The OINP In-Demand Skills Stream is a popular immigration pathway for Ontario’s foreign workers with experience in specific high-demand occupations. This guide covers everything you need to know, including eligibility requirements, the application process, processing time, the latest occupation list, and predictions for upcoming draws.
What is the OINP In-Demand Skills Stream?
The In-Demand Skills Stream helps Ontario employers fill labor shortages in specific industries. The program allows foreign workers with experience in in-demand occupations to apply for permanent residence.
OINP In-Demand Skills Stream Eligibility Requirements
There are three major requirements you must meet:
1. Job Offer Requirements
- A full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario with a length of at least 6 months.
- The job must be in an in-demand occupation (see the list below).
- The wage must meet or exceed the median wage level for that occupation in Ontario.
- The employer must urgently require the position to address a labor shortage.
- The job location must be outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) unless specified otherwise.
2. Applicant Requirements
- Work Experience: At least 9 months of full-time work experience in Ontario in an in-demand occupation within the last three years. Part-time work may count if it meets the full-time equivalent.
- Education: At least a high school diploma (or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education).
- Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French. Higher scores improve chances for approval.
- Settlement Funds: Show enough funds to support yourself and your family or have a valid job offer in Ontario.
- Legal Status in Canada (if applicable): If applying from within Canada, you must have legal status (work permit, study permit, or visitor record).
- Intent to Reside in Ontario: You must demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in Ontario after receiving permanent residence.
3. Employer Requirements
- The employer must be operating in Ontario for at least three years.
- They must have a genuine need for the position and prove efforts to hire locally before recruiting foreign workers.
- The company must meet minimum revenue and employee size requirements:
- Greater Toronto Area (GTA): At least $1 million in revenue and 5 full-time employees.
- Outside GTA: At least $500,000 in revenue and 3 full-time employees.
- Employers must comply with Ontario employment standards and regulations.
- The job offer must include standard employment benefits and not be dependent on commission-based earnings.
What is the processing time?
The processing time for the OINP In-Demand Skills Stream varies. On average:
- OINP assessment: 2–3 months
- OINP Approval (after assessment): 6–8 months
Total processing time may range from 8–12 months.
Occupation List (2024)
The following occupations are eligible under the OINP In-Demand Skills Stream:
Must be outside GTA
- NOC 14400 – Shippers and Receivers
- NOC 14402 – Production logistics workers
- NOC 65320 – Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations
- NOC 74200 – Railway yard and track maintenance workers
- NOC 74203 – Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers
- NOC 74204 – Utility maintenance workers
- NOC 74205 – Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
- NOC 75101 – Material handlers
- NOC 75211 – Railway and motor transport labourers
- NOC 75212 – Public works and maintenance labourers
- NOC 85102 – Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers
- NOC 94100 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94101 – Foundry workers
- NOC 94102 – Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters
- NOC 94103 – Concrete, clay and stone forming operators
- NOC 94104 – Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94105 – Metalworking and forging machine operators
- NOC 94106 – Machining tool operators
- NOC 94107 – Machine operators of other metal products
- NOC 94110 – Chemical plant machine operators
- NOC 94111 – Plastics processing machine operators
- NOC 94112 – Rubber processing machine operators and related workers
- NOC 94120 – Sawmill machine operators
- NOC 94121 – Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators
- NOC 94123 – Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders
- NOC 94124 – Woodworking machine operators
- NOC 94132 – Industrial sewing machine operators
- NOC 94140 – Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
- NOC 94142 – Fish and seafood plant workers
- NOC 94143 – Testers and graders, food and beverage processing
- NOC 94200 – Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers
- NOC 94201 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
- NOC 94202 – Assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance, apparatus and equipment manufacturing
- NOC 94203 – Assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers
- NOC 94204 – Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
- NOC 94205 – Machine operators and inspectors, electrical apparatus manufacturing
- NOC 94211 – Assemblers and inspectors of other wood products
- NOC 94212 – Plastic products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
- NOC 94213 – Industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators
- NOC 94219 – Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
- NOC 95100 – Labourers in mineral and metal processing
- NOC 95101 – Labourers in metal fabrication
- NOC 95102 – Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities
- NOC 95103 – Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing
- NOC 95104 – Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing
- NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing
- NOC 95107 – Labourers in fish and seafood processing
When is the Next OINP In-Demand Skills Stream Draw?
OINP draws do not follow a fixed schedule, but based on past trends, draws typically occur every 1–2 months. The next draw is expected in March or April 2025.
Predictions for Future Draws
- Ontario is likely to continue prioritizing construction and agriculture workers due to labor shortages.
- The minimum CRS-like score for nomination could stay low, making this stream accessible for candidates with lower qualifications.
- More frequent draws may happen in mid-2024 as Ontario seeks to fill essential job positions.
Want to check your eligibility? Use this OINP Points Calculator to estimate your score and improve your chances.
FAQs
1. Do I need a job offer for the OINP In-Demand Skills Stream?
Yes, a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in an in-demand occupation is required.
2. What is the minimum language requirement?
You must have a CLB 4 or higher in English or French.
3. Can I apply if I am outside Canada?
Yes, as long as you meet the work experience and job offer requirements.
4. How long does it take to get OINP nomination?
The OINP nomination process usually takes 2–3 months, followed by 6–8 months for permanent residence.
5. How much settlement funds do I need?
You need to show sufficient funds based on family size, following IRCC’s low-income cut-off (LICO) guidelines.
6. Can my employer support multiple applications?
Yes, but the employer must demonstrate the ability to support all workers and meet Ontario’s employment standards.
7. What happens if my application is refused?
You may reapply if you meet the eligibility criteria or submit a reconsideration request if you believe a mistake was made in processing.
Conclusion
The OINP In-Demand Skills Stream is an excellent pathway for workers in key sectors looking to settle in Ontario permanently. If you have experience in an eligible occupation and a valid job offer, this program can provide a smooth route to Canadian permanent residence.
