Maple News reports that the province of Ontario has issued 986 invitations to eligible Express Entry candidates under its Skilled Trades Stream as part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The draws took place on June 1, targeting individuals with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging from 300 to 379.
This latest round of invitations was extended to candidates who had submitted their Express Entry profiles between June 1, 2020, and June 1, 2021. Those invited are now eligible to apply for a provincial nomination, which, if granted, will add 600 CRS points to their Express Entry profile. This significant boost virtually ensures an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in an upcoming federal Express Entry draw.
Ontario’s Skilled Trades Stream is tailored for candidates currently residing in the province, with at least one year of cumulative full-time work experience—or the equivalent in part-time experience—in specific skilled trades. Eligible occupations fall under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups: Minor Group 633 (butchers and bakers), and Major Groups 72, 73, and 82, which include industrial, construction, and equipment operation trades.
Notably, candidates do not need a job offer to qualify under this stream, though they must meet both federal Express Entry and provincial criteria. The program presents a strong opportunity for experienced tradespeople looking to secure long-term residency in Canada.
To participate, candidates must start by creating a profile in the federal Express Entry system, which evaluates applicants based on education, work experience, age, language proficiency, and other human capital factors. From there, those who meet Ontario’s requirements may receive a provincial invitation.
Express Entry itself is not a standalone immigration program but rather an electronic application management system for three federal immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Those with high-ranking profiles are regularly selected to apply for permanent residence.
Candidates who received invitations from Ontario in this draw have 45 calendar days to submit a complete application for nomination.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments in Canada’s provincial and federal immigration programs, providing the latest insights for aspiring newcomers across various sectors.