In-Demand Skills Stream

The Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is designed to address labour shortages in essential sectors of Ontario’s economy. This stream targets foreign workers with job offers in specific high-demand occupations, especially in industries such as agriculture, construction, trucking, and healthcare, where recruitment challenges are ongoing.

Unlike other OINP streams that focus on high-skilled occupations under NOC TEER 0–3, this stream is open to applicants in intermediate-skilled roles (TEER 4 or 5) that are vital to the daily functioning of Ontario’s communities. It allows foreign workers with experience in these occupations to apply for provincial nomination and ultimately pursue permanent residence in Canada.

To qualify, candidates must have a full-time and permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer in one of the in-demand occupations listed by the province. They must also demonstrate a minimum of nine months of cumulative work experience in Ontario in the same occupation, possess at least a high school diploma, meet language proficiency requirements, and hold valid legal status in Canada (if applying from within the country). The employer must meet certain operational and financial eligibility criteria.

Applications are submitted directly to Ontario through the OINP e-Filing Portal. If nominated, candidates can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. A $1,500 application fee applies and is non-refundable.

The In-Demand Skills Stream plays a critical role in supporting Ontario’s economy by attracting workers who are often overlooked in traditional high-skilled immigration programs. It provides a viable option for those in physically demanding or essential jobs to transition into long-term residents, benefiting both local employers and applicants who have already proven their value in the workforce.

This stream is one of three under the OINP’s Job Offer category, alongside the Foreign Worker Stream and International Student Stream. Each stream serves different applicant profiles based on work experience, education, and job offer type.

At RightWay Canada, we assist clients through every step of the In-Demand Skills Stream—from verifying eligibility and collecting supporting documents to preparing a strong application package. Book a consultation with our expert immigration consultants to assess your eligibility for the In-Demand Skills Stream and begin your application process with confidence.