Maple News reports that on September 22, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 72 invitations to immigration candidates under the In-Demand Skills stream. This marks the third draw using Ontario’s updated Expression of Interest (EOI) system, a newer approach that replaces the previous first-come, first-served application process. Through this system, candidates express their interest in obtaining a provincial nomination and are entered into a candidate pool from which invitations are periodically issued.
Out of the total, 65 invitations were issued in a general draw, while an additional 7 were extended through the Regional Immigration Pilot – a program aimed at addressing labor shortages in smaller communities outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This stream does not require candidates to meet a minimum EOI score to be eligible.
Invited candidates needed to have work experience in one of several identified in-demand occupations. These include roles in health care, agriculture, and manufacturing, especially outside the GTA. Specifically, these occupations fall under categories such as nurse aides, general farm workers, greenhouse workers, and a variety of machine operator roles in food processing, metalwork, plastics, electronics, and textiles.
The In-Demand Skills stream was created to address persistent labor shortages in jobs traditionally labeled as “low-skilled,” which are often overlooked in other immigration pathways. This unique program values provincial demand over skill classification, providing a pathway for foreign workers in critical roles that support Ontario’s economy.
To qualify, applicants must have a valid job offer in one of the eligible occupations and at least 1,200 hours of cumulative, paid Ontario work experience within the past three years. The work experience must be non-seasonal, though part-time work is permissible if it meets the required hours either through one or multiple jobs over an extended period.
Beyond work experience, applicants must meet additional eligibility requirements. These typically include a minimum education level equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma, a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 4 in all language skills, and sufficient funds to settle in the province. Other criteria such as a valid job offer and the intention to reside in Ontario also apply.
The In-Demand Skills stream continues to play a pivotal role in helping Ontario attract and retain talent in occupations vital to sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. As labor shortages persist in areas beyond major urban centers, programs like this remain essential to maintaining provincial growth and sustainability.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on provincial nominee draws and immigration program updates across Canada.