Ontario Express Entry Draw Issues 1,287 PR Invitations | The latest Ontario Express Entry draw, held on August 22, 2024, issued a total of 1,287 invitations for permanent residency (PR) under the Skilled Trades Stream. This draw, organized by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), specifically targeted candidates with experience in one of 46 skilled trades occupations. The Ontario Express Entry draw is part of the broader Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to nominate candidates who meet their labor market needs.
Ontario Express Entry Draw
The Ontario Express Entry draw selected candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 400 and 435. This score range represents a significant adjustment compared to previous draws. The lower end of the CRS score dropped by 8 points, from 408 to 400, while the upper range remained unchanged at 435. This change has made it easier for more skilled trade workers to receive invitations.
Express Entry profiles created between August 22, 2023, and August 22, 2024, were eligible for this OINP draw, if they met the specified criteria. The CRS score is a critical factor in determining which candidates receive invitations. And this draw demonstrated Ontario’s commitment to responding to the needs of its labor market.
Eligible Occupations and Criteria
The OINP Skilled Trades Stream focuses on candidates with experience in specific skilled trades occupations. These occupations are grouped under National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. They include sectors like construction, electrical work, plumbing, and heavy equipment operation, among others. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and have an Express Entry profile are automatically considered for the draw.
To qualify for the OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, candidates must have at least one year of full-time work experience (or the equivalent in part-time) in Ontario within the last two years. The experience must be in one of the eligible NOC codes, which include major groups like 72, 73, 82, and 93. This stream is designed to help fill labor shortages in critical sectors of Ontario’s economy.
Implications for Candidates
Receiving a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) invitation through the Ontario Express Entry draw is a significant advantage for candidates. Moreover, a provincial nomination adds 600 points to the candidate’s existing Express Entry CRS score. Consequently, this boost virtually guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residency in the following federal draws. This boost is particularly beneficial, especially for candidates whose CRS scores fall below the federal cut-off.
The August 2024 draw is part of a series of ongoing efforts by Ontario to address labor market demands through immigration. In 2024 alone, the OINP Skilled Trades Stream has issued a total of 7,699 invitations across four draws, exceeding the 7,512 invitations issued in 2023. This increase reflects Ontario’s proactive approach to attracting skilled workers who can contribute to the province’s economic growth.
Read more:
- What is the processing time for Permanent Residency in Canada?
- Top 20 occupations in Canada with highest job vacancies in 2024
- How long is the processing time for PPR?
Finally, the Ontario Express Entry draw continues to be a vital pathway for skilled trade workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. By adjusting the CRS score range and targeting specific occupations, Ontario is ensuring that its labor market needs are met. For candidates, receiving a PR invitation through this program not only opens doors to a new life in Canada. It also provides a clear pathway to contributing to Ontario’s economic future.
Keep an eye on Ontario immigration news for future updates and be ready to seize the opportunities presented by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program 2024.
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