On August 22, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held a significant Express Entry draw, extending invitations to 1,287 skilled workers to apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada. This draw, specifically targeting candidates with experience in various skilled trades, marks a critical effort by Ontario to attract and retain talent that will contribute to the province’s economy.

Understanding the CRS Score Range

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is a vital factor in the Express Entry process. In this draw, candidates with CRS scores ranging from 400 to 435 were selected. This range represents a slight adjustment from previous draws, where the minimum CRS score was higher. By lowering the threshold to 400, Ontario has opened the door for more skilled workers to receive invitations, reflecting the province’s demand for skilled trades professionals.

Eligibility Criteria for the Draw

To be eligible for this draw, candidates needed to meet several key criteria:

1. Active Express Entry Profile: Only candidates with an active profile in the Express Entry system, created between August 22, 2023, and August 22, 2024, were considered.
2. Skilled Trades Experience: Candidates must have relevant work experience in one of the 46 skilled trades listed under Ontario’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
3. CRS Score Range: As mentioned, a CRS score between 400 and 435 was required for eligibility.

List of Eligible Skilled Trades

The draw specifically targeted candidates with experience in skilled trades—a sector critical to Ontario’s infrastructure and economic growth. Below is an expanded list of some of the key occupations that were eligible:

• NOC 72010: Contractors and supervisors in machining, metal forming, shaping, and erecting trades.
• NOC 72011: Contractors and supervisors in electrical trades and telecommunications.
• NOC 72300: Plumbers, responsible for installing and repairing water supply lines, waste disposal systems, and related appliances.
• NOC 72400: Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics, who maintain and repair machinery in factories and other industrial settings.
• NOC 72104: Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters, who assemble steel frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other structures.
• NOC 73202: Pest controllers and fumigators, specializing in the management and eradication of pests in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

This targeted approach ensures that the province attracts workers with the specific skills required to meet Ontario’s labor market needs.

Impact of Receiving a Provincial Nomination

Receiving an invitation to apply for provincial nomination is a crucial step toward obtaining Canadian permanent residency. Here’s how it impacts the candidate’s journey:

1. 600 Additional CRS Points: Once a candidate accepts the provincial nomination, they receive an additional 600 points on their existing CRS score. This significant boost virtually guarantees that they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR in a subsequent federal Express Entry draw.
2. Increased CRS Score: After the 600-point increase, invited candidates will have CRS scores ranging between 1,000 and 1,035. This high score positions them at the top of the Express Entry pool, ensuring they stand out in future draws.
3. Guaranteed Selection: With such a high CRS score, these candidates are almost certain to receive an ITA in the next round of Express Entry draws, either through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or an all-program draw.

The Application Process

If you are one of the 1,287 candidates who received an invitation in this draw, the next steps are crucial:

1. Accepting the Invitation: You have 45 days from the date of invitation to accept it and submit a complete application to the OINP. This includes providing all necessary documentation to prove your eligibility.
2. Submitting the Application: A thorough application must be submitted, demonstrating that you meet all the requirements of the Skilled Trades Stream. This includes evidence of your work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant qualifications.
3. Awaiting the Nomination: Once your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination, which will be added to your Express Entry profile, increasing your CRS score by 600 points.

Historical Context and Trends

Ontario’s Skilled Trades Stream has been an essential pathway for tradespeople seeking PR in Canada. Comparing the data from previous years provides valuable insights into the program’s evolution:

• 2024 Performance: So far, 7,699 invitations have been issued under this stream in 2024, across four draws. This number already surpasses the 7,512 invitations issued in 2023, indicating Ontario’s growing emphasis on skilled trades.
• Draw Comparisons: The table below offers a detailed comparison of the draws held in 2024:

This data highlights the consistency and growth in Ontario’s approach to selecting skilled tradespeople for provincial nomination.

Key Takeaways

• 1,287 skilled workers were invited in Ontario’s August 22 Express Entry draw.
• CRS scores ranged from 400 to 435, lower than previous draws.
• 46 skilled trades occupations were targeted.
• 600 additional CRS points are awarded with a provincial nomination, nearly guaranteeing PR.
• 45 days to accept the invitation and submit a complete application.

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“Ontario invited 1,287 skilled workers for permanent residency in the August 22, 2024, Express Entry draw. Learn about eligibility, CRS score range, and the impact of a provincial nomination.”