In an effort to attract skilled labor to its growing industries, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held three major draws under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW) on October 8, 2024. The province invited a total of 1,728 candidates, targeting professionals in skilled trades, priority occupations, and the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP). This marks a significant step in helping Ontario meet its labor market needs by tapping into a diverse pool of international talent.
Breakdown of the October 8 OINP Draws
In this latest round of draws, Ontario issued 885 invitations to candidates with experience in skilled trades occupations. These applicants required a minimum score of 48 on the province’s scoring system. Additionally, 841 invitations were sent to professionals working in other priority occupations, with a minimum score of 52. Ontario also issued two invitations under the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP), aimed at helping refugees immigrate through economic immigration programs.
To be eligible for these draws, candidates needed to have a profile created between October 8, 2023, and October 8, 2024. So far, 42,592 candidates have received invitations from Ontario under the OINP this year.
Why the OINP Draw Matters
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is one of Canada’s largest and most active Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), allowing the province to nominate individuals who possess the skills and experience needed to fill key labor shortages. By issuing targeted invitations through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream, Ontario is addressing the demands of its labor market while offering international workers a path to Canadian permanent residency.
The province continues to prioritize high-demand sectors, particularly skilled trades, which are crucial for sustaining Ontario’s economic growth. With the additional 600 points a provincial nomination adds to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, nominees have a significantly higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through the federal Express Entry system.
Understanding Ontario’s Employer Job Offer Streams
The Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker Stream is designed for foreign nationals who have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer. To qualify, candidates must meet the program’s criteria, including having the required work experience in a skilled occupation and securing a full-time job offer in the province. Ontario assesses candidates through an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, ranking profiles based on factors like work experience, education, and the employer’s needs.
Ontario also operates other streams under the Employer Job Offer category, including:
International Student Stream: For graduates from Canadian institutions with a job offer in Ontario.
In-Demand Skills Stream: Targeting candidates with work experience in specific occupations in demand within the province.
In 2024 alone, Ontario has issued 6,695 invitations through the Foreign Worker Stream, making it a significant pathway for skilled workers.
How to Improve Your Chances in Future OINP Draws
Given the growing competitiveness of OINP draws, candidates are advised to enhance their profiles by:
Securing a valid job offer from an Ontario employer in a high-demand occupation.
Gaining relevant work experience in industries prioritized by the OINP, such as skilled trades or healthcare.
Improving language proficiency in English or French, as this is a key factor in both the provincial and federal immigration systems.
For those not receiving an invitation to this draw, there is still hope. Ontario conducts multiple draws throughout the year, and your profile remains in the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool until you are invited or choose to withdraw.
Ontario’s recent draws highlight the importance of targeting skilled professionals in key sectors to sustain economic growth. The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream offers international workers a valuable opportunity to settle in Canada and contribute to the province’s workforce.
With 1,728 new invitations issued, Ontario continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing labor shortages through immigration. If you are interested in learning more about the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) or want guidance on improving your profile, ImmigCanada is here to assist you every step of the way. Stay updated on the latest immigration news and opportunities as you pursue your dream of living and working in Canada.
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