Since the publication of this article, Ontario immigration revealed hundreds of Skilled Trades Notifications of Interest were issued in error in the January 24 draw. The draw size has since been reduced to 371 NOIs. Read more here.

January 29, 2019 – Ontario immigration has conducted its largest draw yet through the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, issuing Notifications of Interest to 889 candidates.

The January 24 draw was the first of 2019 for Skilled Trades candidates.

To qualify, candidates needed to have submitted Express Entry profiles between January 24, 2018 and January 24, 2019.

The previous largest draw through the Skilled Trades stream took place on October 19, 2018, and saw 439 candidates issued with NOIs.

Skilled Trades candidates were the subject of 18 Ontario draws in 2018, with a total of 1,626 ITAs issued.

The stream has no minimum points requirement.

---

Ontario Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream

The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream targets skilled trades workers in the construction and agricultural sectors but could be expanded in the future.

To qualify applicants must have:

• Pending application under the Federal Express Entry system;
• At least 12 months of paid cumulative or continuous Ontario work experience with the last two years prior to your Notification of Interest in National Occupation Classification 633, or major groups 72, 73 or 82;
• Proof of Ontario license or certification if your occupation so requires;
• A valid work permit and be resident in Ontario at the time of application;
• English or French-language level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or above in reading, writing, listening and speaking;
• Proof of settlement fund to cover you and your dependents, with the minimum amount determined by official Low-Income Cut-Offs.

---

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) began publishing information about specific draws at the beginning of 2018. 

Ontario also conducts draws for its Human Capital Priorities, French Speaking Skilled Worker and Entrepreneur Stream throughout the year.

---

Ontario NOIs Issued So Far in 2019

Human Capital Priorities Stream (HCP)	1,493
French Speaking Skilled Worker Stream (FSSW)	71
Skilled Trades Stream (ST)	889
Entrepreneur Stream	13

Source: www.ontarioimmigration.ca

---

The OINP is yet to announced its federal government nomination allocation for 2019.

It received an allocation for 2018 of 6,600 nominations, extended by 250 in December to make a total of 6,850 nominations issued.

The province is currently accepting applications for all but one of its immigration streams.

---

Status of Ontario Streams

Immigration Stream	Status
Human Capital Priorities (Express Entry)	Open
French-Speaking Skilled Worker (Express Entry)	Open
Skilled Trades (Express Entry)	Open
Employer Job Offer	Open
International Student (Masters Graduate)	Closed
International Student (PhD Graduate)	Open
Investor Immigration (Corporate)	Open
Investor Immigration (Entrepreneur)	Open

Source: www.ontarioimmigration.ca

---

Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.

Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.

Read more news about Canada Immigration by clicking here.