Ontario’s Skilled Trades Stream within the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) facilitates the immigration process for foreign nationals with relevant work experience in eligible skilled trades in Ontario.
To qualify, individuals must maintain an active profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario. Upon nomination by the Ontario government, applicants proceed to apply to the federal government through IRCC for permanent residency. The ultimate decision on permanent residency rests with IRCC.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program utilizes the federal Express Entry System to administer applications for several streams, including:
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream
- Human Capital Priorities stream
- Skilled Trades stream
To be eligible to apply for these streams, individuals must receive a notification of interest from the OINP and maintain an updated profile in the federal Express Entry system, reflecting their latest work experience, language proficiency test results, and education credentials.
It’s important to note that merely registering a profile in the Express Entry System does not constitute an application to the OINP or for permanent residency. Invitations are required to apply to these streams. We will get into the details of the Skilled Trades stream of OINP in this article.
Table of Contents
- Documents Needed for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
- Stream Requirements: Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades
- FAQs for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
Documents Needed for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
When submitting your application for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream of the OINP, it is essential to scan and upload copies of the following mandatory documents:
- Notification of interest from Ontario
- Applicant consent form
- Identity documents
- Documents related to your status in Canada
- Language test results
- Documents supporting your work history
- Documents demonstrating that you meet the settlement funds requirement
- Résumé
- Any other optional documents, if applicable
Stream Requirements: Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades
In this section, we will get into the detailed requirements candidates must meet to qualify for this stream. From work experience to language proficiency and settlement funds, each criterion plays a crucial role in determining eligibility. Understanding these requirements is the first step towards the path to permanent residency in Ontario through the Skilled Trades stream.
1. Work Experience
- Candidates must have at least one year of cumulative paid full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent) in eligible occupations within Ontario.
- Work experience must be acquired within the last two years before applying to the OINP.
- It must align with the occupations identified in the Express Entry profile.
- The work must be done while maintaining legal status in Canada.
- The work experience must add up to one year, but it does not need to be continuous.
- Certain criteria apply regarding full-time and part-time work experience, including minimum hours of work per week.
2. Valid Certificate or Licence (if applicable)
For candidates claiming work experience in a compulsory trade, a valid certificate or licence in Ontario is mandatory at the time of application. The certificate or licence must cover the period of work experience being utilized to meet the minimum one-year requirement.
3. Residence
Applicants must currently reside in Ontario and hold a valid work permit. Even if the work permit has expired, candidates may apply if they have submitted an application for renewal/extension before the expiry date, being considered under implied status. Having a job at the time of application is not mandatory.
4. Language Proficiency
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French at a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or higher. An approved language test must be taken, with results no older than two years from the application submission date.
5. Settlement Funds
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependent family members upon settlement in Canada. Acceptable proof includes bank statements, ongoing employment earnings in Ontario, or a job offer in Ontario.
6. Intention to Live in Ontario
Candidates must express a genuine intention to reside in Ontario post-permanent residency. Ties to Ontario such as employment history, job offers, educational pursuits, property ownership, and personal relationships are evaluated to determine this intention.
In conclusion, the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream provides an opportunity for qualified skilled tradespeople to pursue permanent residence in Ontario, Canada. This immigration pathway recognizes the importance of trade occupations to the province’s economy and labour market needs.
By submitting an Express Entry profile and obtaining a Notification of Interest from Ontario, skilled trades candidates with relevant work experience and education can earn valuable Comprehensive Ranking System points. This enhances their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Those interested in taking advantage of this stream should ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria regarding the required license, certification, and experience in a skilled trade occupation. Preparing a complete profile with all supporting documents is key to maximizing your Express Entry score.
FAQs for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
1. How do I know if I qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream?
A. To qualify for this stream, you must have at least one year of cumulative paid full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent) in eligible occupations within Ontario. Additionally, you need to maintain an active profile in the federal Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario.
2. What documents do I need to submit for the Skilled Trades Stream application?
A. Mandatory documents include notification of interest from Ontario, applicant consent form, identity and status documents, language test results, documents supporting your work history, documents demonstrating settlement funds, résumé, and any other optional documents if applicable.
3. Do I need a valid certificate or license for the Skilled Trades stream?
A. If you’re claiming work experience in a compulsory trade, you must possess a valid certificate or license in Ontario at the time of application. This certificate or license should cover the period of work experience being utilized to meet the minimum one-year requirement.
4. What are the language proficiency requirements for the Skilled Trades Stream?
A. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French at a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or higher. You’ll need to take an approved language test, and the results should not be older than two years from the application submission date.
5. How do I prove my intention to live in Ontario after obtaining permanent residency through Ontario PNP?
A. You can demonstrate your intention to reside in Ontario through various ties, including employment history, job offers, educational pursuits, property ownership, and personal relationships. These factors are evaluated as part of the application process.
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