Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream Explained

This stream is aligned with Canada’s Express Entry immigration selection system. Successful applicants receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, usually followed by an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

It is worth noting that a job offer is not required in order to qualify under this stream. But a job offer from an Ontario employer can help you meet the criteria.

Do you prefer to learn by video? For a detailed overview of the Skilled Trades stream, we recommend this video guide from Deanne Acres-Lans, founder of Canada Abroad, an immigration consultancy based in Ontario, and one of Moving2Canada’s trusted partners:

Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Criteria

Applicants to this stream must:

• Have a valid profile in the Express Entry pool;
• Be eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC);*
• Indicate an interest in immigrating to either Ontario or “All Provinces and Territories” in the Express Entry profile; AND
• Have received a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario through the Express Entry online account.

There are also six additional criteria for anyone hoping to receive a provincial nomination through this category: 

Work Experience

Duration: You need at least one year of paid, full-time work in Ontario in an occupation listed in Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks) or Major Group 72, 73, 82, 83 or 93 (excluding air craft assembly assemblers and inspectors) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system (see below).

Time Frame: This experience must have been gained in Ontario within the last two years.

Part-Time Option: Part-time work that adds up to the same hours as full-time (1,560 hours) is acceptable, but must have been in the last two years.

Restrictions: Self-employment, volunteer work, or unpaid internships do not count.

Valid Certificate or License (if needed)

A trade license or certification from the Ontario College of Trades is required if you are working/have worked in an occupation in Ontario that requires a license or certification.

Living in Ontario

Residence: You must live in Ontario and have a valid work permit.

Maintained Status: If your work permit expired but you applied for renewal on time, you can still apply under “maintained status.”

Language Skills

You need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 or higher in either English or French.

Approved Tests: Tests include IELTS (General), CELPIP (General), and PTE Core for English or TEF and TEF Canada for French. 

Intention to Live in Ontario

You must also show your commitment to Ontario through job applications, studies, volunteering, property leases, or family ties.

Settlement Funds

You must show enough savings or income to support yourself and your dependents. This can include bank balances, income from your current work, or a job offer in Ontario. 

If you’re a construction professional currently looking for work in Ontario, consider connecting with our sister company Outpost Recruitment.

*Candidates not eligible under the CEC (i.e. candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Class and/or Federal Skilled Trades Class only) are not eligible under the Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream.

Some other things to note:

• There is an OINP application fee of $1,500.
• Potential applicants must have received a NOI from Ontario through their Express Entry account before they can apply to the OINP under the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream. The NOI is valid for 45 calendar days, which means that applicants must submit the application to the OINP within 45 days of receiving the NOI.
• There is a difference in settlement funds requirements between the federal Express Entry application for Canadian Experience Class, which does not have a funds requirement, and the provincial nomination application, which does have a funds requirement. Keep this in mind when you apply.

Eligible Occupations for the Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

The following occupation groups include a range of eligible occupations for the Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream.

Simply click on any group to view the list. The four-digit code accompanying each occupation is the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for that occupation.