Ontario held two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws last month.The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) had paused releasing draw info during the provincial government election, which ended on June 2.Ontario issued 57 invitations to apply to potential candidates in the Expression of Interest (EOI) system pool who may be eligible for the Employer Job OfferIn-Demand Skills stream with a score of 27 and above.
Then the OINP issued 535 notifications of interest to potential candidates who may be eligible for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 295 and 461.
In-Demand Skills Stream
The In-Demand Skills Stream focuses more on provincial demand than occupation skill level. Many immigration programs target occupations that the government considers to be “high skilled.” Yet, Ontario still has labour shortages in occupations that are considered to be “low skilled.”
In order to receive an invitation under this stream, candidates need to fill out a profile in Ontario’s EOI system. Ontario ranks candidates’ profiles based on its scoring matrix. It takes into account education, work experience, and intended destination in Ontario among other factors. The purpose is to support candidates who have the skills and experience to succeed in Ontario’s labour market.
Registering for the EOI system does not guarantee that candidates will be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Profiles are valid in Ontario’s EOI pool for 12 months. The OINP may contact registrants at any time to apply for a nomination.
Ontario’s Express Entry ‘Skilled Trades Stream’
The Skilled Trades Stream allows the OINP to search the Express Entry pool for candidates currently living in Ontario. The federal Express Entry system manages the pool of candidates for three of Canada’s main economic immigration categories —the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class.
To be eligible for the Skilled Trades Stream, candidates need a minimum of one-year full-time Ontario work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work in a skilled trade listed in Minor Group 633 or Major Group 72, 73, or 82 under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Candidates do not need a job offer to apply under either the Skilled Trades Stream, but they must meet all the mandatory federal and provincial program requirements.Candidates who are nominated for Canadian permanent residence through the Skilled Trades Stream receive an additional 600 CRS points and are effectively guaranteed an Invitation To Apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
