Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream: A Pathway to Permanent Residency

What Is It?

Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is a key immigration pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It allows skilled workers with relevant Ontario work experience in eligible trades to apply for permanent residency.

To be eligible, you must:
✔ Have a valid Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
✔ Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario
✔ Submit an online application for a provincial nomination

If nominated, you can apply for permanent residency through IRCC, which makes the final decision.

Stream Requirements

To qualify under this stream, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Work Experience Requirements

✅ At least one year of paid, full-time work (or equivalent part-time) in Ontario in an eligible Skilled Trades Occupation. These include:

• NOC Major Groups: 72 (excluding transportation officers), 73, 82, 83, 93 (excluding aircraft assemblers & inspectors)
• NOC Minor Group: 6320 (excluding cooks)

✅ Work experience must be:

• Gained in Ontario within the last two years
• Related to occupations listed in your Express Entry profile
• Legal work experience obtained while holding valid status in Canada

✅ Part-time experience counts if it adds up to:

• 1,560 hours in two years (working 15+ hours per week)
• OR multiple jobs adding up to 1,560 hours in one year (30+ hours per week)

Note:
❌ Work experience gained while studying full-time does not qualify
❌ Self-employment, volunteer work, and unpaid internships do not count
❌ Work experience in compulsory trades is only valid if obtained after certification in Ontario

2. License or Valid Certification (If Applicable)

If your occupation falls under a compulsory trade, you must have a valid certificate or license in Ontario at the time of application. Additionally, you must have held a valid certification during the entire period of your claimed one year of work experience in a skilled trade.

➡️ Check if your trade requires a license before applying.

3. Residency & Legal Status

✅ You must be living in Ontario and hold a valid work permit at the time of application.

If your work permit expired, you may still apply if you submitted a renewal/extension request to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before the expiry date. In this case, you will have maintained status, allowing you to stay and work in Canada under the same conditions until a decision is made.

⚠️ You do not need a job at the time of application.

4. Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate language skills in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher.

To prove this, you must take an approved language test within two years before submission.

✔ Accepted English Tests:

• IELTS (General Training only) – No One Skill Retake allowed
• CELPIP (General test only)
• PTE Core (Not PTE Academic)

✔ Accepted French Tests:

• TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
• TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)

➡️ Ensure your test results are valid before applying.

5. Settlement Funds Requirement

You must prove you have enough funds to support yourself and your dependent family members upon settling in Canada.

✔ Acceptable proof includes:
💰 Bank statements showing available balance or investments
💼 Annual earnings from a job in Ontario
📄 A valid job offer in Ontario

📌 Example:
If your required settlement amount is $29,000 CAD, you can meet this through:

• A job offer with a $25,000 annual salary
• A $5,000 savings balance
  Total: $30,000 CAD → You qualify!

⚠️ If your bank statements show a large one-time deposit, additional documentation may be required to verify the source of funds.

To qualify for immigration, you must show proof of minimum settlement funds based on your family size. If you have more money available, list the full amount in your application or Express Entry profile.

Minimum Required Funds (Updated June 3, 2024)

✅ Acceptable proof of funds includes:

• Bank statements showing the available balance
• Investment statements (e.g., fixed-term deposits, mutual funds)
• Proof of employment income in Ontario
• A valid job offer in Ontario

💡 Tip: Ensure your financial documents are up to date and clearly show available funds. If you have a large one-time deposit, you may need to provide additional proof of its source.

➡️ Check the latest settlement fund requirements before applying.

6. Intention to Settle in Ontario

To qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, you must demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in Ontario after receiving permanent residence.

The Ontario government assesses this by reviewing your connections to the province, which may include:

✅ Employment & Job Search:

• Currently working or having past work experience in Ontario
• Receiving job offers or attending job interviews in the province

✅ Education & Community Involvement:

• Studying at an Ontario institution
• Volunteering in local organizations

✅ Residency & Property Ownership:

• Renting or owning property in Ontario
• Regularly visiting the province

✅ Social & Professional Ties:

• Having family members, personal relationships, or social networks in Ontario
• Being part of professional organizations or business associations

💡 Tip: Strengthening your ties to Ontario can enhance your chances of nomination under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

➡️ Make sure your application clearly shows your commitment to settling in Ontario!

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Draw Requirements

Your Notification of Interest (NOI) date determines the draw’s eligibility requirements. Visit the OINP Program Updates page to verify details before applying.

Next Steps

1️⃣ Check if you meet all requirements
2️⃣ Apply for nomination through the OINP e-Filing Portal
3️⃣ If nominated, submit your permanent residency application to IRCC

This program is an excellent opportunity for skilled trades workers to secure a long-term future in Ontario. Stay updated with OINP’s latest requirements to ensure a smooth application process.

Steps to apply

Before You Apply: Steps to Qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Streams

To apply for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, you must first create a profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s Express Entry System.

1️⃣ Create an Express Entry Profile

Before Ontario can invite you to apply, you must:
✅ Complete IRCC’s online questionnaire to determine your eligibility for federal immigration programs.
✅ Take a language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF Canada).
✅ Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was completed outside Canada.
✅ Identify your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code based on your work experience.
✅ Indicate Ontario or “All Provinces and Territories” as your preferred immigration destination.

🚨 Important: Your Express Entry profile must contain accurate and truthful information. Any false or misleading details could result in:
❌ Refusal of your Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) application
❌ Withdrawal of your nomination
❌ A 5-year ban from applying for immigration to Canada

2️⃣ Meet the Requirements of a Federal Immigration Program

To qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry streams, you must also meet the eligibility criteria for one of these federal programs:
🔹 Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
🔹 Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

⚠️ For the Skilled Trades Stream, you must qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

💡 Tip: Ensure your Express Entry profile is complete and up to date before applying to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

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Notifications of Interest (NOI) & How to Apply

How the OINP Selects Candidates

Ontario regularly searches IRCC’s Express Entry pool to identify candidates who meet the criteria for one of Ontario’s Express Entry streams.

