residence in Ontario

Currently residing in Ontario and holding a valid work permit at the time of application. The OINP accepts applications made while onmaintained status.

Language

Minimum levelCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB)5 in English or French in all language skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking). Language ability must be demonstrated by valid language test results from the following government-approved organisations:

• IELTS General TrainingorCELPIP General
• TEForTCF

Settlement funds

The minimum settlement funds level. This requirement may be met by one or a combination of the factors listed by the OINP, such as bank statements, annual income from ongoing employment in Ontario, and/or a job offer in Ontario.

Intention

An intention to reside in Ontario, demonstrated by providing a list of established ties to Ontario.

Skilled Trades Stream application process

Candidates in the Express Entry pool cannot apply directly to the OINP under the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream. A candidate must first receive an NOI from Ontario through their IRCC online account.

Once an NOI is received, the candidate has 45 calendar days from the date the NOI letter was issued to apply online to the OINP. Applications are submitted online through Ontario’s proprietary application management system.

The Government of Ontario recommends that prospective candidates gather all the papers and supporting documents required for the application. Any document not in English or French must be translated and certified, and notarised where necessary.

The application fee is US$1,500.

Once the application is submitted, the OINP reviews it. If successful, the candidate receives an additional 600 CRS points and an ITA in the next draw from the Express Entry pool. Once the permanent residence application is submitted, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to finish processing it within six months.

Eligible occupations for the Skilled Trades Stream

To qualify for the Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, the candidate’s one year of Ontario work experience must be in one of the following occupations.

Read more about the OINP Express Entry – Skilled Trades stream on the Government of Ontario website athere.