October 8, 2024 – The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has announced new rounds of invitations under the Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker Stream, targeting skilled trades and priority occupations. This latest invitation round aims to help fill the province’s labor market needs by attracting highly skilled candidates.
Candidates were invited if they had job offers in key National Occupational Codes (NOCs), and depending on their stream, they needed a minimum score of either 48 or 52 to qualify for an invitation.
Skilled Trades: A Growing Opportunity in Ontario
The skilled trades continue to play a crucial role in Ontario’s growing economy, particularly in sectors such as construction, mechanical engineering, and electrical work. Candidates with a minimum score of 48 and job offers in one of the following NOCs received invitations to apply:
| NOC Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 22212 | Drafting technologists and technicians |
| 22301 | Mechanical engineering technologists |
| 70010 | Construction managers |
| 72100 | Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors |
| 72200 | Electricians (except industrial and power systems) |
| 72400 | Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
| 72310 | Carpenters |
| 72410 | Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics |
| … | … (More skilled trades NOCs listed) |
This invitation round provides opportunities to professionals in a wide range of trades, from construction managers to welders and industrial mechanics, reflecting Ontario’s need for infrastructure and manufacturing expertise.
Priority Occupations Invited: Expanding Ontario’s Workforce
In addition to skilled trades, invitations were extended to candidates with priority occupations. Candidates in this category needed a minimum score of 52 and job offers in one of the following high-demand NOCs:
| NOC Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 00015 | Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities |
| 12200 | Accounting technicians and bookkeepers |
| 10010 | Financial managers |
| 21300 | Civil engineers |
| 11200 | Human resources professionals |
| 41200 | University professors and lecturers |
| 21102 | Geoscientists and oceanographers |
| 20010 | Engineering managers |
| … | … (More priority occupations listed) |
These priority occupations include jobs in management, finance, human resources, and engineering, aimed at attracting talent that will support Ontario’s growing economy across a broad range of industries.
Important Notes for Applicants
As of April 10, 2024, all applications under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream must include the updated Application for Approval of Employment Position (Employer Form). Submitting older versions of this form will result in the application being returned as incomplete, and the fee will be refunded.
Next Steps for Invited Candidates
If you have received an invitation to apply under the Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker Stream, you are required to:
- Review the stream’s eligibility requirements.
- Ensure you have all mandatory documents by referring to the document checklist.
- Log in to the OINP e-Filing Portal to access your new application file (noting that your previous Expression of Interest (EOI) file number will be greyed out).
Targeted Invitations: Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP)
In a special category, two candidates were invited under the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP), part of the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. EMPP seeks to support skilled refugees in entering the workforce by linking them with employers who have labor shortages.
Best Practices for Success in Ontario’s Immigration Process
Candidates aiming for future invitations should focus on the following best practices:
- Update Your Profile Regularly: Keep your EOI profile updated with your most recent experience, job offers, and qualifications to maximize your chances of receiving an invitation.
- Stay Informed of NOC Changes: NOC codes are updated periodically, and staying aware of shifts in occupational demand will help you align your profile with in-demand roles.
- Ensure Application Completeness: Before submitting, double-check that you’ve uploaded the correct forms and documents to avoid processing delays.
Future-Ready Jobs in Ontario’s Economy
As Ontario continues to face workforce shortages in construction, technology, and management, streams like the Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker Stream play a pivotal role in filling those gaps. The provincial government is focusing on skilled trades and priority occupations that will support Ontario’s growth in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and education.
With emerging technologies and digital transformation influencing industries, there is a growing need for occupations in fields such as mechanical engineering, human resources, financial management, and construction management.
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