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The Ontario government has announced a new stream to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) called the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream.
Applicants who are successful will profit from an additional 600 points through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). They will also receive an invitation to apply at a following draw from the federal Express Entry pool. For more information read our post on Ultimate Express Entry Document Checklist.
This new Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream came into effect on May 31, 2017.
Candidates who are eligible under the Canadian Experience Class are the only ones who will be considered for nomination under this new stream. Candidates must demonstrate a dee to live in Ontario or “all provinces and territories” within their Express Entry profile. Before submitting an application, the candidate must receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province of Ontario through his or her IRCC Express Entry online account.
Candidates need to also meet the following provincial criteria:
Residence Location: They must be currently living in Ontario with a valid work permit.
Work Experience: They must have at least 12 months of full-time (or the equivalent in part-time) work experience in the province of Ontario. This is required within two years from the date of the NOI issuance. This work experience must be in skilled trade that is listed in the Minor Group 633 or in the Major Group 72, 73 or 82 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Language: They must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or 5 in French or English. This proficiency must be proved by taking a standardized language test that is recognized by both the Ontario and Canadian government.
Intent: They must show the intention to live in Ontario.
Settlement Funds: They must have a minimum level of settlement funds.
Trade Certification (if required): They must hold a trade certification or licence from the Ontario College of Trades. This is only needed if the candidate has worked or is working in an occupation in Ontario that requires it.
The OINP will only issue NOIs to candidates who meets the above criteria and who are suitable under of the following NOC groups:
- Minor group 633: Butcher and bakers
- Major group 72: Industrial, electrical and construction trades
- Major group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Major group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production
Are you thinking about applying through the new Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld today!
