On September 22, Ontario invited 72 immigration candidates to apply for a provincial nomination through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This marks the third-ever In-Demand Skills stream draw under the province’s new intake system. The new Expression of Interest (EOI) system, replacing the old first-come-first-served model, allows interested candidates to register at any time for a chance to receive an invitation from Ontario. In other words, candidates can now “express their interest” to apply for a provincial nomination under an Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
General Draw and Regional Immigration Pilot
In the general draw, 65 candidates were invited. Additionally, Ontario held a draw for the Regional Immigration Pilot, inviting seven candidates. Notably, there is no EOI score requirement for this stream.
Occupations Invited
Invited candidates needed work experience in one of the following occupations, listed by sector according to their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
Health and Agricultural Occupations:
NOC 3413 – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
NOC 4412 – Home support workers and related occupations, excluding housekeepers
NOC 8431 – General farm workers
NOC 8432 – Nursery and greenhouse workers
NOC 8611 – Harvesting labourers
NOC 9462 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers
Manufacturing (Outside the Greater Toronto Area):
NOC 9411 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
NOC 9416 – Metalworking and forging machine operators
NOC 9417 – Machining tool operators
NOC 9418 – Other metal products machine operators
NOC 9421 – Chemical plant machine operators
NOC 9422 – Plastics processing machine operators
NOC 9437 – Woodworking machine operators
NOC 9446 – Industrial sewing machine operators
NOC 9461 – Process control and machine operators, food, beverage, and associated products processing
NOC 9523 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers
NOC 9526 – Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
NOC 9536 – Industrial painters, coaters, and metal finishing process operators
NOC 9537 – Other products assemblers, finishers, and inspectors
About the In-Demand Skills Stream
This immigration program focuses on provincial demand rather than occupation skill level. Many immigration programs target occupations considered “high skilled.” However, Ontario still faces labor shortages in occupations considered “low skilled.”
Enter the In-Demand Skills stream. Foreign workers with eligible job offers in Ontario can apply for a nomination with nine months of cumulative work experience in the province within the past three years. Seasonal work experience is not eligible. Part-time work may be eligible if the candidate completed the required number of work hours, which must equal either 1,200 hours of paid employment in one job over 18 months or 30 hours per week for nine months totaling 1,200 hours.
There are other eligibility requirements as well. Generally, candidates need a high school education, a language score of at least 4 in all proficiencies, and sufficient settlement funds, among other requirements.
List of In-Demand Occupations
Below is a list of in-demand occupations that qualify for the In-Demand Skills stream:
Health and Agricultural Occupations:
NOC 3413 – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
NOC 4412 – Home support workers and related occupations, excluding housekeepers
NOC 7441 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
NOC 7511 – Transport truck drivers
NOC 7521 – Heavy equipment operators (except crane)
NOC 8431 – General farm workers
NOC 8432 – Nursery and greenhouse workers
NOC 8611 – Harvesting labourers
NOC 7611 – Construction trades helpers and labourers
NOC 9462 – Industrial butchers, meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers
Available Only to Candidates Outside the Greater Toronto Area:
NOC 9411 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
NOC 9416 – Metalworking and forging machine operators
NOC 9417 – Machining tool operators
NOC 9418 – Other metal products machine operators
NOC 9421 – Chemical plant machine operators
NOC 9422 – Plastics processing machine operators
NOC 9437 – Woodworking machine operators
NOC 9446 – Industrial sewing machine operators
NOC 9461 – Process control and machine operators, food, beverage, and associated products processing
NOC 9523 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers
NOC 9526 – Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
NOC 9536 – Industrial painters, coaters, and metal finishing process operators
NOC 9537 – Other products assemblers, finishers, and inspectors
How Do You Get Points for Ontario Immigration?
Ontario ranks EOI profiles based on several human capital factors deemed important for selecting immigrants with the potential to thrive. Points are awarded for the skill level of your job offer and your Canadian work experience.
The OINP scoring system varies depending on the stream you apply for. Factors include skill level, work experience, wage, education, official language ability, and the region in which you study or work. Additionally, the province allocates 10 discretionary points to respond to labor market needs.
In conclusion, Ontario's proactive approach to addressing labor shortages through targeted PNP invitations highlights the importance of aligning immigration strategies with provincial economic needs. For candidates with the right skills and work experience, this presents a valuable opportunity to immigrate and contribute to Ontario’s growing economy.
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