The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) stands as a cornerstone in Ontario's immigration strategy, offering a diverse array of pathways for individuals seeking to make this vibrant Canadian province their new home. As the most populous province in Canada, known for its economic vitality, cultural diversity, and abundant opportunities, Ontario attracts skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international students, and professionals from around the globe.
Why Move to Ontario
Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is a land of opportunity, diversity, and growth. Known for its vibrant cities like Toronto and Ottawa, lush natural landscapes, and a thriving economy, Ontario offers a unique blend of cultural richness and economic prosperity. It's a place where dreams turn into reality, making it an ideal destination for immigrants seeking a better life.
Economic Opportunities
Ontario's economy is one of the strongest in Canada, driven by industries such as finance, manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare. This economic diversity provides a wealth of job opportunities for skilled workers, professionals, and entrepreneurs. The province's commitment to innovation and development ensures continuous growth and new opportunities in various sectors.
Cultural Diversity and Quality of Life
Ontario is celebrated for its cultural diversity, with a welcoming attitude towards immigrants. This multicultural environment offers a sense of belonging and community for newcomers from all over the world. The province boasts high-quality education and healthcare systems, making it an ideal place for families and individuals seeking a high standard of living.
Natural Beauty and Lifestyle
From the breathtaking Niagara Falls to the serene landscapes of Algonquin Park, Ontario is home to some of Canada's most beautiful natural attractions. The province offers a balanced lifestyle with its blend of urban and rural settings, providing residents with a variety of recreational and leisure activities.
Education and Innovation
Ontario is a hub of education and innovation, hosting some of Canada's top universities and research institutions. This focus on education and research attracts international students and professionals, contributing to the province's reputation as a leader in innovation and development.
Understanding OINP
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) represents a critical pathway for skilled workers, international students, business owners, and entrepreneurs aiming to settle in Ontario. As a key component of Ontario's economic immigration strategy, the OINP works in partnership with the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Program Overview
The OINP is designed to address the specific labor market and economic development needs of Ontario. It allows the province to nominate individuals for permanent residence who possess the skills and experience required by the local economy. The final decision on approving applications for permanent residence rests with the Government of Canada.
Stream Selection
Ontario offers a variety of immigration streams under the OINP, each targeting different groups of applicants based on their skills, experience, and job offers in Ontario. These streams are tailored to meet the diverse needs of the province's labor market and include categories for foreign workers with job offers, international students, and entrepreneurs.
Application Process
The application process for the OINP involves several steps, starting with choosing the right stream. Applicants must understand the specific requirements of their chosen stream and prepare their application accordingly. The OINP utilizes an e-filing portal for the submission of applications, and applicants are required to register an expression of interest or receive an invitation to apply.
Business Immigration Services
The OINP also provides business immigration services to help Ontario employers navigate the immigration system. These services are aimed at filling labor shortages, retaining international students, and facilitating the recruitment of skilled workers. The program offers personalized assistance to businesses, including expedited work permit and labor market impact assessment (LMIA) processing for highly skilled talent.
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers a valuable pathway for skilled foreign workers to obtain permanent residence in Ontario. This stream is specifically designed for individuals who have received a job offer in a skilled occupation in Ontario, providing an opportunity to live and work permanently in the province.
Job Offer Requirements
Skilled Occupation: The job offer must be in a skilled occupation at TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Full-time and Permanent: The position must be full-time (a minimum of 1,560 hours a year and at least 30 hours per week) and permanent, with no end date.
Wage Standards: The offered wage must meet or exceed the median wage level for that occupation in the specific region of Ontario where the work will be performed.
Applicant Requirements
Expression of Interest and Invitation: Applicants must first register an expression of interest in the OINP’s system and receive an invitation to apply.
Work Experience: Depending on the occupation, applicants must either hold a valid license or authorization in Ontario or demonstrate relevant work experience in the occupation of the job offer.
Legal Status in Canada: If applying from within Canada, applicants must have legal status at the time of application.
