Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
May 6, 2025
Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream is a component of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that works in conjunction with the federal Express Entry system to nominate eligible skilled trades professionals for permanent residence. This stream is specifically designed for individuals who have gained valuable work experience in eligible skilled trades within Ontario and meet the criteria of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. Candidates do not need a job offer at the time of application. To be eligible, applicants must have a valid profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario. A nomination from Ontario adds 600 points to the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly increasing their likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC. Ontario periodically searches the Express Entry pool for candidates who meet the specific requirements of this stream.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream, applicants must meet both the requirements of this OINP stream and the eligibility criteria for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the federal Express Entry system.
1. Express Entry Profile and Notification of Interest
Applicants must have a valid and active profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system and must meet the eligibility criteria for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Applicants must have received a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario through their IRCC online account under the Skilled Trades stream. Applications can only be submitted if an NOI has been received for this specific stream.
2. Work Experience in Ontario
Applicants must have at least one year of cumulative paid full‑time work experience (or the equivalent in paid part‑time work) in Ontario in eligible skilled trades within the three years prior to the date of the NOI.
Eligible skilled trades fall under specific Major and Minor Groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC): Major Group 72 (excluding occupations under transportation officers), Major Group 73, Major Group 82, Major Group 83, Major Group 93 (excluding aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors), or Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks).
If the NOI was part of a targeted draw, applicants may need to demonstrate that at least six months of their one year of eligible Ontario work experience is in their primary NOC code specified in the targeted draw.
3. Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to understand, read, write, and speak either English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher.
Valid language test results from a designated testing organization (e.g., IELTS General, CELPIP General for English; TEF Canada, TCF Canada for French) must be provided. The test must have been taken within two years prior to the OINP application submission date.
4. Intention to Reside in Ontario
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to reside permanently in Ontario.
5. No Job Offer Required (at the time of application)
Applicants are not required to have a job offer at the time they apply to this stream. However, their Ontario work experience in a skilled trade is a key requirement.
6. Admissibility to Canada
Applicants must be admissible to Canada and intend to reside in Ontario.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
The application process for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream involves the following steps.
Create an Express Entry Profile
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This includes having at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
Create a complete and accurate profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system. Include details of your Ontario skilled trades work experience, language test results, and any educational credentials.
Indicate Interest in Ontario
Within your Express Entry profile, indicate your interest in living in Ontario.
Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario
The OINP searches the Express Entry pool for candidates who meet the criteria of the Skilled Trades stream, including having eligible Ontario work experience.
If you are identified as a potential candidate, Ontario will send you an NOI through your IRCC online account.
Verify Ontario Stream Eligibility
Once you receive an NOI, carefully review the specific requirements for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream to ensure you meet all criteria, including the eligible NOC codes for your Ontario work experience and the minimum CLB 5 language proficiency. If the draw was targeted, confirm your primary work experience aligns with the target.
Submit an Online Application to the OINP
If you meet all the requirements, you can submit an online application to the OINP through the OINP e‑Filing Portal within 45 calendar days of receiving your NOI.
Complete all sections of the OINP online application form accurately.
Upload all required supporting documents, including proof of your Ontario skilled trades work experience (e.g., letters of employment, pay stubs), language test results, and other necessary documents as per the OINP document checklist.
Pay the non‑refundable OINP application processing fee.
OINP Application Assessment
The OINP will assess your application based on the information and documents you provided.
They may request additional information or documentation if needed.
Receive an OINP Nomination
If your application is approved, Ontario will notify you through your IRCC online account and issue a nomination certificate. This nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score in Express Entry.
Apply for Permanent Residence through IRCC
With the increased CRS score, you will likely receive an ITA for permanent residence from IRCC in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence to IRCC within the given timeframe.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Ineligible Ontario Work Experience: Ensure your one year of Ontario work experience is in one of the specified eligible skilled trades NOC codes. Experience in excluded NOCs (e.g., transportation officers, aircraft assemblers, cooks) does not qualify.
Insufficient Ontario Work Experience: You must have at least one year of cumulative full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) paid work experience in Ontario in an eligible skilled trade within the three years before the NOI.
Language Proficiency Below CLB 5: Achieve a minimum CLB 5 in either English or French in all four language abilities. Ensure your language test results are valid.
Not Meeting CEC Requirements: You must be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry, which includes the requirement of having at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
Invalid Express Entry Profile: Your Express Entry profile must be active and valid throughout the OINP application process. Ensure all information is up‑to‑date.
Applying Without an NOI: You must receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario for this specific stream before you can submit an application to the OINP.
Missed Application Deadline: You have 45 calendar days from the date of your NOI to submit your online application to the OINP.
Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: Provide accurate and complete information in both your Express Entry profile and your OINP application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a job offer to apply to this stream? No, you do not need a job offer at the time of application. The key requirement is your previous Ontario work experience in an eligible skilled trade.
Which skilled trades are eligible under this stream? Eligible trades are those under specific Major and Minor Groups of the NOC: Major Group 72 (excluding transportation officers), 73, 82, 83, 93 (excluding specific assembly occupations), and Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks). Refer to the full list on the OINP website.
Does my Ontario work experience need to be continuous? No, the one year of Ontario work experience can be cumulative, and part‑time work equivalent to one year of full‑time work is also acceptable.
Which language tests are accepted? For English, IELTS General, CELPIP General, and PTE Core are accepted. For French, TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted. Ensure your test is valid and meets the CLB 5 requirement.
What if I am currently working in a skilled trade in Ontario on a work permit? If you meet the other eligibility criteria, including having at least one year of Ontario work experience in an eligible trade and a valid Express Entry profile under CEC, you can be eligible for this stream upon receiving an NOI.
What is a targeted draw for the Skilled Trades stream? Ontario may conduct targeted draws for specific skilled trades that are facing higher demand in the province. If you receive an NOI under a targeted draw, you may need to demonstrate that a specific portion of your Ontario work experience is in the targeted NOC code.
Conclusion
Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream provides a crucial pathway to permanent residence for skilled trades professionals with valuable experience gained in Ontario. By focusing on Ontario work experience in eligible trades and meeting the Express Entry requirements for the Canadian Experience Class, this stream helps retain skilled workers who are essential to the province’s economy. Ensuring that the work experience qualifies under the specified NOC codes and maintaining a valid Express Entry profile are key steps for a successful application.
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