Ontario’s OINP has integrated 36 NOC codes previously exclusive to Health, Tech, and Trade into the “Other-Priority” category, expanding it to 77 occupations. These codes retain their original classifications, allowing dual eligibility for dedicated streams (e.g., Express Entry Human Capital Priorities) and broader “Other-Priority” draws. This enables flexible, high-volume invitations—8,795 issued in 2025, with CRS scores as low as 42 in the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. The shift enhances PR pathways but raises questions about processing differences. Verify your NOC with the Immigratic NOC Navigator and track draws for optimal application timing.
Soheil Hosseini
September 6, 2025
Jurisdiction
ontario
Week
Week 36
Impact
Moderate
Programs Affected
Date of update: 2025-09-06
Summary: Ontario has added 36 previously dedicated Health, Tech, and Trade occupations to its broader “Other-Priority” list, expanding it to 77 occupations. The shift is designed to enable more flexible, mixed-sector targeted draws while preserving the original eligibility of these roles under their dedicated categories. Ontario’s immigration program is widening its net. In recent updates, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) incorporated numerous National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes that used to be targeted under dedicated Health, Tech, and Trade categories into the “Other-Priority” category.
According to the Immigratic NOC Navigator analysis of OINP targeted draws, this creates dual classification for 36 NOC codes, allowing Ontario to invite candidates more flexibly without removing their original category status.
Why this matters: The duplication enables OINP to run broader, data-driven draws across sectors, potentially increasing invitation frequency and access—especially where labor shortages are acute. Recent activity cited in the analysis indicates over 5,000 invitations issued across 2025 draws, with some “other priority” invitations showing CRS scores as low as 52, underscoring accessibility for in-demand roles. What changed—key overlaps now in “Other-Priority”:
- Health (19 codes): 30010, 31120, 31200, 31202, 31203, 32100, 32103, 32109, 32110, 32111, 32112, 32121, 32122, 32123, 32129, 32201, 33100, 33101, 33109.
- Tech (3 codes): 20012, 21222, 21311.
- Trades (14 codes): 70010, 70011, 70012, 72010, 72011, 72013, 72014, 72020, 72021, 72025, 73101, 73112, 73201, 82031.
Context and program activity:
- The expanded “Other-Priority” list emphasizes high-demand roles across administration, engineering, health, tech, and trades, and includes additional occupations beyond the traditional sectors.
- As described in the provided analysis, recent OINP draws in 2025 have targeted occupations such as software engineers (21231), registered nurses (31301), early childhood educators (42202), and machinists (72100), reflecting cross-sector priorities.
- Dual classification does not remove eligibility under original categories; it adds another pathway. What this means for applicants:
- Maintained eligibility: Your occupation retains its dedicated-category pathway. Example: Pharmacists (31120) still qualify under Health-specific streams and may now benefit from “Other-Priority” draws.
- Broader opportunity: Dual classification can mean more frequent invitations and potentially lower score thresholds when targeted in mixed-sector draws.
- Watch for complexity: Dual pathways can cause uncertainty on which stream to prioritize; monitoring draw trends and using classification tools can help align strategy with current targeting.
Independent analysis—potential impacts:
- Positive: Greater flexibility for OINP to respond to market demand; more entry points for candidates in critical sectors; potential for faster invitations where scores are lower.
- Negative: Risk of applicant confusion without detailed guidance on how dual classifications affect processing or selection; unpredictability in draw composition may complicate planning. Recommendations:
- Verify your NOC code’s status and overlap.
- Monitor OINP draw announcements closely, especially “Other-Priority” rounds.
- Prepare complete, accurate applications, as 2025 screening is reportedly tighter.
- If eligible under multiple pathways, consider both to maximize invitation chances.
Categories
Share This Post
Stay Updated with Immigration News
Get the latest updates on Express Entry draws, OINP invitations, policy changes, and more delivered to your inbox.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Related Articles
DNA Testing Update
IRCC revised DNA-testing procedures—separating citizenship and immigration instructions, standardizing officer letters and GCMS recording, and adding virtual witnessing at select IOM offices. Tests must be SCC‑accredited and client‑paid, remain voluntary as a last resort, and affect Citizenship, Sponsorship, H&C and Refugee programs to improve consistency and fairness.
Quebec Physician Work Permit
Effective 2025-07-31, IRCC allows eligible foreign physicians destined for Quebec’s underserved regions to use a single employer-specific C10 (R205(a)) work permit—covering the 13-week assessment/adaptation and subsequent practice and valid up to five years. Applications received before 2025-07-31 remain under previous rules; the Collège des Médecins du Québec continues to designate clinical settings.
IRCC Work Permit Update
IRCC updated C90 and A75 work permit instructions, reducing caregiver experience required from 12 to 6 months and accepting foreign experience earned within a 36‑month window. Applicants get only one opportunity to submit experience evidence; updates also clarify non‑Express Entry PNP procedures and include Quebec skilled workers/investors.
Work Permit Policy Update
IRCC’s 18 July 2025 policy clarifies R186(s) no‑permit scenarios versus TFWP/IMP permit requirements for marine and transport workers, defining “crew member” duties and addressing offshore EEZ construction. It adds an IMP R205(a)–C10 pathway for Seaspan above‑deck retrofits, integrates Operational Bulletin 649, and may increase permit filings and project lead times for employers and specialized workers.