Ontario held 2 PNP draws in May

Ontario held two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws in May, according to a spokesperson from the provincial government. Last month, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) paused releasing draw info during the provincial government election, which ended on June 2.

On May 4, Ontario issued 57 invitations to apply to potential candidates in the Expression of Interest (EOI) system pool who may be eligible for the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream with a score of 27 and above.

Then on May 26, the OINP issued 535 notifications of interest to potential candidates who may be eligible for Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 295 and 461.

About the In-Demand Skills Stream

The In-Demand Skills Stream focuses more on provincial demand than occupation skill level. Many immigration programs target occupations that the government considers to be “high skilled.” Yet, Ontario still has labor shortages in occupations that are considered to be “low skilled.”

Foreign workers with eligible job offers in Ontario can apply for a PNP having nine months of cumulative work experience in the province within the past three years. Seasonal work experience is not eligible to meet the work requirement. Part-time work may be eligible if the candidate completed the required number of work hours. This could mean either 1,200 hours of paid employment in one job over the course of 18 months or working in more than one job for at least 30 hours of paid work in a week for nine months which amounts to 1,200 hours.

There are a number of other eligibility requirements. Generally, candidates need a high school education, a language score of at least 4 in all proficiencies, and sufficient settlement funds, among other requirements.

In order to receive an invitation under this stream, candidates need to fill out a profile in Ontario’s EOI system. Ontario ranks candidates’ profiles based on its scoring matrix. It takes into account education, work experience, and intended destination in Ontario among other factors. The purpose is to support candidates who have the skills and experience to succeed in Ontario’s labour market.

Registering for the EOI system does not guarantee that candidates will be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Profiles are valid in Ontario’s EOI pool for 12 months. The OINP may contact registrants at any time to apply for a nomination.

About Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

The Skilled Trades Stream allows the OINP to search the Express Entry pool for candidates currently living in Ontario. The federal Express Entry system manages the pool of candidates for three of Canada’s main economic immigration categories —the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class , and Canadian Experience Class.

To be eligible for the Skilled Trades Stream, candidates need a minimum of one-year full-time Ontario work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work in a skilled trade listed in Minor Group 633 or Major Group 72, 73, or 82 under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Candidates do not need a job offer to apply under either the Skilled Trades Stream, but they must meet all the mandatory federal and provincial program requirements.

Candidates who are nominated for Canadian permanent residence through the Skilled Trades Stream receive an additional 600 CRS points and are effectively guaranteed an Invitation To Apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system.