You don’t need a degree. You need real-world experience, a full-time job offer, and some basic requirements like language skills and proof of funds.
This guide breaks down which jobs qualify in 2025, what’s new this year, and how to avoid the mistakes that could cost you a nomination.
What Is Ontario’s In-Demand Skills Stream?
The Ontario in-demand skills stream is part of the broader Ontario employer job offer stream. It’s built for workers in essential roles—like truck drivers, farm labourers, construction workers, and personal support staff—who often don’t qualify under Express Entry.
This stream allows foreign workers in TEER 4 and 5 jobs (formerly NOC C and D) to apply for permanent residence if they meet basic eligibility:
- A full-time job offer from an eligible Ontario employer
- At least one year of experience in the same NOC
- A high school diploma and CLB 4 in English or French
- Enough savings to support your move
It’s a skills-first program that values on-the-ground work experience more than education or point scores.
July 2, 2025 Update – New Employer Portal Process
Planning to apply under the Ontario employer job offer stream? There’s something new this year you can’t afford to miss.
Starting July 2, 2025, Ontario introduced an online Employer Portal. Before you can apply, your employer needs to complete their part by registering your job offer through this system. If they don’t do this first, your application under the Ontario employer job offer in-demand skills stream won’t even be reviewed.
This change affects all employer-driven programs and helps the province confirm job offers before applicants jump in.
EOIs submitted under the new rules now stay active for up to 12 months.
- Quick Checklist Before You Apply
- The employer has submitted the job through Ontario’s portal
- Your job falls under an eligible NOC
- You’re applying through the correct stream
Who Can Apply? 2025 Eligibility for Applicants & Employers
To be eligible for the Ontario in-demand skills stream, you’ll need more than just a job offer—both you and your employer have to meet a few clear conditions.
As the worker, you must:
- Have a full-time, permanent offer in an approved job
- Show at least one year of experience in that same job
- Meet CLB 4 in English or French
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Prove you have enough funds to support yourself and your family
As the employer, they must:
- Be based in Ontario and in business for at least three years
- Meet income and staffing thresholds:
- Inside GTA: $1M+ revenue, 5 full-time staff
- Outside GTA: $500K+ revenue, 3 full-time staff
These rules apply across both the in-demand skills and foreign worker stream Ontario categories. It’s all part of the larger Ontario employer job offer stream.
Eligible Jobs and NOC Codes (Grouped by Sector)
The Ontario in-demand skills stream focuses on jobs the province urgently needs to fill—roles that often go unclaimed by local applicants. Here’s what’s eligible in 2025, grouped by sector:
Health & Personal Support
- NOC 44101 – Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations
Construction & Trades
- NOC 75110 – Construction trades helpers and labourers
Agriculture & Greenhouse
- NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
- NOC 85103 – Nursery and greenhouse labourers
Food Processing
- NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
- NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
Outside GTA Only (Additional Occupations)
If the job offer is outside the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel), these additional occupations are also eligible:
- NOC 14400 – Shippers and receivers
- NOC 14402 – Production logistics workers
- NOC 65320 – Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations
- NOC 74200 – Railway yard and track maintenance workers
- NOC 74203 – Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers
- NOC 74204 – Utility maintenance workers
- NOC 74205 – Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
- NOC 75101 – Material handlers
- NOC 75211 – Railway and motor transport labourers
- NOC 75212 – Public works and maintenance labourers
- NOC 85102 – Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers
- NOC 94100 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94101 – Foundry workers
- NOC 94102 – Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters
- NOC 94103 – Concrete, clay and stone forming operators
- NOC 94104 – Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94105 – Metalworking and forging machine operators
- NOC 94106 – Machining tool operators
- NOC 94107 – Machine operators of other metal products
- NOC 94110 – Chemical plant machine operators
- NOC 94111 – Plastics processing machine operators
- NOC 94112 – Rubber processing machine operators and related workers
- NOC 94120 – Sawmill machine operators
- NOC 94121 – Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators
- NOC 94123 – Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders
- NOC 94124 – Woodworking machine operators
- NOC 94132 – Industrial sewing machine operators
- NOC 94140 – Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
- NOC 94142 – Fish and seafood plant workers
- NOC 94143 – Testers and graders, food and beverage processing
- NOC 94200 – Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers
- NOC 94201 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
- NOC 94202 – Assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance, apparatus and equipment manufacturing
- NOC 94203 – Assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers
- NOC 94204 – Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
- NOC 94205 – Machine operators and inspectors, electrical apparatus manufacturing
- NOC 94211 – Assemblers and inspectors of other wood products
- NOC 94212 – Plastic products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
- NOC 94213 – Industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators
- NOC 94219 – Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
- NOC 95100 – Labourers in mineral and metal processing
- NOC 95101 – Labourers in metal fabrication
- NOC 95102 – Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities
- NOC 95103 – Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing
- NOC 95104 – Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing
- NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing
- OC 95107 – Labourers in fish and seafood processing
Always confirm your job title matches the official NOC description. Even a small mismatch can cause delays or rejection under the Ontario employer job offer in-demand skills stream.
Navigating the Employer Relationship
Getting through the Ontario in-demand skills stream isn’t just about your experience—it also depends on your employer following the rules.
If your employer doesn’t submit the job offer through Ontario’s portal first, your application won’t go anywhere. And if they change their mind or withdraw after you’re nominated, your shot at PR could be at risk.
What if you’re thinking about switching jobs?
Heads up:
If you leave before getting permanent residency and can’t line up a new offer in the same job type (same NOC), your nomination might be cancelled. That’s not a risk you want to take.
If you’re already nominated, it’s best to stay with your current job until your PR is approved.
Community Questions Answered
- Is truck driving eligible for the Ontario in-demand skills stream?
Yes. Transport truck drivers fall under NOC 73300 and are still listed for 2025. It’s one of the most applied-for roles in the stream. - Can I switch employers after getting nominated?
It’s possible, but risky. Your nomination is tied to your job and employer. If you switch, you’ll need a new job offer with the same NOC and a compliant employer—and you may need to reapply. - What sectors have the most jobs under this stream?
Health care, construction, agriculture, food processing, and trucking. These sectors consistently appear in the Ontario job offer stream year after year. - How long does the process take?
Once your employer registers the offer and you submit your application, it usually takes 60–90 days for a decision—assuming all documents are complete. - Is this faster than Express Entry?
It can be, especially for people who don’t meet the CRS cut-off. The Ontario employer job offer in-demand skills stream doesn’t rely on points, so it’s often a better route for workers in TEER 4/5 roles.
Quick Checklist: Are You Ready to Apply?
Before you spend time and money on your application, make sure you check every box:
- Your job is on the eligible NOC list for the Ontario in-demand skills stream
- Your employer has submitted the job offer through the online portal
- You’ve worked at least one year in that job (within the last 3 years)
- You meet the minimum CLB 4 language requirement
- You have proof of high school education or equivalent
- You can show you have enough settlement funds
A missed detail can lead to automatic rejection. It’s worth double-checking everything before you click submit.
Ready to Apply? Here’s What to Do Next
The Ontario in-demand skills stream is a real opportunity—but only if your job, employer, and paperwork align.
- Confirm your NOC
- Make sure your employer registers the offer
- Gather your documents and apply