✅ If selected, you will receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) in your IRCC online account, inviting you to apply for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

After You Create an Express Entry Profile

📌 Important Notes:

• An Express Entry profile does not guarantee an invitation from OINP.
• Receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) does not guarantee a provincial nomination.
• You must meet all stream requirements at the time of application, including the qualifications listed in your Express Entry profile.

🚨 Warning:
Providing false, inaccurate, or misleading information in your Express Entry profile can result in:
❌ Application refusal
❌ Potential penalties or prosecution

🔍 Check the OINP Express Entry Notifications of Interest page for the latest draw results.

If You Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI)

✅ You must submit your application within 45 calendar days of receiving the NOI.
✅ Follow the OINP Express Entry system application instructions carefully.
✅ Ensure you meet the requirements for both:

• The OINP stream you were invited under.
• The specific draw criteria (check the date of your NOI on the OINP Program Updates page).

📢 Tip: Start gathering documents immediately after receiving your NOI to avoid delays.

After You Apply

Application Submission & Status Updates

📩 Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

🔎 You can track your application status anytime through your OINP e-Filing Portal account.

📅 For updates on processing times, visit the OINP Application Processing Times page.

What Happens if You Are Nominated?

✅ If your application is successful, you will receive:

• A Nomination Approval Letter 📄
• A Nomination Certificate 🏆

📌 Your nomination details will be added to the IRCC Express Entry system, and you will get a notification in your IRCC online account.

🕒 You have 30 calendar days to accept or refuse the nomination in the Express Entry system.

🔺 If you accept the nomination, you will receive:
✔️ 600 additional CRS points
✔️ An Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence from IRCC in the next draw

🕒 After receiving an ITA, you have 60 calendar days to submit your Permanent Residence application to IRCC.

🚨 A nomination does NOT guarantee permanent residence approval. IRCC makes the final decision.

Withdrawing Your Application

🛑 If you wish to withdraw your application:

• Click the “Withdraw” button next to your file number in the OINP e-Filing Portal.

💰 Application Fee Refund Policy:

• You will only receive a refund if you withdraw before your application is processed.

Updating Personal Information

📢 You must notify the OINP of any personal information changes, including:
✔️ Contact details (phone, email, address)
✔️ Immigration status (e.g., expired or updated work permit)
✔️ Family composition changes, such as:

• Marriage or common-law relationship 💍
• Birth of a child 👶
• Divorce or separation 💔
• Change of custody 🏠
• Death of a family member ⚰️

🖥️ How to update your contact details (phone/email/country of residence):

1. Log in to your OINP e-Filing Portal
2. Click on “My Profile”
3. Update your details & click “Save”

✍️ For other updates (e.g., name correction):

• Complete the Change of Personal Information Form
• Submit it via the OINP Webform
• For name/date of birth corrections, attach a passport copy

🚨 Failure to report changes may impact your application outcome.

Maintaining a Valid Express Entry Profile

Your Express Entry profile must remain valid from application submission until nomination.

📌 If your Express Entry profile expires before you apply or during processing:

• Update your profile details under the “General Information” section of your OINP application.
• Notify OINP immediately via the OINP e-Filing Portal.

📝 Required Documents for Profile Updates:
📄 A letter from IRCC confirming your new Express Entry number and Job Seeker Validation Code
📄 A letter from IRCC explaining why your old profile was ineligible

🚨 Failure to update your Express Entry profile may result in application rejection.

If You Receive an ITA While Your OINP Application is in Progress

If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC while your OINP application is still being processed:

You must choose to:
1️⃣ Reject the ITA from IRCC and continue with the OINP process.

• Submit a webform request to OINP with a screenshot showing you rejected the ITA.
  2️⃣ Withdraw your OINP application and proceed with your ITA.

Requesting a Transfer to a New Express Entry Profile

If your original Express Entry profile becomes ineligible, you may request to transfer your nomination to a new profile.

📝 Required Documents for Transfer Requests:
📄 A letter from IRCC confirming your new Express Entry number and Job Seeker Validation Code
📄 A letter from IRCC explaining why your old profile became ineligible

✅ Submit your request via the OINP Webform.

Requesting a Nomination Extension

If your Permanent Residence (PR) application was returned as incomplete or you faced delays (e.g., waiting for police certificates 📝), you can request an extension of your nomination certificate.

📝 Required Documents for Extension Requests:
📄 A letter of explanation describing the reason for your request
📄 A copy of the IRCC letter stating why your PR application was returned

✅ Submit your request via the OINP Webform.

Approval & Nomination Conditions

📝 Until you become a permanent resident, you must:
✔️ Demonstrate a reasonable intention to live in Ontario

If Your Application is Unsuccessful

If your application is refused, you will receive a decision email from OINP.

📌 If you believe there was an error, you may request an Internal Review (IR) within 30 calendar days.

📝 How to Request an Internal Review:

1. Log into the OINP e-Filing Portal
2. Click on “Internal Review (IR)” under the “Action” column
3. Complete the Notice of Request Form and upload relevant documents
4. Submit your request online

📌 Review Guidelines:

• Clearly explain the error that led to the refusal.
• Do NOT submit new documents that were unavailable during your original application.
• Decisions from the internal review are final.

🚨 Internal Review requests must be submitted via the OINP e-Filing Portal. Requests by email, fax, or mail are not accepted.

🔍 You can check the status of your Internal Review request online in the OINP e-Filing Portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions