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, followed by an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. In addition, it is worth noting that a job offer is not required in order to qualify under this stream.

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.

In addition, the following criteria must be met:

1. Work Experience: A minimum of 12 months of full-time (or the equivalent in part-time) work experience in Ontario within two years from the date on which the NOI from Ontario was issued. Work experience must be in a skilled trade 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).
2. Trade Certification (if required): A trade license or certification from the Ontario College of Trades if working/have worked in an occupation in Ontario that requires a license or certification.
3. Current Residence in Ontario: Currently residing in Ontario on a valid work permit.
4. Language: A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French.
5. Intent: An intention to live in Ontario.
6. Settlement Funds: A minimum level of savings or income.

*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.

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.