Ontario launches new OINP schemes

The Ontario Immigrant Nomination Programme (OINP) has launched a new stream for skilled trades workers under the Express Entry system, and has streamlined its Employer Job Offer Stream and updated its Entrepreneur Stream.

The new Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is targeted at attracting skilled trades workers to meet labour market needs in the construction and agricultural sectors, but could be expanded to other sectors in the future. Applications are now being accepted online for this stream through the Ontario government website.

“Immigration is key to stimulating innovation, growing our workforce and keeping us competitive in a global economy,” said Laura Albanese, Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “Ontario’s booming construction and agricultural sectors need skilled trades workers to continue growing. Through immigration we can provide employers in these sectors with the talent they need to prosper and make our province even stronger.”

In other changes, the former employer driven streams are now called the Employer Job Offer Stream. The Employer Job Offer Stream has a new streamlined application approach for international students and foreign workers with a job offer. The nominee, instead of the employer, now leads the application process and is responsible for preparing their application. Less documentation is required upfront from the employer. Applications are also now being accepted online for this stream.

The minimum language level required for the Entrepreneur Stream has been lowered, and potential applicants will receive more points on their Expression of Interest if they wish to establish their business, or buy an existing business, in a community outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Expressions of Interest continue to be accepted online for this stream.

Attracting and retaining skilled newcomers is part of the Ontario government’s plan to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives. Ontario’s federal nomination allocation has increased from 2,500 in 2014 to 6,000 in 2017.

From 2007-2015 over 3,500 job vacancies were filled through the OINP, benefiting over 260 businesses

Article published 2nd June 2017