Employer Requirements
Business Eligibility: The employer must have been in active business for at least three years and have a physical business premise in Ontario.
Revenue and Employee Criteria: Employers must meet specific revenue requirements and have a certain number of full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Application Process
Online Application: After receiving an invitation to apply, candidates must submit their application online through the OINP e-filing portal, including all required documents and information.
Scoring Factors: The OINP assigns points based on various factors such as job offer category, wage, work permit status, and regionalization.
After Nomination
Once nominated, candidates must apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The nomination from OINP is subject to conditions, including the requirement to live in Ontario and continue employment in the nominated position.
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
The Employer Job Offer: International Student stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) provides a pathway for international students with a job offer in Ontario to apply for permanent residence. This stream is specifically designed to retain talented international graduates who have studied in Canada and have received a job offer in a skilled occupation in Ontario.
Job Offer Requirements
Skilled Occupation: The job offer must be in a skilled occupation at TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Full-time and Permanent: The job must be full-time (a minimum of 1,560 hours a year and at least 30 hours per week) and permanent, with no end date.
Wage Standards: The wage must meet or exceed the low wage level for that occupation in the specific region of Ontario where the work will be performed.
Applicant Requirements
Expression of Interest and Invitation: Applicants must register an expression of interest in the OINP’s system and receive an invitation to apply.
Education: Applicants must have completed a degree, diploma, or certificate from an eligible Canadian institution, with at least half of the studies completed in Canada.
Legal Status in Canada: If applying from within Canada, applicants must have legal status at the time of application.
Employer Requirements
Business Eligibility: The employer must have been in active business for at least three years and have a physical business premise in Ontario.
Revenue and Employee Criteria: Employers must meet specific revenue requirements and have a certain number of full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Application Process
Online Application: After receiving an invitation to apply, candidates must submit their application online through the OINP e-filing portal, including all required documents and information.
Scoring Factors: The OINP assigns points based on various factors such as job offer category, wage, work permit status, and regionalization.
After Nomination
Once nominated, candidates must apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The nomination from OINP is subject to conditions, including the requirement to live in Ontario and continue employment in the nominated position.
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
The Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a unique pathway designed for foreign workers in specific high-demand sectors such as agriculture, construction, trucking, and personal support work. This stream provides an opportunity for these workers to apply for permanent residence in Ontario if they have a job offer in the province.
Job Offer Requirements
Eligible Occupations: The job offer must be in one of the specified occupations in National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 4 or 5, which include roles like Home Support Workers, Meat Cutters, Construction Trades Helpers, and Labourers.
Full-time and Permanent: The job must be full-time (minimum of 1,560 hours a year and at least 30 hours per week) and permanent, with no end date.
Wage Standards: The wage must meet or exceed the median wage level for that occupation in the specific region of Ontario where the work will be performed.
Applicant Requirements
Work Experience: Applicants must have at least 9 months of cumulative paid full-time work experience in Ontario in the same in-demand occupation as their job offer.
Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate language skills at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in English or French.
Education: A Canadian secondary school diploma or its equivalent, validated by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), is required.
Employer Requirements
Business Eligibility: Employers must have been in active business for at least three years and have a physical business premise in Ontario.
Revenue and Employee Criteria: Specific revenue requirements and a minimum number of full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents are necessary.
Application Process
Expression of Interest and Invitation: Candidates must register an expression of interest in the OINP’s system and receive an invitation to apply.
Online Application: The application is submitted online, including all required documents and information.
After Nomination
Once nominated, candidates must apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The nomination is subject to conditions, including the requirement to live in Ontario and continue employment in the nominated position.
Masters Graduate Stream
The Masters Graduate stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a unique opportunity for international graduates who have obtained a master's degree from an Ontario university. This stream allows these graduates to apply for permanent residence in Ontario, fostering the retention of highly educated individuals within the province.
