On August 22, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream. This initiative aims to attract skilled trades workers to fill crucial positions in Ontario’s labor market.
Who Was Invited?
Candidates were invited based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, with only those scoring between 400 and 435 receiving a notification of interest. To be eligible, candidates must have work experience in one of the specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes listed by the OINP. This targeted selection focuses on trades that are in high demand across various industries in Ontario.
List of Eligible Occupations
The invited occupations span a wide range of skilled trades, including:
- Construction and Maintenance: Contractors, supervisors, and workers in machining, electrical, carpentry, pipefitting, and mechanics.
- Machining and Fabrication: Machinists, tool and die makers, sheet metal workers, boilermakers, and ironworkers.
- Electrical and Telecommunications: Electricians, industrial electricians, electrical power line workers, and telecommunications technicians.
- Plumbing and HVAC: Plumbers, steamfitters, gas fitters, and heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics.
- Construction and Building: Carpenters, bricklayers, roofers, glaziers, and other construction-related trades.
- Heavy Equipment and Operators: Heavy equipment operators, crane operators, and drillers in mining and construction.
- Maintenance and Installation: General building maintenance workers, residential and commercial installers, and other repair and service occupations.
In total, over 60 different NOC codes were targeted in this draw, reflecting the diverse need for skilled trades in the province.
Eligibility and Application Process
Candidates who received a notification of interest must have the relevant work experience listed as their primary NOC in their Express Entry profile. At least six months of their one-year eligible work experience must be in this primary NOC. Those invited to apply through this stream should:
- Review the Requirements: Check Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream page to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents as per the checklist provided by the OINP.
- Submit the Application: Log in to the OINP e-Filing Portal and complete the application process.
Important Considerations
Receiving a notification of interest does not guarantee that an applicant meets the stream’s criteria or that their application will be approved. It merely indicates that the candidate is invited to apply, and their application will be reviewed based on the stream’s specific requirements.
Why This Matters
Ontario’s economy relies heavily on skilled trades workers to support its infrastructure, manufacturing, and service industries. By targeting these specific occupations, the OINP is addressing current labor market needs and ensuring that businesses in the province have access to a skilled workforce. This draw is part of Ontario’s ongoing efforts to attract talent and fill labor shortages in crucial sectors.
If you received a notification of interest on August 22, 2024, you’re encouraged to proceed with the application process through the OINP e-Filing Portal. No further action is needed unless specified in the notification.
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