More jobs now qualify for Ontario’s PNP In-Demand Occupations Stream

Ontario has unveiled expanded opportunities for newcomers seeking to settle in the province through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream, part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), now includes additional occupations.

On July 4, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development broadened the list of eligible jobs under 35 National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes. These include roles ranging from logistics and maintenance workers to food processing and manufacturing professionals. This move aims to meet Ontario’s growing demand for skilled labor outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

To qualify, applicants must secure a full-time job offer from an Ontario employer, entailing at least 1,560 work hours annually. Contractual positions without a definite end date do not qualify. Candidates must also have accumulated at least nine months of paid, full-time work experience in Ontario within the same NOC code as their job offer, gained over the past three years.

Language proficiency in either English or French is crucial, with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of four in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Educational qualifications include a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent, with foreign credentials requiring an Education Credential Assessment if earned abroad.

The Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Occupations Stream aims to address urgent job vacancies across various sectors such as agriculture, construction, trades, and manufacturing throughout Ontario. It forms part of a broader strategy by the provincial government to attract skilled immigrants who can contribute to Ontario’s economy.

Applicants whose job offer falls under a licensed profession must possess the necessary provincial license before seeking nomination. This ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and enhances their eligibility for permanent residence under Canada’s immigration framework.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is one of several PNPs operated by Canadian provinces and territories (excluding Quebec and Nunavut). It allows provincial governments to select economic immigrants who meet local labor market needs, thereby strengthening their applications for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

In 2023, Ontario issued 16,506 nominations through the OINP, with a significant portion allocated under the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Occupations Stream. Looking forward, the federal government has allocated a record 21,500 nominations for OINP in 2024, underscoring its commitment to supporting provincial immigration initiatives. Canada aims to welcome approximately 110,000 newcomers through PNPs nationwide by the end of the year, reflecting the pivotal role these programs play in Canada's immigration landscape.