Key Requirements for the Masters Graduate Stream
- Education: Applicants must have completed a master's degree program at an eligible Ontario university. This program should have required at least one academic year of full-time study.
- Residency in Ontario: Applicants must have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years before applying.
- Language Proficiency: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French is required, demonstrated through an approved language test.
- Settlement Funds: Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents when settling in Canada.
- Intention to Live in Ontario: Applicants must intend to live in Ontario, as evidenced by their ties to the province.
Application Process
Expression of Interest and Invitation: To apply, candidates must first register an expression of interest in the OINP’s system and receive an invitation to apply.
Online Application: The application must be submitted online, including all required documents and information.
Scoring Factors: The OINP assigns points based on factors like education, language proficiency, and residency in Ontario.
After Nomination
Once nominated, candidates must apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The nomination from OINP is subject to conditions, including the requirement to live in Ontario.
PhD Graduate Stream
The PhD Graduate stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers a unique opportunity for international graduates with a PhD degree from an Ontario university to apply for permanent residence in the province. This stream is designed to retain highly educated individuals, contributing to Ontario's knowledge-based economy.
Key Requirements for the PhD Graduate Stream
Education: Applicants must have completed a PhD degree from an eligible university in Ontario, with at least two years of the studies completed while legally living and studying in the province.
Residency in Ontario: Applicants must have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years before applying.
Language Proficiency: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French is required, demonstrated through an approved language test.
Settlement Funds: Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents when settling in Canada.
Intention to Live in Ontario: Applicants must intend to live in Ontario, as evidenced by their ties to the province.
Application Process
Expression of Interest and Invitation: Candidates must first register an expression of interest in the OINP’s system and receive an invitation to apply.
Online Application: The application must be submitted online, including all required documents and information.
Scoring Factors: The OINP assigns points based on factors like education, language proficiency, and residency in Ontario.
After Nomination
Once nominated, candidates must apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The nomination from OINP is subject to conditions, including the requirement to live in Ontario.
Human Capital Priorities Stream
The Human Capital Priorities Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a dynamic pathway for foreign workers with the necessary skilled work experience, language abilities, and education to apply for permanent residence in Ontario. This stream is part of Ontario’s Express Entry system and plays a significant role in aligning the province's labor market needs with the skills of talented individuals globally.
Eligibility and Application Process
Express Entry Profile: Applicants must have a valid profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario.
Work Experience: Candidates must have work experience in one of the federal programs: Federal Skilled Workers Program or Canadian Experience Class.
Education: A Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, or its equivalent in another country, is required. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is necessary for foreign degrees.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher is mandatory.
Settlement Funds: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents in Canada.
Intention to Live in Ontario: Candidates must intend to reside in Ontario, as evidenced by their ties to the province.
Scoring Factors
The OINP assigns points based on factors such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and residency in Ontario. These factors are crucial in determining a candidate's suitability for the stream.
Application Submission
Expression of Interest and Invitation: Candidates must register an expression of interest and receive an invitation to apply.
Online Application: The application is submitted online, including all required documents and information.
After Nomination
Once nominated, candidates must apply to the federal government through IRCC for permanent residence. The nomination from OINP is subject to conditions, including the requirement to live in Ontario.
Skilled Trades Stream
The Skilled Trades Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a vital pathway for foreign nationals with work experience in eligible skilled trades in Ontario. This stream is part of Ontario’s Express Entry system and offers skilled tradespeople the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in Ontario.
Eligibility and Application Process
Work Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of cumulative paid full-time work experience (or the equivalent in paid part-time work) in Ontario in specific trades within the last two years. The eligible trades are primarily in Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 93, and Minor Group 6320 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Valid Certificate or License: For compulsory trades, a valid certificate or license in Ontario is required.
Residence in Ontario: Applicants must be residing in Ontario with a valid work permit at the time of application.
Language Proficiency: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher in English or French is required.
Settlement Funds: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents.
Intention to Live in Ontario: Candidates must intend to reside in Ontario, as evidenced by their ties to the province.
