Is there an OINP stream for skilled trades workers?
Yes. OINP has a pathway for skilled trades workers under its Employer Job Offer streams. To qualify, you generally need a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible skilled trades occupation — as defined under the NOC system.
The offer must be in a qualifying trades occupation, meet minimum wage requirements, and the employer must be in good standing with Ontario's employment and labour standards. The job offer typically needs to be supported by an LMIA, as with other EJO streams, or the applicant must already be working in Canada under a valid LMIA-exempt work permit tied to the role.
Skills trades are important to Ontario's labour market, and OINP has periodically run targeted draws for these occupations. Federal Express Entry has also prioritized trades occupations in certain targeted draws, meaning trades workers may have multiple routes to permanent residence.
Trades that are regulated in Ontario (electricians, plumbers, certain others) also require a Certificate of Qualification from the Ontario College of Trades before a person can legally practise independently in the province. Obtaining a provincial nomination does not itself grant that certificate — those are separate processes regulated provincially under trade-specific rules.
Key takeaways
- OINP's EJO streams cover skilled trades workers with qualifying Ontario job offers.
- The offer must be permanent, full-time, in an eligible NOC trades occupation.
- An LMIA or LMIA-exempt work permit linked to the role is typically required.
- Regulated trades in Ontario also require a Certificate of Qualification to practise — separate from immigration.