Ontario’s Latest Express Entry Draw Issues 1,307 PR Invitations

Ontario has just conducted another significant Express Entry draw under its Skilled Trades Stream. This latest draw, held by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), issued a total of 1,307 invitations for provincial nominations. These nominations allow skilled trades workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada, specifically in the province of Ontario.

This draw targeted individuals with Express Entry profiles and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 405 and 435. Additionally, candidates must have experience in one of the 47 skilled trade occupations designated as a primary National Occupational Classification (NOC). The draw considered all active Express Entry profiles created between October 17, 2023, and October 17, 2024, that met these criteria.

The range of CRS scores in this draw was slightly different from previous draws. The minimum score requirement rose by five points, from 400 to 405, while the maximum score of 435 remained unchanged. This shift suggests that Ontario is increasingly focusing on candidates with higher scores as competition within the pool grows.

Selected candidates have 45 days to accept their invitation and submit a complete application to be considered for provincial nomination. Once a candidate accepts the nomination, they receive an additional 600 points to their Express Entry CRS score. This significant point boost brings their total score to a range of 1,005 to 1,035, making them highly likely to be selected in future Express Entry draws, either through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or other federal immigration streams.

The Skilled Trades Stream allows candidates to apply for provincial nomination without needing a separate OINP profile, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria related to the skilled trades occupations. Ontario regularly reviews the federal Express Entry pool to find profiles that align with its immigration priorities and match the specific needs of the province's labor market.

The skilled trades occupations eligible for this draw cover a wide range of professions. These include contractors and supervisors in trades such as machining, electrical work, and pipefitting, as well as roles like machinists, tool and die makers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and mechanics. The list also includes specialized occupations such as boilermakers, steamfitters, and aircraft mechanics, among many others. The diversity of professions reflects Ontario’s commitment to addressing shortages in essential skilled trades sectors.

This is the fifth round of Skilled Trades Stream draws held by Ontario in 2024. So far this year, the province has issued a total of 9,006 invitations, surpassing the 7,512 invitations issued in 2023. These draws have targeted various skilled trades occupations, highlighting the province’s efforts to attract workers who can help meet labor demands in critical industries.

In the previous draw, held on August 22, 2024, 1,287 invitations were issued to candidates with CRS scores ranging from 400 to 435, focusing on 46 skilled trade occupations. Another draw took place on July 11, 2024, issuing 1,277 invitations to candidates with CRS scores between 408 and 435. Earlier in the year, larger draws were held in March and January, with over 2,500 invitations issued in each round.