Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program New Stream for Tradespersons

New Express Entry Stream for Tradespersons

Ontario is Canada’s most populated province and is a very popular destination for new immigrants looking to settle in Canada. Ontario has an immigrant nomination program that assists eligible foreign nationals who have skilled work experience gain permanent residency in Canada, specifically Ontario, and contribute to the Canadian economy. The Provincial Nominee Program, itself, is extremely beneficial for Express Entry candidates as it can provide you with the most points out of all Express Entry factors. Successful candidates can obtain up to 600 additional points from this program and gain an invitation to apply at the next draw for the Express Entry pool. The new Trades Steam came into effect on May 31, 2017. In this article, I will address the new Stream and how it affects the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and Express Entry altogether.

Canadian Experience Class for Tradespersons

In order to qualify under this new Stream for Tradespersons, candidates must be eligible under Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Of course any candidate who is eligible under the Canadian Experience Class must qualify and meet the minimum requirements necessary – these requirements will be listed below. Most importantly, candidates must also verify that they would like to reside in Ontario in their Express Entry profile and in addition must also receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province of Ontario through their online account before they can submit their application.

In order to qualify under Canadian Experience Class, candidates must:

• Obtain 1 year of full-time (or the equivalent in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada, within 3 years before you apply for CEC
• Obtain your work experience in Canada through proper authorization, for instance a valid work permit
• Ensure you meet the language levels for your intended job
• Intend to reside anywhere but Quebec as they have different regulations and do not utilize Express Entry

On the other hand, in order to qualify under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, candidates must:

• Obtain 1 year of full-time (or the equivalent in part-time) skilled work experience in Ontario, within 2 years from the date you receive the NOI from Ontario.
  – The skilled work experience must be in a skilled trade occupation listed in Minor Group 633 or Major Group 72,73, or 82 of the NOC system.
• Provide a trade license or certification from the Ontario College of Trades, should the candidate currently work or has previously worked in an occupation in Ontario that requires a license or certification
• Presently reside in Ontario with a valid work permit
• Meet the minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English and/or French.
• Meet a minimum level of settlement funds
• Intend on living in Ontario

National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups for Tradespersons

In order to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the Ontario Immigrant Nomination Program (OINP), candidates must fulfill the aforementioned criteria and must qualify under a specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. The groups that qualify for Tradespersons are: Major group 72, Major group 73, Major group 82, and lastly, Minor group 633.

Occupations that fall under these specific groups are:

Major Group 72: Industrial, Electrical & Construction Trades

Occupations that fall under this category are:

• Contractors & supervisors, industrial, electrical and construction trades & related workers
• Machining, metal forming, shaping & erecting trades
• Electrical trades & electrical power line & telecommunications workers
• Plumbers, pipefitters & gas fitters
• Carpenters & cabinetmakers
• Masonry & plastering trades
• Other construction trades, such as roofers, glaziers, insulators, painters, etc.

Major Group 73: Maintenance & Equipment Operation Trades

Occupations that fall under this category are:

• Contractors & supervisors, maintenance trades & heavy equipment & transport operators
• Machinery & transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicles)
• Automotive service technicians
• Other mechanics & related repairers
• Train crew operating occupations
• Crane operators, drillers & blasters
• Printing press operators & other trades & related occupations, n.e.c.

Major Group 82: Supervisors & Technical Occupations in Natural Resources, Agriculture & Related Production

Occupations that fall under this category are:

• Supervisors, logging and forestry
• Contractors & supervisors, mining, oil & gas
• Underground miners, oil & gas drillers & related occupations
• Logging machinery operators
• Contractors & supervisors, agriculture, horticulture & related operations & services
• Fishing vessel masters & fishermen/women

For any of the occupations listed above, it is very important and essential for you to research and analyze whether the NOC describes your current job title, duties, responsibilities and more. You must compare the NOC you chose with your current job and responsibilities to see if it matches. Not only do you have to match the NOC to your current job circumstance, but you must also ensure that you meet all of the aforementioned requirements in order to qualify under the Ontario Immigrant Nomination Program (OINP).

Contact Akrami & Associates

If you believe that you are a qualified Tradesperson and want to become a candidate for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), we can help you with this process. If you have skilled work experience within Ontario and meet all of the above mentioned requirements, we suggest you research what NOC you qualify for. Moreover, any Immigration application can become overwhelming if done alone and if you are still unsure or confused on whether or not you fit a specific NOC, it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients receive permanent residency and the ability to work in Canada, specifically Ontario, through Express Entry. If you believe that you might be eligible, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advise.

With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!