Maple News reports that the province of Ontario has conducted its inaugural draw through the newly integrated Expression of Interest (EOI) system under the In-Demand Skills stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This marks a significant development in Ontario’s immigration strategy, aimed at addressing critical labor market gaps across the health, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
The draw took place just weeks after Ontario debuted its updated intake system, designed to streamline applications for various Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. A total of 54 candidates were invited to apply for provincial nomination in this general draw. These individuals had Expression of Interest scores of at least 11. In a separate draw under Ontario’s Regional Immigration Pilot, one additional candidate was invited. Unlike other PNP streams, this pilot does not require a minimum EOI score.
Candidates selected in this round had prior work experience in occupations that are urgently needed in the province but are often classified as “low-skilled.” These include roles such as nurse aides (NOC 3413), home support workers (NOC 4412), general farm workers (NOC 8431), and nursery and greenhouse laborers (NOC 8432). Others were in food processing, including industrial butchers (NOC 9462) and harvesting laborers (NOC 8611).
In the manufacturing sector—specifically outside the Greater Toronto Area—Ontario extended invitations to candidates in machine operation, electronics assembly, chemical processing, metalwork, and more. Job roles included chemical plant machine operators (NOC 9421), machinists (NOC 9417), industrial painters (NOC 9536), and sewing machine operators (NOC 9446).
Those invited have 14 calendar days to submit a complete application for nomination under the Ontario PNP. A provincial nomination significantly boosts a candidate’s chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency through the federal immigration system by providing an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points under the Express Entry framework.
The In-Demand Skills stream is designed to support Ontario employers struggling to find local talent for essential jobs that often fall outside the traditional “high-skilled” immigration categories. It targets foreign workers with a valid job offer in one of the eligible occupations and requires proof of at least nine months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in Ontario within the past three years.
To qualify, applicants must also meet other eligibility requirements, including a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 in English or French, a secondary school diploma, and sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and any dependents.
This latest development underscores Ontario’s efforts to expand immigration pathways to support its economic recovery and tackle persistent labor shortages in vital sectors. It also demonstrates a more inclusive approach to immigration by acknowledging the contributions of occupations traditionally overlooked in federal programs.
Maple News will continue to monitor further rounds under the EOI-driven In-Demand Skills stream as Ontario ramps up efforts to attract workers in under-resourced sectors.