The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) lets Ontario select skilled workers for permanent residency. One stream focuses on tradespeople already working in the province.
The OINP Skilled Trades Stream is for those in physical, hands-on jobs—like construction or industrial trades—who are contributing to Ontario’s economy and meet federal Express Entry requirements.
This guide explains:
- Who qualifies
- What documents do you need?
- How the process works
- Common issues that cause refusals
- Why is this pathway worth considering
What Is the OINP Skilled Trades Stream?
The OINP Skilled Trades Stream is one of the pathways available under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It allows the province to nominate workers in specific trade occupations for permanent residency if they are already contributing to Ontario’s labour market.
To qualify, applicants must have recent full-time work experience in Ontario in an eligible skilled trade, such as plumbing, welding, electrical work, or machine operation. Most of these occupations fall under TEER 3 in the National Occupation Classification (NOC).
This stream is linked to Express Entry. You must have an active Express Entry profile under either the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Ontario uses this pool to find candidates who meet provincial criteria. If selected, you’ll receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) and can then apply through the OINP portal.
Unlike some other OINP streams, this one does not require a job offer. Your current work experience in Ontario—combined with meeting the other requirements—is what qualifies you for nomination.
Who Is This Stream For?
This OINP skilled trades stream applies to tradespeople already working in Ontario. It’s not for students or those planning to move—it’s for those already here, doing the work.
Most eligible roles fall under TEER 3 in the NOC system. That includes trades like welding, electrical work, and truck mechanics—jobs that usually require an apprenticeship or diploma.
To qualify, you need recent experience in Ontario. You also need a valid work permit. If you meet both, and your trade is listed under the accepted codes, this stream may be open to you.
Eligibility Criteria for the OINP Skilled Trades Stream
To apply under this OINP skilled trades stream, you must already have an active Express Entry profile. It must be registered under either the Federal Skilled Trades Program or the Canadian Experience Class. You’ll need to include your Express Entry number when applying through Ontario’s e-filing portal.
You must also have at least one year of full-time work experience in Ontario in a qualifying trade. Part-time work may count if it adds up to the same number of hours. The experience must be recent and must match one of the NOC TEER 3 occupations accepted by the stream.
Your job must have been done under a valid work permit. Work done without proper authorization doesn’t qualify.
Other requirements:
- Language: A minimum of CLB 5 in English or French
- Residence: You must be living in Ontario when you apply
- Funds: You must show that you have enough savings or income to support yourself and any dependents
All criteria must be met at the time of application. If anything is missing or outdated—like language test results or work history—your file can be refused without review.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Skilled Trades Stream
Applying through the OINP Skilled Trades Stream involves a multi-stage process. Below is a breakdown of each step, from creating your Express Entry profile to submitting your PR application.
Step 1 – Create an Express Entry Profile
Register a profile through Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Trades Program or Canadian Experience Class. Use the right NOC code. Enter only accurate and current details.
Step 2 – Wait for a Notification from Ontario
If Ontario selects your profile, you’ll get a Notification of Interest (NOI) in your Express Entry account. You cannot request this—it’s issued by the province when you meet their criteria.
Step 3 – Apply Through the OINP e-Filing Portal
Once invited, you have 45 days to apply. Use the OINP e-Filing Portal. Upload all required documents. No extensions are given. Incomplete files are refused.
Step 4 – Get Nominated by Ontario
If your application is approved, Ontario will nominate you. This adds 600 points to your Express Entry score.
Step 5 – Apply for PR Through IRCC
With a nomination in place, you can receive an Invitation to Apply. After that, submit your full application for permanent residence through the IRCC portal.
Typical Timeline
- NOI to application: up to 45 days
- OINP decision: 2–3 months
- Federal PR process: 6–12 months (average)
Required Documents Checklist
The OINP Skilled Trades Stream requires specific paperwork. Everything must be valid at the time you apply. No estimates. No placeholders.
Identification & Status
- Photo ID page from your passport
- Your Ontario work permit
- Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker code
Proof of Work Experience
- Employer letters (include job title, duties, hours per week)
- Pay slips, T4s, or NOAs (recent and consistent)
- Trade license, if the job needs one, in Ontario
Language
- Official results from an accepted language test (CELPIP, IELTS, TEF, or TCF)
- Results must be less than two years old
Ontario Residency
- One document showing your Ontario address (utility bill, rental agreement, or pay stub with address)
Financials
- Proof you can support yourself (recent bank statements or income letters)
Notes to Avoid Mistakes
- All documents must be in English or French
- If not, include a certified translation
- Names must match across every file
- Upload each document in the right format—PDF, not photos
- If you’re unsure about a document, explain in a cover note
Common Reasons for Refusal (And How to Avoid Them)
-
Wrong info in Express Entry.
People enter one NOC in Express Entry and submit something different to Ontario. The systems don’t match. That alone can get you denied. -
Documents are out of date.
Language scores. Permits. Anything with an expiry. If it’s expired or near expiration when you apply, it can be rejected without review. -
Work letters are missing key facts.
No hours. No job duties. No supervisor's name. Letters that don’t explain your job clearly get flagged. -
Wrong NOC.
It’s not about the job title—it’s the tasks. If your job doesn’t match the duties in the NOC description, that’s a problem. -
The file is incomplete.
One missing page, and they’ll refuse the whole thing. No warnings. No corrections allowed after submission.
How to avoid this?
- Match all details between profiles
- Use official letters
- Recheck expiry dates
- Choose the right NOC
- Don’t guess. If unsure, ask before applying
Benefits of Applying Through the OINP Skilled Trades Stream
-
Quicker processing than most federal programs
You’re already working here. Ontario sees that. This stream uses what’s already in place. No need to start from zero. -
600 points added to your Express Entry score
A nomination gives your profile a lift. That score jump moves you to the front of the line in federal draws. -
Job match matters
Ontario only picks people with real experience in the trades it needs. If you're in one of them, the system works in your favour. -
No job offer required
You don’t need an LMIA. You don’t need a letter from an employer. If you’ve been working with a valid permit, that’s enough. -
This leads to PR
It’s not temporary. If approved, you can apply for permanent residence. No sponsorships. No restrictions.
FAQs About the OINP Skilled Trades Stream
1. Do I need a job offer to apply?
No. This stream does not require a job offer. You only need recent, valid work experience in Ontario in an eligible trade.
2. Can I apply if I’m outside Canada?
No. You must be living in Ontario and working here at the time you apply.
3. What trades qualify under this stream?
Most trades are listed under TEER 3 in the NOC system. That includes roles like electricians, welders, plumbers, and others that need apprenticeship training or certification.
4. How long does the process take?
Ontario usually processes files in 60 to 90 days. After that, the federal PR application can take 6 to 12 months.
5. What happens if my work permit is expiring?
Apply before it expires. If it lapses during processing, your application may be refused. Always renew on time or consult with a licensed consultant.
6. Can I apply under the Skilled Trades Stream without being in Express Entry?
No. This stream works through Express Entry only. You need a profile to be considered.
Why the Skilled Trades Stream Matters
This stream gives tradespeople already working in Ontario a direct path to permanent residency. No job offer is needed. No guesswork on eligibility—just recent work experience in the right trade.
If you’re in Ontario and meet the basic requirements, apply while the stream is open.
See our Express Entry guide for system details. For more on OINP, visit the Ontario PNP page.
Have questions or need support with your application?
Book a consultation with Western Empire Immigration Consulting Services to ensure your Skilled Trades Stream application is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.