Express Entry

The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream of Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) targets foreign nationals with work experience in Ontario in an eligible skilled trade to invite them to apply for provincial nomination. In order to be eligible, the candidate must have a valid Express Entry profile and receive a Notification of Interest from the OINP. The candidate must also meet the requirements of the Canadian Experience Class, one of the federal economic immigration programs managed under the Express Entry.

The candidates who successfully receive provincial nomination from Ontario  will obtain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) score points that would guarantee them an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the subsequent Express Entry draw.

The OINP searches the federal Express Entry pool to select the candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for Skilled Trades Class stream. The selected candidates are then issued Notifications of Interest(NoI), inviting them to apply for provincial nomination from Ontario. The candidates who receive NoI can submit the complete application along with supporting documents within 45 calendar days. The candidate must also indicate their Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code in the application. If the application is successful, the candidates will receive a Nomination Approval Letter and an OINP Certificate of Nomination. The candidate can accept the Nomination within 30 days.

Mandatory requirements

1. Work experience

The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream of OINP does not require the candidate to have a job offer.  However, the candidate must have minimum one year of cumulative paid full-time work experience or the equivalent in paid part-time work experience in Ontario in a skilled trade listed in Minor Group 633 or Major Groups 72, 73 or 82 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The candidate must have acquired the work experience within the last two years from the date of submitting the application for provincial nomination. The experience must be in one or more of the occupations identified in the Express Entry profile and must have been obtained while residing in Canada legally.

2. Certificate or license, if necessary

The candidate must hold a valid certificate or license if their work experience is in a compulsory trade. The certificate/license is mandatory at the time of submitting the application, even if the candidate is no longer working in the trade.

3. Residing in Ontario

The candidate must be living in Ontario at the time of submitting the application. They must also hold a valid work permit.

4. Language

The candidate must have proficiency in English or French, the official languages of Canada at a level equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or higher. The language proficiency must be proved with the results of an approved language test. The candidate must have taken the test within two years of submitting the application.

Approved English Tests:

• International English Language Testing (IELTS) – General
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – General

Approved French Tests:

• Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF)
• Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada)

5. Settlement funds

The candidate must prove that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family members to settle in Canada. Accepted proofs for settlement funds include:

• Bank statements, statements of accounts showing other investments such as non-locked in, fixed term deposits, mutual funds, etc.
• Annual earnings from ongoing employment in Ontario
• A job offer in Ontario

6. Intention to settle in Ontario

The candidate must intend to settle in Ontario after they receive permanent residence in Canada. The OINP officials determine this by examining if the candidate has any of the following:

• Previous work experience in Ontario or currently working in the province
• A job offer from an Ontario employer or applying/interviewing for jobs
• Currently studying in Ontario
• Leasing or owning property in the province
• Visiting the province
• Having professional networks and affiliations, family ties and personal relationships

Provincial Nominee Programs open up vast opportunities for qualified immigrants to start a new life in Canada. Choose the right immigration pathway for you with the help of experienced immigration lawyers and consultants to ensure maximum success for your immigration application. Contact us for more information