Skilled Trades Stream

The Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream targets electricians, plumbers, mechanics, heavy-equipment operators, and dozens of other trades pros already working in Ontario. Once you earn a provincial nomination, you grab 600 CRS points - virtually guaranteeing your Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

1. Why Choose the Skilled Trades Stream?

• No job offer required - focus on your hands-on experience.
• Low language threshold - CLB 5 in English or French.
• Ontario work experience only - overseas hours not needed.

1.1 Job-Offer-Free Pathway for Tradespeople

Unlike many provincial programs, this stream prizes provincial experience over employer sponsorship, letting unionized and non-union trades talent qualify independently.

1.2 How the NOI System Works

• Maintain an active Express Entry profile.
• Ontario issues a Notification of Interest (NOI) after each Skilled-Trades draw.
• You have 45 days to submit the full OINP application online.

2. Application Roadmap in 6 Steps

1. Create / Update Express Entry Profile

• Choose a primary NOC in Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 93 or Minor Group 6320 (except cooks).
• Upload CLB 5+ language scores & credentials.

2. Work One Year in Ontario Skilled Trade

• 1,560 hours cumulative over 24 months.
• Maintain legal status on a work permit.

3. Receive Ontario NOI

• Check EE messages ⇒ note draw date ⇒ verify targeted-draw rules (6-month primary-NOC requirement).

4. Gather Documents (see Section 5).

• Flat CA $1 500, no GTA surcharge.

5. Submit OINP Application (45 days)

• Upload PDFs (< 10 MB) with clear file names.

6. Nomination → +600 CRS → Federal ITA

• Submit e-APR within 60 days.
• Obtain PR in ≈6–8 months.

Pro Tip: Draft your document set while working your final months to hit the 1-year mark—45 days fly by!

3. Stream Requirements Explained

3.1 One-Year Ontario Skilled-Trade Experience

• Experience must be within last 24 months and can be part-time equivalents.

3.2 Trade Certificate/Licence Rules

If your trade is compulsory (e.g., electrician 72200), hold a valid Ontario Certificate of Qualification covering the work-experience period - even if you no longer work in that trade.

3.3 Living & Working in Ontario

• Must reside in Ontario on a valid work permit.
• Maintained status accepted if permit renewal filed before expiry.

3.4 CLB 5 Language Minimum

Accepted tests:

• IELTS (GT) - Listening 5.0, Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0, Speaking 5.0
• CELPIP (G) - 5 in each skill
• PTE Core - CLB 5 equivalent
• TEF/TCF - French scores matching CLB 5

3.5 Settlement-Funds Calculator

Combine:

• Three-month average bank balance
• Current Ontario salary (attach pay stubs)
• Valid job offer (optional)

Example: Family of 3 requires ≈ CA $29 k ⇒ Salary $24 k + Savings $6 k ✔

4. Draw Requirements & Targeted Occupations

Ontario posts Skilled-Trades draw details on its Program Updates page. 2024–25 draws targeted NOCs like:

• NOC 72024 - Powerline Supervisors
• NOC 72300 - Plumbers
• NOC 73100 - Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics

CRS cut-offs ranged 291–360 - far lower than federal rounds.

5. Document Checklist & Upload Tips

6. After Nomination: From BOWP to PR

1. Accept Nomination → CRS +600 → ITA next round.
2. e-APR with medical & police certs (60 days).
3. Bridging Open Work Permit (if permit expiring) — submit with AOR.
4. COPR in ≈ 6 months → Flag-pole or virtual landing → PR card mailed.

8. Conclusion & Next Steps

Ontario’s booming construction sites, green-energy projects, and advanced-manufacturing plants all rely on the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream to secure top talent. Cement your Ontario experience, pass CLB 5, maintain your licence, and draft your docs today. The next draw could be your golden ticket to Canadian permanent residence.