Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

What is the OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades?

The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is a program under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that lets skilled trades workers who have already gained at least one year of paid full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) work experience in an eligible trade in Ontario apply for a provincial nomination and then permanent residence via the Express Entry system.

Important: This stream is often mistaken for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, but they are separate programs with different application processes and eligibility requirements.

OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream Draw History

Requirements to Apply

Requirements for all Ontario’s Express Entry streams through OINP

• Create an Express Entry profile through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and be part of the express entry pool before you can receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario.
• Complete IRCC’s eligibility questionnaire to determine which federal programs you may qualify for.
• Before creating your profile, you must:
  • Take an approved language test (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP)
  • Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was completed outside Canada
  • Find the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for your past work experience
• Indicate interest in Ontario (or all provinces) when setting up your Express Entry profile.
• Provide truthful and accurate information—false or misleading details can lead to refusal, cancellation of nomination, and a five-year ban from applying to immigrate to Canada.
• To be eligible for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, you must specifically meet the requirements of the Canadian Experience Class.

1. Work Experience

• Duration: You need at least one year of cumulative, paid, full-time work in Ontario in an occupation listed in Major Groups 72 (excluding occupations under transportation officers), 73, 82, 83, 93 (excluding aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors) or Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system (see below).
• Time Frame: This experience must have been gained in Ontario within the last two years before submitting your application.
• 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.

2. Valid Certificate or License (if needed)

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

3. 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.”

4. Language Skills

• You need to provide the results of an approved English or French language test before you submit your application.
• 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.

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5. Intention to Live in Ontario

You must also show your commitment to Ontario, you can demonstrate this by providing documents such as job applications, studies, volunteering, property leases, or family ties.

6. 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.

Other important considerations

1. 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.
2. There is an OINP application fee of $1,500.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. All documents submitted with your application must be clear, easy to read, and provided in the required format to prevent any delays in processing.
   Also, all documents must be translated into English or French before submission. If you need professional translation services, click here to get a quote from one of our trusted partners

Eligible Occupations – OINP Skilled Trade list

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.

1. Butchers and bakers (minor group 6320 excluding cooks)

• 63201 — Butchers – retail and wholesale
• 63202 — Bakers

Industrial, electrical and construction trades (major group 72, excluding occupations under transportation officers)

General trades (major group 73)

Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production (major group 82)

Occupations in natural resources and related production (major group 83)

Central control and process operators (major group 93, excluding aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors)