In a media release dated September 6, Ontario announced it would integrate the Immigrant Nominee Program with the New National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021.
EDSC and StatsCan have already begun using the new NOC system while IRCC will start using it in November.
It will affect the OINP because it will affect the acceptable jobs for each stream. NOC skill types 0, A, and B no longer require either a job offer or work experience as part of the Ontario Province Nominee Programs (PNPs).
As a result of the modifications, employers will now need to offer job offers in TEER 4 and 5 occupations under NOC 2021 as opposed to prior job offers in NOC Skill Level C or D occupations. Stream eligibility will change for some occupations under NOC 2021 due to changes to their NOC labels.
A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 Level or above is additionally expected to be required. This is for candidates in the Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker stream. In addition to improving candidates’ defenses against deception and other program integrity issues, the new language requirements would be consistent with the program’s goal of fostering effective integration of employees.
Additionally, the educational requirements for employers offering international job offers are being contested. In accordance with the Ontario Qualifications Framework, applicants with certificates that are more than a year old are required to complete the requirements for the Ontario College Graduate Certificate.
Ontario intends to make the final modification to administrative monetary penalties by setting a minimum amount.
Ontario’s Regulatory Registry has uploaded the modifications for public viewing. The province of Ontario will take comments on the suggested modifications until October 21, 2022.
The impact of NOC 2021 on Express Entry eligibility
NOC 2021 will take effect on November 16 according to IRCC. As a result of the change in Express Entry-eligible occupations, Ontario’s PNPs aligned with Express Entry will no longer be eligible.
Express Entry will be available to 16 professions under the proposed regulations:
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
- Payroll administrators
- Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
- Sheriffs and bailiffs
- Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
- Correctional service officers
- Nurse aides, orderly, and patient service associates
- By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
- Heavy equipment operators
- Other repairers and servicers
- Bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit operators
- Transport truck drivers
Three professions, however, will lose their eligibility under Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program following this change:
- Tailors, dressmakers, furriers, and milliners
- Other performers
- Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness
Job eligibility standards for some PNP streams will still allow the aforementioned jobs to be accepted.
