Ontario’s Skilled Trades Stream (OINP EE)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers an opportunity through its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, designed specifically for foreign nationals with work experience in eligible skilled trades.

What is the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream?

The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is a pathway under the OINP that allows skilled tradespeople with work experience in Ontario to apply for permanent residency. This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, meaning you’ll need a valid profile in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry pool and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario before applying.

Once nominated by Ontario, you’ll take the final step of applying for permanent residency through IRCC, who makes the ultimate decision. The best part? You don’t need a job offer to apply, making this an accessible option for many skilled workers already living and working in Ontario.

Steps to Apply: Are You Eligible?

To qualify for the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, you must meet specific requirements. Let’s walk through them step-by-step to ensure you’re on the right track.

1. Work Experience

Your work experience is the cornerstone of your application. Here’s what you need:

At least one year of cumulative paid full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time work) in Ontario within the last two years from your application date.
The work must be in one or more eligible skilled trades occupations listed in your Express Entry profile, specifically in:
- Major Groups 72 (excluding transportation officers)
- Major Groups 73, 82, 83, 93 (excluding aircraft assemblers and inspectors)
- Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks) of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
If you received an NOI from a targeted draw, at least six months of your work experience must be in your primary NOC.
The work must have been completed while maintaining legal status in Canada.
Full-time work means at least 30 hours per week, totaling 1,560 hours in one year. For part-time, this could mean 15 hours per week for two years or multiple jobs totaling 30 hours per week for one year.
Important notes:
- The work experience must span at least one year (work totaling 1,560 hours in less than a year doesn’t count).
- For compulsory trades, only experience gained after obtaining a valid Ontario certificate or license qualifies.
- Work during full-time studies (e.g., co-op terms), self-employment, volunteer work, or unpaid internships do not count.
- Standard leaves (e.g., vacation, sick leave) don’t interrupt your work experience, but extended leaves do.

2. Valid Certificate or License (if applicable)

If your work experience is in a compulsory trade (e.g., electrician, plumber), you must hold a valid Ontario certificate or license at the time of application, covering the period of work experience used to meet the one-year requirement. Not sure if your trade is compulsory? We can help you confirm!

3. Current Residence and Legal Status in Ontario

You must be living in Ontario with a valid work permit when you apply. If your work permit has expired but you’ve applied to IRCC to renew or extend it before expiry, you’re considered to have maintained status and can still apply. You don’t need to have a job at the time of application, which offers flexibility. For francophone applicants, learn more about maintaining legal work status in our blog on the Francophone Mobility Work Permit.

4. Language Proficiency

You’ll need to prove you can read, write, speak, and understand either English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher. This requires taking an approved language test within two years of your application submission. Accepted tests include:

English:
- IELTS General Training (not One Skill Retake)
- CELPIP General
- PTE Core (not PTE Academic)
French:
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada

Our team can guide you on choosing the right test and preparing effectively.

5. Settlement Funds

You must show you have enough money to support yourself and any dependent family members (spouse, common-law partner, and children under 22, including their children) when settling in Canada. You can meet this requirement through:

Bank statements or investment accounts (e.g., mutual funds, non-locked-in deposits).
Annual earnings from ongoing employment in Ontario.
A job offer in Ontario.

For example, if you need $29,000 based on your family size, a combination of a $25,000 annual job offer and $5,000 in savings would suffice. Be prepared to provide additional documentation if your bank statements show large, one-time deposits.

6. Intention to Live in Ontario

You must demonstrate a genuine intention to live in Ontario after receiving permanent residency. This can be shown through ties like:

Current or past employment in Ontario.
Job applications or offers.
Studying, volunteering, or owning/leasing property.
Professional networks, family ties, or personal relationships.

Our consultants can help you gather evidence to strengthen this part of your application.

Compulsory vs. Non-Compulsory Trades

When applying through the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, understanding the difference between compulsory and non-compulsory trades is key, as it impacts your eligibility and application requirements.

Compulsory Trades

In Ontario, there are 23 compulsory trades, such as plumber, electrician, steamfitter, and hairstylist. To work in these trades, you must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification, Provisional Certificate of Qualification, or Registered Training Agreement. For immigration purposes:

If your work experience is in a compulsory trade, you must have a valid Ontario certificate or license at the time of application, even if you’re no longer working in that trade. This certificate must also cover the period of work experience used to meet the one-year requirement.
Advantages:
- Compulsory trades often have a clearer pathway to certification, which can strengthen your application.
- Some regions in Ontario have higher demand for these trades, potentially improving job prospects.
Challenges:
- Strict licensing requirements mean you must maintain valid certification, which can involve exams or apprenticeships.

Non-Compulsory Trades

Ontario recognizes 121 non-compulsory trades, including roles like cook, welder, carpenter, heavy equipment operator, and Child and Youth Worker. Certification is optional for these trades, though some offer Certificates of Qualification through voluntary exams. Key points:

You don’t need to be a registered apprentice or certified journeyperson to work in these trades, making entry into the workforce easier.
Be cautious: Some occupations within a major group may be compulsory. For example:
- Baker and chef are non-compulsory, but baker-patissier is compulsory.
- Electrician roles like construction millwright or industrial electrician are non-compulsory, but electrician in construction and maintenance or domestic and rural is compulsory.
- Motive power machinist and automotive painter are non-compulsory, but automotive service technician is compulsory.
Advantages:
- Easier entry into the workforce due to optional certification.
- Covers a wide range of occupations, offering flexibility in career choices.
Challenges:
- Career progression may be less structured, potentially affecting wage levels or long-term job stability.

Compulsory vs. Non-Compulsory Trades for Immigration

Both compulsory and non-compulsory trades are eligible under the OINP Skilled Trades Stream and are evaluated using the same Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for scoring and selection. However, holding a Certificate of Qualification for either type of trade can boost your CRS score:

25 points if your English or French is at CLB 5 or higher.
50 points if your English or French is at CLB 7 or higher.

Our team can help you determine whether your trade is compulsory or non-compulsory and ensure you meet all certification requirements for your application.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Create and Maintain an Express Entry Profile: Ensure your profile is active in IRCC’s Express Entry system, reflecting your skilled trades experience in Ontario.
Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI): Ontario will issue an NOI through the Express Entry system based on specific draw requirements. Check the OINP Program Updates page to confirm the details of the draw tied to your NOI.
Review the Document Checklist: Before applying, ensure you have all required documents, including proof of work experience, language test results, and settlement funds.
Confirm Eligibility for the Draw: Verify that you meet both the stream requirements and the specific criteria of the draw in which your NOI was issued.
Submit Your Application Online: Apply through the OINP’s online portal within the specified timeframe after receiving your NOI.
Wait for Nomination: If approved, you’ll receive a nomination from Ontario, which boosts your Express Entry profile score.
Apply for Permanent Residency: Submit your permanent residency application to IRCC, who will make the final decision.

Why Work with Us?

Navigating the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As immigration consultants, we specialize in helping skilled tradespeople like you achieve their Canadian dreams. From confirming your eligibility to preparing a strong application, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Our team can:

Verify your work experience and ensure it meets OINP requirements.
Guide you through language testing and settlement fund documentation.
Help you demonstrate your ties to Ontario for a compelling application.
Ensure your application is complete and submitted on time.

The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is a golden opportunity to turn your Ontario work experience into a permanent home in Canada. Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, or another skilled tradesperson, we’re here to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Contact us today for a personalized consultation, and let’s start building your future in Ontario together!

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