If you’ve been hoping to build a future in one of Ontario’s booming skilled trades, there’s great news. The province has officially reopened its in-demand skilled trades application stream, giving thousands of workers a fresh chance to land well-paying jobs and permanent residency in Canada. Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, or welder, Ontario is looking for people just like you.
Why Skilled Trades Matter More Than Ever
Skilled trades are the backbone of any growing economy. Think about every time you’ve needed a mechanic, had your house rewired, or seen new construction popping up around your neighborhood. Behind all of those jobs are trained workers with specialized skills.
Over the past few years, Canada—and Ontario in particular—has seen a growing shortage in skilled trades. As more older workers retire and fewer younger people choose trades as a career path, the need to bring in experienced talent from around the world has skyrocketed.
What This Program Is All About
The program in question is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Skilled Trades stream. It’s a pathway for foreign workers who are already living in Ontario and have work experience in an eligible skilled trade. The good news? You don’t need a job offer to apply, which makes it more accessible than other immigration programs.
By reopening this stream in early April 2024, Ontario is aiming to invite more workers who qualify through the federal Express Entry system. Applicants who receive a nomination from Ontario can then apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Key Highlights of the OINP Skilled Trades Stream
- Targets people with work experience in qualifying trades under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- Applicants must already be in the federal Express Entry pool
- No job offer required
- A nomination from Ontario adds 600 points to your Express Entry profile—virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residency
Who’s Eligible to Apply?
You might be wondering, “Do I qualify?” Well, here’s a simple breakdown of what you’ll need to meet the requirements:
- You must have at least one year of full-time work experience (or the equivalent in part-time) in Ontario within the past two years.
- Your work experience must be in a skilled trade listed in NOC TEER 2 or 3 (which includes jobs like electricians, plumbers, and construction workers).
- You need a valid certificate or license in Ontario for those trades that require it.
- You should have legal status in Canada and be living in Ontario at the time you apply.
- You must meet language requirements—in English or French—with at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5.
That might sound like a lot, but for many hard-working tradespeople already living and working in Ontario, these criteria are definitely within reach.
How to Apply
Applying is straightforward if you follow the right steps. First, you need to be in the Express Entry pool. That means you’ve created a profile with IRCC and meet the minimum criteria for one of the federal immigration programs—usually the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
If Ontario selects you from the pool, you’ll receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) through your IRCC account. That’s your cue to submit an application to the Skilled Trades stream through the OINP e-Filing portal. From there, if everything looks good, Ontario may nominate you, bumping up your chances greatly in the next Express Entry draw.
A Quick Tip
Make sure your Express Entry profile is up to date. If your job has changed, or your language test scores are outdated, you could miss out. It’s a bit like keeping your resume ready—you never know when opportunity will knock.
How Many Applicants Will Be Invited?
The province hasn’t said exactly how many invitations will go out, but based on previous years, it could be in the thousands. In 2023 alone, Ontario nominated over 16,000 applicants across all streams, with skilled trades making up a big part of that number.
This year feels even more urgent. With economic growth, infrastructure projects, and housing developments in the works, the demand for tradespeople doesn’t show signs of slowing down.
Why Now Is the Right Time
If you’ve been sitting on the fence, waiting to apply, this reopening is your signal. Ontario’s doors are open, and the opportunity to turn your hands-on experience into a better future is here. Skilled trades remain one of the most secure paths to long-term settlement in Canada. Plus, it comes with the added perk of high wages, steady demand, and the chance to eventually become a Canadian permanent resident.
Imagine building your life in a place where your skills are respected—and needed. That’s what Ontario is offering through this program.
What It Means for the Future
Ontario is clearly focusing on filling long-term gaps in the labor market. And it makes sense. Encouraging skilled trades immigration isn’t just about today’s job openings—it’s about building a stronger, more self-sufficient workforce for the years to come.
So whether you’re wiring homes, fixing engines, or crafting custom woodwork, your skills could be the key to building not only your career—but your future in Canada.
Final Thoughts
The reopening of Ontario’s Skilled Trades stream is a win-win. It helps the province grow economically, and it gives hard-working people like you a shot at something bigger. This isn’t just another government announcement—it could be your pathway to permanent residency and a better quality of life.
So, are you ready to take the first step? Check if you’re eligible, update your Express Entry profile, and keep an eye out for that Notification of Interest. Your future in Canada might be just around the corner.