Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream – OINP Guide

Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trade streams are for foreign nationals with skilled trade experience in Ontario to apply for permanent residency.

To qualify, you need a valid profile in the IRCC Express Entry system and a Notification of Interest from Ontario. If nominated, your final step is applying to the federal government through IRCC for the decision on permanent residency.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Work Experience:

• You need at least 1 year of paid full-time work experience in Ontario Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 93 or Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks) in Ontario within the last 2 years.
• The work can be cumulative but must align with the occupations you identified in your Express Entry profile.
• Full-time work means a minimum of 30 hours per week, totaling at least 1,560 hours in a year.
• Part-time equivalent work is acceptable with specific hour requirements.

Note: Self-employment, co-op work terms, and volunteer work do not count.

2. Certificate or License (if applicable):

• If you claim experience in a compulsory trade, you must have a valid Ontario certificate or license during the claimed work period.

3. Residence and Legal Status:

• You must be living in Ontario and hold a valid work permit at the application time.
• Even if your work permit has expired, you can apply if you’ve submitted a renewal application to IRCC.

4. Language:

• Proficiency in English or French at CLB level 5 or higher is required.
• Acceptable tests include IELTS (General Training) or CELPIP for English, and TEF or TCF Canada for French.

5. Settlement Funds:

• Sufficient funds are necessary to support yourself and your dependents in Canada.
• Options include bank statements, annual earnings from employment in Ontario, or a job offer in Ontario.

Example: Job offer ($25,000) + Savings ($5,000) = Total settlement funds ($30,000).

Note: Large deposits may require additional documentation.

6. Intention to Live in Ontario:

• You must have the intention to live in Ontario, demonstrated through ties such as work history, job offers, studying, volunteering, property ownership, visits, and personal relationships.
• This can include working or have worked in Ontario, studying, volunteering, leasing or owning property or visiting.

Ontario Express Entry Streams uses CRS points, you can calculate your CRS points here to find your eligibility

How to Apply?

1. Expression of Interest (EOI):

Candidates in the Express Entry pool cannot directly apply to the OINP under the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream. First, candidates need to secure a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario through their IRCC online account.

2. Receiving NOI:

Once a candidate receives a NOI, they have 45 calendar days from the issuance date to proceed with the application.

3. Online Application Submission:

Candidates submit their application online through Ontario’s unique application management system OINP e-Filing Portal within the 45-day timeframe.

4. Document Preparation:

Before applying, candidates should gather all necessary paperwork and supporting documentation. Documents not in English or French must be translated, certified, and notarized if required.

5. Application Fee:

A non-refundable application fee of $1,500 is required.

6. OINP Review:

The submitted application undergoes review by the OINP.

7. CRS Points and ITA:

Successful candidates receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is issued in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.

8. Permanent Residence Application:

After receiving the ITA, candidates proceed to submit their application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

9. Processing Time:

IRCC aims to process the permanent residence application to completion within six months.

Calculate your OINP Scores through Ontario PNP Points Calculator

Eligible Occupation

To qualify for the Ontario Express Entry Trades Stream, applicant must have one year of work experience in Ontario, and it must be in one of the following occupations:

Processing Time: 3-6 Months

Application Fees: $1500 (Non Refundable)

FAQs

What is the NOC code for skilled trade in Ontario?

Skilled trades include all occupations within NOC minor group 633 (first three digits of the NOC Code) and all occupations within NOC major groups 72, 73, or 82 (first two digits of the NOC Code).

What are the requirements for Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trade stream?

The requirements for the Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream include having at least one year of work experience in a skilled trade in Ontario and meeting other eligibility criteria.

is it easy to get Ontario express entry skilled strade stream?

The ease of securing the Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream depends on individual qualifications and application competitiveness but if you have experience in high demand job, your chances of getting approval are more.