Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream – A Pathway to Settle in Ontario

A Comprehensive Guide to the OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream and Your Pathway to Permanent Residency

Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), like others across Canada, plays a pivotal role in addressing specific labor market needs. This blog explores the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream, a pathway tailored for workers in key sectors, offering a unique opportunity for permanent residence in Ontario.

The Ontario PNP is designed to facilitate the immigration of individuals who can contribute significantly to the province's economy. It includes various streams targeting skilled workers, students, and entrepreneurs, among others.

Understanding the OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

This stream is open to foreign workers both inside and outside Canada who have job offers in specific in-demand occupations, such as agriculture, construction, and other select sectors. It requires candidates to first register in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System and await an invitation to apply. Once nominated by Ontario, candidates then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

Job Offer Requirements

1. Full-Time and Permanent: The job offer must be for a full-time (minimum of 1,560 hours a year and 30 hours per week) and permanent position with no end date. Seasonal or contract-based offers are ineligible.

2. Eligible Occupation: The offered position must be in specific occupations in National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 4 or 5. The eligible occupations vary depending on the location in Ontario.

3. Median Wage Level: The offered wage must meet or exceed the median wage level for that occupation in the specific region of Ontario where the work is to be performed.

4. Position Necessity: The job must be urgently necessary to the employer’s business and should align with the employer’s ongoing business activities.

5. Ontario-Based Work: The work associated with the job offer must primarily occur in Ontario.

To qualify under the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream, you must have a job offer in Ontario from a qualified employer.

Applicant Requirements

1. Expression of Interest and Invitation: Applicants must receive an invitation to apply and meet the qualifications claimed in their expression of interest.

2. Work Experience: At least 9 months of cumulative paid full-time work experience in Ontario, in the same occupation as the job offer, is required.

3. Language Proficiency: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in English or French is necessary.

4. Education: Applicants need a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

5. Legal Status in Canada (if applicable): Applicants in Canada must have legal status at the time of application.

Employer Requirements

Ontario employers must fulfill several criteria to support an applicant under this stream, including:

• Being in active business for at least three years.

• Demonstrating the necessity of the offered position for the business.

• Providing evidence of efforts made to recruit a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident prior to offering the job to an international applicant.

• Meeting certain revenue and full-time employee requirements based on the business location.

• Completing and submitting an Employer Form.

Eligible Occupations in Any Location in Ontario

Eligible Occupations in Any Location in Ontario:

• NOC 44101: Home Support Workers, Caregivers and Related Occupations

• NOC 65202: Meat Cutters and Fishmongers – Retail and Wholesale

• NOC 75110: Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers

• NOC 84120: Specialized Livestock Workers and Farm Machinery Operators

• NOC 85100: Livestock Labourers

• NOC 85101: Harvesting Labourers

• NOC 85103: Nursery and Greenhouse Labourers

• NOC 94141: Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters, Poultry Preparers and Related Workers

Eligible Occupations Outside the Greater Toronto Area:

• NOC 94100: Machine Operators, Mineral and Metal Processing

• NOC 94105: Metalworking and Forging Machine Operators

• NOC 94106: Machining Tool Operators

• NOC 94107: Machine Operators of Other Metal Products

• NOC 94110: Chemical Plant Machine Operators

• NOC 94111: Plastics Processing Machine Operators

• NOC 94124: Woodworking Machine Operators

• NOC 94132: Industrial Sewing Machine Operators

• NOC 94140: Process Control and Machine Operators, Food and Beverage Processing

• NOC 94201: Electronics Assemblers, Fabricators, Inspectors and Testers

• NOC 94204: Mechanical Assemblers and Inspectors

• NOC 94213: Industrial Painters, Coaters and Metal Finishing Process Operators

• NOC 94219: Other Products Assemblers, Finishers and Inspectors

• NOC 95102: Labourers in Chemical Products Processing and Utilities

If applying from within Canada, you must have a valid visitor record, study permit, or work permit at application time and maintain it until nomination. 'Implied status' applicants are also eligible.

Important Considerations

When applying for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) under the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream, it's crucial to be aware of several important factors:

1. Job Offer Validity at the Time of Nomination: Your job offer must be effective from the date the OINP nominates you if you are already working in the approved position. If you are not currently working for the employer, the job offer should become effective once you obtain a work permit and start working in the position. Your employer is required to adhere to the terms of the job offer, including the wage, from the time you are nominated.

2. Work Experience Requirement in Ontario: Your required nine months of work experience in Ontario must be cumulative and should have been acquired within three years of your application submission date, not the date you received the invitation to apply.

3. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Foreign Education: If you completed your education outside Canada, you need an ECA report to prove that your credentials are equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.

4. Legal Status for Applicants Within Canada: If you are applying from within Canada, you must have legal status (a visitor record, study permit, or work permit) at the time of application and maintain that status until nomination. Applicants in ‘implied status’ may also apply.

5. Employer Revenue Requirements: Employers must meet revenue requirements based on their location. The minimum total gross annual revenue for employers in the Greater Toronto Area should be $1,000,000, and for those outside the Greater Toronto Area, it should be at least $500,000.

6. Employee Requirements for Employers: Employers in the Greater Toronto Area must have at least five full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents at the location where you will work. For employers outside the Greater Toronto Area, the requirement is at least three full-time employees.

7. Conditions for Nominated Applicants: Nominated applicants must adhere to certain conditions, including continuing to demonstrate the intention to reside in Ontario and maintaining employment in the nominated position.

Scoring Factors in the Expression of Interest

The OINP assesses applicants based on factors like job offer, wage level, work permit status, Canadian work experience, regionalization, and others.

Conclusion

Comprehending the detailed requirements of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream is crucial for individuals aiming to secure permanent residency in Ontario, particularly for those in key sectors like agriculture, construction, and specialized trades.

At Immigrative Visa Services Inc., we dedicate ourselves to providing tailored support and expert advice throughout your immigration journey. Our team has deep insights into the intricacies of various Provincial Nominee Programs, including Ontario's distinctive In-Demand Skills stream. We are committed to ensuring your application not only fulfills the specific requirements set by the province but also aligns seamlessly with your personal immigration objectives.

Begin your journey towards permanent residency in Ontario with the confidence that Immigrative Visa Services Inc. stands beside you. Schedule an initial consultation with our professionals today and embark on the first step to realizing your dream of living in Canada.

Disclaimer:

This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized advice regarding your specific immigration situation, it is recommended to consult with an authorized immigration professional.

About the Author:

This blog post is authored by Hossein Alavi, RCIC, a seasoned Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and the founder and CEO of Immigrative Visa Services Inc. and EduPal Canada. With over ten years of experience in the education and immigration sectors, he is dedicated to assisting individuals and companies with their Canadian immigration needs. Contact Immigrative Visa Services Inc. today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward realizing your Canadian dream.