Application Submission
Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have a valid profile in the Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario.
Online Application: The application is submitted online, including all required documents and information.
After Nomination
Once nominated, candidates must apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The nomination from OINP is subject to conditions, including the requirement to live in Ontario.
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a significant pathway for French-speaking skilled workers with strong English language abilities to apply for permanent residence in Ontario. This stream is part of Ontario’s Express Entry system and targets individuals who can contribute to the province's bilingual character.
Eligibility and Application Process
Work Experience: Applicants must decide which federal program they want to be assessed against: the Federal Skilled Workers Program or the Canadian Experience Class. They must have relevant work experience in TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Education: A Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, or its equivalent in another country, is required. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is necessary for foreign degrees.
Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 6 and French proficiency at CLB level 7 or higher.
Settlement Funds: Candidates must have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents in Canada.
Intention to Live in Ontario: Applicants must intend to reside in Ontario, as evidenced by their ties to the province.
Application Submission
Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have a valid profile in the Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario.
Online Application: The application is submitted online, including all required documents and information.
After Nomination
Once nominated, candidates must apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The nomination from OINP is subject to conditions, including the requirement to live in Ontario.
Tech Draws under the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
Tech Draws under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) represent a strategic initiative to address labor shortages in the technology sector. Falling under the Human Capital Priorities Stream, Tech Draws are designed to identify and nominate individuals with technological skills from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry pool.
Eligibility and Application Process
Targeted NOC Codes: Tech Draws focus on specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes in the technology sector, including Data Scientists, Software Engineers, Computer Programmers, Web Developers, Database Analysts, and Computer Engineers.
Work Experience: To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate work experience in one of the targeted NOC codes.
Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have a valid profile in the Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario.
Application Submission: After receiving an NOI, candidates have 45 calendar days to submit their online application to the OINP under the Human Capital Priorities Stream.
Support for Businesses
Business Immigration Services: The OINP’s Business Immigration Services team assists tech employers in understanding federal and provincial immigration pathways and finding talent solutions. They provide information sessions, meetings, and dedicated support to help employers fill labour shortages and hire foreign talent.
Impact on Ontario's Tech Sector
Tech Draws play a crucial role in meeting the current labour needs and hiring practices of employers in Ontario's technology sector. By facilitating the immigration of skilled tech professionals, these draws contribute significantly to the growth and innovation of the province's tech industry.
Program Updates and Fraud Protection
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) regularly updates its processes and criteria to better align with the evolving needs of Ontario's labor market and immigration policies. In 2023, several key updates have been made to various streams within the OINP, reflecting the program's commitment to efficiency and responsiveness.
Tech Occupations Invited: In December 2023, the OINP issued targeted notifications of interest to candidates in the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream who have work experience in specific tech occupations. This initiative underscores Ontario's focus on strengthening its tech sector by attracting skilled professionals in high-demand fields.
Skilled Trades, Health, and Tech Occupations: The Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker stream has invited candidates in skilled trades, health, and tech occupations, demonstrating the program's dedication to addressing labor shortages in these critical sectors.
Economic Mobility Pathways Project: The OINP is also participating in the federal Economic Mobility Pathways Project, inviting candidates under the Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker stream. This project aims to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers who can contribute significantly to Ontario's economy.
Protecting Against Immigration Fraud
Fraudulent Calls and Scams: The OINP emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against immigration fraud, including fraudulent calls and scams. Applicants are advised to be cautious and report any suspicious activities.
Safe Application Practices: The program provides guidelines on safe application practices and how to avoid fraud. It's crucial for applicants to understand their rights and responsibilities and to seek information only from reliable sources.
Staying Informed
Regular Updates: Applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about the latest program updates and news by regularly visiting the OINP's official website.
Contacting OINP: For any queries or concerns, applicants can contact the OINP directly through the provided channels.
The OINP's updates and its stance on fraud protection are integral to maintaining the integrity of the program and ensuring a fair and transparent immigration process for all applicants.
After Application Submission
After submitting an application to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), applicants enter a crucial phase where understanding the process and maintaining updated information is key. This section provides insights into what happens after application submission, including checking application status, updating information, and understanding processing times.
Checking Application Status
OINP e-Filing Portal: Applicants can check the status of their application through their account in the OINP e-Filing Portal at any time.
Email Notifications: The program will contact applicants if more information is required or to notify them of the decision on their application.
Updating Information
Changes in Personal Information: Applicants must notify the OINP if there are any changes to the information provided in their application. This includes changes in contact information, immigration status, family composition, and other significant life events.
Making Changes: Changes to telephone number, email address, and country of residence can be made by logging into the OINP e-Filing Portal and clicking on “My Profile.” For other changes, a Change of Personal Information form must be completed and emailed to the OINP.
Application Processing Times
Average Processing Times: The OINP provides regular updates on average processing times for different streams. As of November 29, 2023, processing times vary by stream, with some streams taking up to 150 days.
Patience is Key: If an application is taking longer than the estimated processing time, there is no need to contact the program unless additional information is requested.
Nominations Issued
Annual Nominations: The OINP issues a certain number of nominations each year, allocated by the federal government. In 2022, Ontario’s allocation was 9,750 nominations, issued under various streams.
Stream-Specific Nominations: The distribution of nominations across different streams reflects the program's focus areas and labor market needs.
Next Steps After Nomination
Applying for Permanent Residence: If nominated, the next step is to apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. IRCC makes the final decision on who becomes a permanent resident.
Understanding the post-application process in the OINP is crucial for applicants to effectively manage their expectations and ensure their information remains current and accurate.
OINP and Ontario’s Labour Market
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) plays a pivotal role in shaping Ontario's labour market by aligning immigration with the province's economic needs. The program is designed to address specific labor shortages and contribute to the overall economic development of Ontario.
Meeting Labour Market Demands
Targeted Streams: The OINP offers various streams targeting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students, each designed to meet the unique demands of Ontario’s diverse economy.
Filling Skill Gaps: By nominating individuals with the necessary skills and experience, the OINP helps fill gaps in sectors where there is a shortage of local talent, such as technology, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Economic Impact
Boosting the Economy: Immigrants nominated through the OINP contribute significantly to Ontario's economy by bringing diverse skills, innovation, and international perspectives.
Supporting Businesses: The program assists Ontario businesses in finding the talent they need to grow and compete in the global market, thereby supporting the province's economic development.
Future Outlook
Adapting to Changes: The OINP continuously adapts to the changing economic landscape and labor market trends to ensure that the program remains responsive to the needs of Ontario’s economy.
Long-Term Growth: The strategic focus of the OINP on sectors with high growth potential positions Ontario for long-term economic success and sustainability.
The OINP is a key instrument in Ontario's strategy to build a strong and dynamic labor market, ensuring that the province remains competitive and prosperous.
Embracing Opportunities with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) stands as a beacon of opportunity for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international students, and other professionals seeking to make Ontario their new home. As a key component of Ontario's immigration strategy, the OINP plays a vital role in the province's economic development, addressing specific labor market needs and contributing to the vibrant and diverse community that defines Ontario.
The Role of OINP in Ontario's Future
The success of the OINP is integral to the future of Ontario. By attracting skilled professionals and innovative entrepreneurs, the program significantly contributes to the economic prosperity and cultural richness of the province. The OINP not only fills immediate labour market gaps but also fosters long-term economic stability and growth, ensuring that Ontario remains a competitive and dynamic place to live and work.
Final Thoughts
For those considering the OINP as their pathway to Canada, it represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic and supportive community. The journey through the OINP, while it may present challenges, offers immense rewards in terms of professional growth, personal development, and the chance to contribute to one of Canada's most vibrant provinces. Ontario's commitment to supporting its newcomers is evident in the comprehensive structure and support provided through the OINP.
