Recently, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 72 invitations to immigration candidates hoping to apply for a provincial nomination. 

Under their new intake system, the OINP held the third In-Demand Skills stream draw last September 22. Through the new intake system, candidates who wish to apply for a provincial nomination from Ontario can register an Expression of Interest (EOI) at any time and still receive an invitation from the province. 

This new system replaces the OINP’s former first-come-first-served model, and no longer requires interested applicants to constantly submit new EOIs. 

For this draw, 65 of the candidates were invited for the In-Demand Skills stream. The remaining seven were invited through the Ontario Regional Immigration Pilot. No EOI score was required for this draw. 

In order to receive an invitation, candidates needed work experience in the health and agricultural sectors. Candidates willing to work outside the Greater Toronto Area could also be eligible if they had work experience in the manufacturing industry. 

More About the Employer Job Offer: In-Demands Skills Stream

The OINP created the In-Demand Skill stream to focus more on provincial demand, as opposed occupational skill level. While Ontario continues to welcome a high number of skilled foreign workers, the province still experiences labor shortages in occupations the government deems “low-skilled”.

This led to the creation of the OINP’s In-Demand Skills stream.

In order to be eligible for the stream, foreign workers need at least nine months of cumulative work experience in Ontario in a particular occupation within the last three years. 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 the OINP 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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