Ontario Issues 1,277 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw
In an exciting update from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), 1,277 candidates received invitations for provincial nomination today under the Skilled Trades Stream. This draw specifically targeted individuals with experience in one of 46 skilled trades, offering a great opportunity for those looking to settle in Ontario.
Candidates were selected based on their Express Entry profiles, which needed to show a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 408 and 435. To be eligible, profiles had to be created between July 11, 2023, and July 11, 2024, ensuring that only the most recent applicants were considered.
This latest draw shows a notable increase in the cutoff scores compared to previous rounds. The minimum CRS score has risen significantly, jumping from 350 in the last Skilled Trades Stream draw on March 1, 2024. This rise indicates a growing competitiveness in the selection process.
Despite this positive news, many candidates from various trades have expressed concerns. Specifically, individuals with experience in the other 35–36 occupations have been left out of both the OINP and federal Express Entry draws. This situation has raised questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the selection criteria.
Here’s a quick overview of the OINP Skilled Trades Stream draws in 2024:
The current draw specifically focused on 49 eligible skilled trade occupations, creating a streamlined process for those who qualify.
Invited candidates now have 45 days to accept their invitation and submit a full application for provincial nomination. Securing a nomination from Ontario can significantly boost a candidate's chances, adding 600 points to their CRS score. This increase ensures that their new score falls between 1,008 and 1,035, greatly improving their chances in upcoming draws.
Candidates do not need to create a separate OINP profile for this draw. Instead, their existing Express Entry profiles must simply align with the eligible skilled trade occupations. OINP regularly reviews the Express Entry pool to find suitable candidates for their programs, aiming to keep the selection process efficient and relevant.
Candidates from a variety of skilled trade backgrounds were eligible for today’s draw. Some of the key occupations included:
To qualify for the OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, candidates must have worked full-time in Ontario for at least one year (or part-time equivalent) in specified major groups or minor groups related to skilled trades within the last two years.
Once a candidate submits a complete application after accepting the invitation, the OINP generally processes nominations within 120 to 150 days.
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