Working in Ontario and want permanent residency through your current job?
The OINP In-Demand Skills Stream is a pathway to permanent residence for workers in select high-demand occupations in Ontario. It’s designed for individuals filling labour shortages in industries like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.
This guide explains exactly who qualifies, OINP Eligibility In-Demand Skills Stream criteria how to apply, with each step clearly defined.
What is the OINP In-Demand Skills Stream?
The OINP In-Demand Skills Stream is part of Ontario’s Employer Job Offer category. It was created to help the province address labour shortages in key sectors by allowing employers to hire and retain workers for specific, hard-to-fill roles.
This stream is designed for individuals working in eligible occupations in industries such as agriculture, construction, trucking, healthcare, and manufacturing. It offers a pathway to permanent residence for those who meet the program’s criteria and have a full-time job offer in Ontario.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for the OINP In-Demand Skills Stream, you must meet all of the following:
- Work Experience: At least 9 months of paid, full-time work experience in Ontario within the last 3 years, in the same in-demand occupation as your job offer.
- Education: A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if completed outside Canada.
- Legal Status: You must have valid temporary resident status in Canada (e.g., work permit) when applying and maintain it throughout the process.
Applicants must meet all three criteria to be eligible.
Eligible Occupations
This stream targets workers in labour-shortage roles in sectors like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.
Some roles are eligible province-wide, while others apply only outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Examples include:
- Eligible across Ontario:
- NOC 44101 – Home support workers
- NOC 75110 – Construction trades helpers
- Eligible only outside GTA:
- NOC 75101 – Material handlers
- NOC 94132 – Sewing machine operators
Check the official OINP list for the full, up-to-date list of eligible occupations.
Job Offer Requirements
Your job offer must meet specific requirements to qualify for the OINP In-Demand Skills Stream. The offer must come from an eligible Ontario employer and match an occupation on the approved list.
The job offer must be:
- Full-time and permanent (at least 30 hours per week, with no end date)
- For a position located within Ontario
- In an occupation that appears on the OINP’s current list of eligible NOC codes
- In line with Ontario’s wage and employment standards for that occupation
The employer must:
- Be actively operating in Ontario for at least three years
- Have a genuine need to fill the position
- Meet minimum business requirements:
- At least $1 million in gross revenue and 5 full-time employees (if in the GTA), or
- At least $500,000 in gross revenue and 3 full-time employees (if outside the GTA)
This job offer must match your actual work experience and be supported by a signed Employer Form at the time of application.
A strong, compliant job offer is essential. Your application will be refused if the offer or the employer doesn’t meet these standards.
Residency and Work Status in Ontario
To be eligible for the OINP In-Demand Skills Stream, your current residency and work status must meet the following criteria:
- You must be living in Ontario at the time of your application.
- You must be working legally in the province in the same occupation listed in your job offer.
- You must hold a valid temporary resident status in Canada. This includes:
- A valid work permit (such as an employer-specific permit or open work permit)
- Maintained or implied status, if you’ve applied to extend your permit and are awaiting a decision
- You must maintain a valid legal status throughout the entire application process.
Applications from individuals without valid legal status will not be accepted. Always ensure your documents are current and unexpired before applying.
Language and Settlement Funds Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet both language and financial requirements.
Language:
- Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
- Accepted tests: IELTS General, CELPIP General, TEF, or TCF Canada
- Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of application
Settlement Funds:
You must show you can support yourself and any dependents using one or more of the following:
- Personal savings (supported by recent bank documents)
- Income from your Ontario job offer
- A combination of both
Check the latest LICO figures to confirm how much you need based on family size.
Expression of Interest (EOI) System
You must first register an Expression of Interest (EOI) with OINP to be considered for the In-Demand Skills Stream.
How it works:
- Create a profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal
- You’ll be scored based on factors like job offer, location, experience, education, and language skills
- If your score meets the draw cut-off, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Once invited, you have 14 calendar days to submit your full application
You cannot apply without an ITA. Keep your profile updated and documents ready in advance.
How to Apply After Receiving an Invitation
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the OINP portal, you’ll need to submit a complete online application within 14 calendar days.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Log in to your OINP e-Filing Portal account.
Complete the online application form under the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream.
Upload all required documents, including:
- Job offer letter and Employer Form
- Proof of qualifying work experience (pay stubs, reference letters)
- Identity and legal status documents (passport, work permit)
- Education credentials (diploma/degree + transcript or ECA), Language test results (if applicable)
- Proof of settlement funds (if required)
- License or certification (for regulated occupations)
- Pay the application fee:
- $2,000 if the job is in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- $1,500 if the job is outside the GTA
Prepare your documents in advance. Once you receive your ITA, the 14-day deadline leaves little room for delay.
Application Processing Time and Decision
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by OINP to confirm eligibility and completeness.
Processing time:
- Typically, 60 to 90 days
- May vary depending on application volume and case complexity
If approved:
- You’ll receive a Nomination Certificate, valid for 6 months
- You must apply to IRCC for permanent residence before it expires
If refused:
- You’ll receive a letter explaining the decision
- There’s no formal appeal, but you can reapply if your eligibility improves
Track your status in the OINP portal and plan your next steps early.
Common Reasons for Application Refusals
Many refusals happen due to avoidable issues. Common reasons include:
- Incomplete documents (e.g., missing proof of experience or financials)
- Not meeting work experience requirements (less than 9 months or wrong NOC)
- Invalid job offer (not full-time, not permanent, or wrong location for NOC)
- The employer doesn’t qualify (fails to meet revenue or staffing criteria)
- Missing language test or settlement funds when required
Carefully review all requirements and documents before you apply.
Next Steps After Nomination
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Nomination Certificate from the OINP. This is an important step, but your journey doesn’t end here.
What to Do Next:
- Apply for permanent residence through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) using the non-Express Entry (base) stream.
- You must submit your federal PR application within 6 months of receiving your nomination.
- Include all required forms and documents as per IRCC guidelines, including your Nomination Certificate from OINP.
Once submitted, IRCC will review your file and make a final decision on your permanent residence status.
It’s important to apply on time. Missing the six-month deadline will invalidate your nomination.
Final Note
Applying through the OINP In-Demand Skills Stream can be a clear and reliable path to permanent residence—if you meet the requirements and follow every step carefully.
Take the time to prepare your documents, understand the eligibility criteria, and avoid common mistakes. Every detail matters, and meeting each requirement improves your chances of success.
Need Help With Your Application?
Book a consultation with WEICS to get expert guidance on your OINP application. We’ll review your documents, confirm your eligibility, and help you submit a complete, accurate application—so you can apply confidently.