Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Targeted Draw Invites Candidates in Priority Occupations

On 29th April 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – which nominates foreign nationals who can contribute to Ontario’s economy for permanent residence to the federal government – issued 190 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to eligible candidates under the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream. This was a targeted draw, wherein only candidates qualified to practice certain priority occupations in Ontario were invited to apply for provincial nomination.

 

Only those who submitted Expressions of Interest under the Canada Express Entry System between 29th April 2019 and 29th April 2020 received Notifications of Interest. The Skilled Trades Stream of the OINP nominates foreign nationals who have work experience in Ontario in eligible skilled trades, and a valid Express Entry profile.

 

Aspirants who meet the mandatory requirements for this stream can simply submit an EOI, by fulfilling the eligibility criteria for the Canadian Experience class – one of the three federal Express Entry streams. The Ontario government searches through the federal Express Entry pool to identify prospective candidates. Those who seem eligible receive an NOI, which is essentially an invitation to apply to the OINP.

 

Within 45 days of receiving the NOI, candidates must submit a complete application to the OINP through the e-filing portal, by submitting supporting documents and the application fees ($1,500). If nominated, candidates will receive 600 additional points under the Comprehensive Rankings System. This will effectively guarantee being invited to apply for permanent residence by the federal authority – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.  

 

 

• Structural metal and plate work fabricators and fitters (NOC 7235)

• Ironworkers (NOC 7236)

• Electricians (NOC 7235)

• Electrical power line and cable workers (NOC 7244)

• Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (NOC 7252)

• Carpenters (NOC 7271)

• Concrete finishers (NOC 7282)

• Roofers (NOC 7291)

• Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (NOC 7302)

• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 7312)

• Refrigeration and AC mechanics (NOC 7313)

• Machine fitters (NOC 7316)

• Elevator constructors and mechanics (NOC 7381)

• Crane operators (NOC 7371)

 

This was the fourth OINP draw held in 2020. So far this year, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program has issued 1,440 NOIs to candidates under the Human Capital Priorities Stream, 242 NOIs to candidates under the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, and 26 NOIs to candidates under the Entrepreneur Stream. In 2019, the OINP issued a total of 7,391 nominations – the maximum among all Canadian provinces and territories.