The OINP Employer Job Offer – In-Demand Skills stream is Ontario’s pathway for workers in NOC TEER 4 occupations — roles that most PNPs exclude. Covering sectors such as agriculture, food processing, tourism, hospitality, and trucking, this stream recognises that Ontario’s economy depends heavily on workers in front-line, hands-on roles who have invested at least a year of continuous service with a single Ontario employer.

The core requirements are: a permanent, full-time job offer in a NOC TEER 4 occupation; at least 12 continuous months of employment with the offering employer; CLB 4 language proficiency; and a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Unlike the Human Capital and academic streams, this stream does not require an active Express Entry profile — it is processed through the federal base stream, meaning federal PR processing takes approximately 13 months after nomination. Provincial fees are $1,500 (outside GTA) or $2,000 (within GTA).

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have a permanent, full-time job offer in a NOC TEER 4 occupation (previously semi-skilled)
• Must have been working for the same Ontario employer for at least 12 months prior to applying
• Language: CLB 4 minimum
• Must have completed secondary school education
• Eligible occupations in agriculture, food processing, tourism, hospitality, trucking
• Cannot be a live-in caregiver

Eligibility Deep Dive

The 12-month tenure requirement is one of the most important eligibility conditions. OINP measures this as 12 consecutive months of full-time employment with the same Ontario employer, immediately prior to the application. Gaps in employment, changes in status from full-time to part-time, or interruptions due to layoffs can disqualify a candidate. Seasonal workers whose employment is inherently seasonal — even if they return year after year — are not eligible: the job offer itself must be for a non-seasonal, permanent position.

Eligible occupation sectors include but are not limited to: farm worker and agricultural positions; food and beverage processing plant workers; accommodation, food service, and hospitality workers; and certain trucking and transport occupations. Candidates should verify their NOC code carefully — OINP publishes an eligible occupations list for this stream and may update it. Using the NOC Finder to confirm TEER 4 classification is a recommended first step.

The stream explicitly excludes live-in caregivers. Workers in TEER 5 occupations (typically requiring no formal training) are also ineligible — the stream is strictly limited to TEER 4. Workers with post-secondary credentials who hold TEER 4 positions may find it advantageous to explore TEER 0–3 job offers with their employer or with new employers before committing to this stream.

Application Process

Like all OINP Employer Job Offer streams since July 2025, the In-Demand Skills stream requires the employer to obtain a Position Approval before the candidate applies.

1. Employer submits Position Approval application via the OINP Employer Portal, documenting the genuineness and permanency of the position.
2. Candidate gathers evidence of 12 months of employment — T4 slips, pay stubs, employment letter, ROEs (if any), and employer confirmation of hours worked.
3. Candidate registers in OINP e-Filing Portal and links to the employer’s Position Approval.
4. Application submitted with full document package; $1,500 (or $2,000 GTA) provincial fee paid.
5. OINP review — approximately 120–150 days. This stream is not Express Entry-linked, so processing is through the base stream.
6. Provincial nomination issued and the candidate applies to IRCC for federal PR through the base stream.
7. Federal PR processing — approximately 13 months, including biometrics, medical, and background checks.

Documents Required

The document package for this stream must robustly demonstrate both the employer’s commitment and the candidate’s 12-month employment history.

• OINP Employer Position Approval and signed job offer letter
• 12+ months of consecutive pay stubs from the Ontario employer
• T4 slips for the relevant tax years
• Employment letter confirming start date, hours, job title, duties, NOC code, and permanent status of the position
• Valid Ontario work permit (candidates must be legally authorised to work in Ontario)
• Language test results meeting CLB 4 (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
• Secondary school diploma or equivalent (foreign credentials may require a basic ECA)
• Police clearance certificates

How VGIS Can Help

Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, helps workers in in-demand sectors confirm their NOC classification, ensure their 12-month employment documentation is comprehensive, and prepare the employer for the Position Approval process. The base-stream processing route for this stream means the entire PR journey from application to landing is typically 18–24 months — but a well-prepared application minimises delays.

To review your employment history and confirm eligibility, book a paid consultation at vgis.ca/book-consultation/.

Fees & Costs

Fee Component	Amount (CAD)
Government Fee	Provincial: $1,500 (outside GTA) / $2,000 (within GTA). Federal PR: $1,525 principal applicant
Biometrics	$85 individual / $170 family

Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.

Key Documents Required

• Employer job offer letter and OINP Position Approval
• 12 months of pay stubs or T4 from Ontario employer
• Valid work permit
• Language test results (CLB 4+)
• Secondary school diploma or equivalent
• Police clearances

Frequently Asked Questions

I have worked for my Ontario employer for 18 months but took 2 weeks off unpaid between contracts. Does that break the 12-month requirement?

OINP requires 12 consecutive months of employment immediately before the application. A gap — even a short unpaid break — can be problematic if it interrupts continuity. OINP officers look at the pattern of employment overall, but a documented break between contracts may cause a refusal. Discuss your specific circumstances with a representative before applying.

My job is listed as TEER 5 in the NOC but my employer calls it a skilled position. Can I still apply?

The NOC classification controls eligibility, not the employer’s internal job titles. Only TEER 4 occupations qualify for this stream. If your actual job duties match a TEER 4 NOC better than a TEER 5 NOC, you may be able to argue for the TEER 4 classification — but this requires a careful, evidence-based presentation of your duties. An authorised representative can help assess whether reclassification is supportable.

Is there any advantage to applying through the EE-linked route for this stream?

The In-Demand Skills stream is not Express Entry-linked — it is processed exclusively through the federal base stream. This means the federal PR stage takes approximately 13 months, compared to 7 months for EE-linked nominations. There is no option to convert an In-Demand Skills nomination into an EE-linked application. If you have, or can build, an EE profile, it may be worth exploring other OINP streams or federal Express Entry options in parallel.

What language test do I need and what score?

You need results from an IRCC-approved language test: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada. The minimum is CLB 4 across all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking). CLB 4 corresponds approximately to IELTS scores of 3.5–4.5 across the different bands. Tests must typically be within 2 years of the application date.

Official Government Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/oinp-employer-job-offer-category

📬 Get Immigration Updates

Express Entry draws, IRCC policy changes, and program news — delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe

---

Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.