The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) launched a brand-new immigration stream for in-demand workers last June 28.
The Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream went live on the OINP’s online portal recently, and has already begun accepting applications. The new stream was added to the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This means that interested applicants must register an EOI profile with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program in order to qualify for the stream.
Through the EOI system, potential candidates can register and be considered for Ontario immigration at any time. Once registered, the OINP then ranks a candidate’s profile based on a number of factors. These factors largely depend on a candidate’s capacity to settle down and thrive within Ontario.
Points are also awarded based on a candidate’s occupation and skilled work experience in Canada. The OINP uses the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system to assign points.
It should be noted that registering for the EOI system does not guarantee an invitation to apply for provincial nomination. However, EOI profiles are valid in the OINP’s pool of candidates for 12 months, during which they may contact registrants at any time to apply for a nomination.
Just recently, the OINP invited 940 international students and foreign workers in the EOI system to apply for a nomination.
More About the Employer Job Offer: In-Demands Skills Stream
The new In-Demand Skills stream joins both the Foreign Worker and International Student streams in the EOI system. The OINP also has plans to launch two more new streams under the EOI, the Masters Graduate, and PhD Graduate streams in the near future.
The In-Demand Skill stream will focus more on provincial demand, as opposed occupational skill level. Despite welcoming a high number of skilled foreign workers, Ontario still experiences labor shortages in occupations that the government deems “low-skilled”.
For the OINP, this is where the In-Demand Skill stream steps in. Foreign workers who have at least nine months of cumulative work experience in Ontario in a particular occupation within the last three years may be eligible to apply. While seasonal work experience cannot be counted towards eligibility, part-time work experience can, if the candidate has completed the required number of work hours.
Other eligibility factors include:
- At least a high school education.
- A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 4.
- A full-time, permanent job offer in an eligible occupation from an employer in Ontario.
- Intent to settle in Ontario.
For a full list of eligibility requirements and eligible occupations, visit the OINP’s website.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in Ontario and other provincial immigration pathways to Canada, register to one of our private online discussions. Register to an orientation for free here.
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