In a resounding declaration of its commitment to boosting its skilled workforce, Ontario has unveiled a game-changing opportunity for skilled trades candidates. The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) recently conducted a provincial draw under the Skilled Trades Stream, issuing a whopping 2,844 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) on August 3, 2023. These NOIs, equivalent to invitations to apply, were extended to candidates whose Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranged from 250 to 516, marking a substantial step toward addressing labor shortages.

The draw targeted individuals who had established profiles in the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry system between August 3, 2022, and August 3, 2023. This strategic move reinforces Ontario’s resolve to tap into a pool of highly skilled professionals, contributing to the province’s economic growth and fostering a thriving job market.

Candidates who received these coveted NOIs demonstrated proficiency in a range of trades vital to Ontario’s industrial landscape. Their work experiences aligned with the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, each a cornerstone of the province’s progress:

The List of Eligible NOC Codes:

• NOC 72010 – Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
• NOC 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
• NOC 72012 – Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
• NOC 72013 – Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
• NOC 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
• NOC 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
• NOC 72021 – Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
• NOC 72022 – Supervisors, printing and related occupations
• NOC 72024 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
• NOC 72101 – Tool and die makers
• NOC 72102 – Sheet metal workers
• NOC 72103 – Boilermakers
• NOC 72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
• NOC 72105 – Ironworkers
• NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
• NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
• NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians
• NOC 72203 – Electrical power line and cable workers
• NOC 72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
• NOC 72300 – Plumbers
• NOC 72301 – Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
• NOC 72310 – Carpenters
• NOC 72320 – Bricklayers
• NOC 72321 – Insulators
• NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
• NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
• NOC 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
• NOC 72403 – Railway carmen/women
• NOC 72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
• NOC 72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics
• NOC 72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
• NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics
• NOC 72423 – Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
• NOC 72500 – Crane operators
• NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers
• NOC 73101 – Tilesetters
• NOC 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
• NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
• NOC 73111 – Glaziers
• NOC 73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
• NOC 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
• NOC 73201 – General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
• NOC 73202 – Pest controllers and fumigators
• NOC 73209 – Other repairers and servicers
• NOC 73400 – Heavy equipment operators
• NOC 82031 – Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services.

Successful candidates, upon gaining provincial nomination through Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream, are poised to receive a monumental boost of 600 additional CRS points. This extraordinary advantage augments their competitive edge in the federal Express Entry system, significantly enhancing their chances of securing permanent residency.

Aspiring applicants are encouraged to meticulously review Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream criteria and adhere to the mandatory document checklist. The OINP e-Filing Portal provides a streamlined platform for new and returning users to navigate the application process seamlessly. It’s essential to understand that while a notification of interest signifies a significant step, it does not guarantee ultimate eligibility or application approval.

In response to the notification of interest, applicants are advised not to reach out to the program directly. Instead, they should diligently follow the prescribed application steps, aligning with OINP’s commitment to meticulous selection and fostering a mutually beneficial pathway for candidates and the province.

Ontario’s relentless pursuit of addressing skill shortages through the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream exemplifies the province’s progressive stance toward immigration. This strategic move not only addresses critical gaps in the workforce but also sets a precedent for other provinces aiming to attract top-tier skilled professionals.

As Canada continues to be a magnet for skilled immigrants, Ontario’s recent provincial draw showcases the province’s unwavering determination to be a frontrunner in the quest for skilled talent. Through its meticulously designed programs and incentives, Ontario is poised to shape its future workforce while solidifying its place as an economic powerhouse.