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In a recent development, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) carried out a highly anticipated draw under its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream. The latest draw, held on August 03, 2023, witnessed an impressive number of invitations being extended to a total of 2,844 candidates.
For applicants to be considered eligible for this invitation round, they needed to obtain a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 250. The Ontario draw specifically targeted a wide range of 46 National Occupational Codes (NOCs). The OINP conducted its sixth iteration of the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream draw in 2023.
Current Ontario Draw: Key Highlights
- Date of Notifications of Interest (NOIs) issued: August 03, 2023
- Total number of NOIs issued: 2,844
- CRS score range: 250 – 516
- Profiles created in IRCC’s Express Entry system: August 03, 2022 – August 03, 2023
- Type of Draw: Targeted
Occupations Invited
The draw invited candidates with work experience in specific National Occupational Codes (NOCs).
To qualify for this targeted draw, applicants also needed to possess relevant work experience within the selected NOCs, falling under the OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream:-
- NOC 72010 – Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
- NOC 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades, and telecommunications occupations
- NOC 72012 – Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- NOC 72013 – Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
- NOC 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and servicers
- NOC 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- NOC 72021 – Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
- NOC 72022 – Supervisors, printing, and related occupations
- NOC 72024 – Supervisors, motor transport, and other ground transit operators
- NOC 72101 – Tool and die makers
- NOC 72102 – Sheet metal workers
- NOC 72103 – Boilermakers
- NOC 72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- NOC 72105 – Ironworkers
- NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians
- NOC 72203 – Electrical power line and cable workers
- NOC 72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
- NOC 72300 – Plumbers
- NOC 72301 – Steamfitters, pipefitters, and sprinkler system installers
- NOC 72310 – Carpenters
- NOC 72320 – Bricklayers
- NOC 72321 – Insulators
- NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- NOC 72402 – Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
- NOC 72403 – Railway carmen/women
- NOC 72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- NOC 72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics
- NOC 72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers
- NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics
- NOC 72423 – Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, and other related mechanics
- NOC 72500 – Crane operators
- NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers
- NOC 73101 – Tilesetters
- NOC 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers
- NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
- NOC 73111 – Glaziers
- NOC 73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
- NOC 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- NOC 73201 – General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
- NOC 73202 – Pest controllers and fumigators
- NOC 73209 – Other repairers and servicers
- NOC 73400 – Heavy equipment operators
- NOC 82031 – Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services
Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream: Eligibility
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) now incorporates a dedicated stream for skilled trades workers. This development caters to individuals with work experience in eligible trade occupations who aspire to immigrate to Ontario. To be deemed eligible, applicants need to:
- Maintain an active and valid profile in the Express Entry pool.
- Satisfy the prerequisites of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Express an interest in settling either in Ontario or “All Provinces and Territories” in your Express Entry profile.
- Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario through your Express Entry online account.
Furthermore, it is essential to meet the following criteria:
- Work Experience: Accumulate a minimum of 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in Ontario within two years from the date of receiving the NOI from OINP. This experience should be in a skilled trade occupation listed in Minor Group 6320 or Major Group 72, 73, 82, 83, or 93 of the NOC system.
- Trade Certification (if required): Hold a trade license or certification from the Ontario College of Trades if you work or have worked in an occupation in Ontario that mandates the possession of a license or certification.
- Current Residence in Ontario: At the time of application, you need to be residing in Ontario under a valid work permit.
- Language: Attain a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in either English or French.
- Intent: Display a genuine intention to settle in Ontario.
- Settlement Funds: Show evidence of possessing a minimum level of savings or income.
The OINP’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream presents foreign nationals with an attractive opportunity to apply for permanent residency, enabling them to live and work in the thriving province of Ontario. If nominated, the subsequent step would entail submitting an application to the federal government through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Ultimately, the IRCC is responsible for the final decision concerning permanent residency.
With the Ontario draw and Ontario Express Entry Draw providing a platform for skilled trades workers to realize their dreams of building a successful career and life in Ontario, it is an opportune time to seize this chance and embark on a remarkable journey towards creating your desired future in this vibrant Canadian province.