A Guide to Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programs (OINP)

About Ontario

Often when people hear about Canada, they think of Ontario. This is a natural reaction given that the nation’s capital, Ottawa, is in the eastern part of the province, just a few hours’ drive to Toronto, the largest city in the country. The province is home to more than 38% of Canada’s population. The Iroquois Aboriginals lived in the region before the first European settlers gave the name Ontario. It’s a culturally diverse province with a mix of many different First Nations Aboriginals, old settled families and new immigrants from many parts of the world.

Despite being in the middle of the country, Ontario has a vast amount of shoreline from the historic Hudson Bay to the Great Lakes shared with the United States. This mix of culture and topography also lends to a range of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy, from special events to theatre and downtown nightlife to family-friendly cultural centres.

The economy of Ontario is primarily based on manufacturing, high-tech, natural resources, financial services and agriculture due to the extensive diversity of urban centres and rural northlands. In-demand jobs in Ontario include those in trades in the construction field, farm and nursery workers and heavy equipment operators, to name a few.

Ontario PNP Categories

Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) has several categories:

The Ontario Express Entry is made up of three streams, of which nominees must have qualified for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry pool as well as the required education, professional work experience, language and other characteristics to establish and integrate into Ontario’s workforce and communities:

• OINP Human Capital Priorities Stream – most popular stream for foreign skilled workers having enough experience, education and language abilities. The Human Capital Priorities Stream is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Ontario.
• OINP French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream – French-speaking foreign workers with strong English language abilities who want to live and work permanently in Ontario.
• OINP Skilled Trades Stream – for foreign workers with Ontario work experience in an eligible skilled trade who want to live and work permanently in Ontario. Skilled trades certification may be required.

The Employer Job Offer Category consists of two streams:

• OINP Foreign Worker Stream – for skilled workers possessing a job offer inside Ontario. The Foreign Workers with a job-offer stream is how the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OPNP) helps employers meet their human resource needs by enabling them to recruit foreign workers and international students. Ontario employers can recruit foreign workers for approved skilled positions through this category. These employees may be living abroad or in Canada at the time of application.
• OINP In-Demand Skills Stream – for skilled workers in an in-demand occupation with a job offer in Ontario. The Employer job offer in-demand skills stream targets workers in particular agriculture and construction occupations.

The OINP International Student Category is specifically designed for international students in Ontario under the following sub-categories:

• OINP International Student Stream – for recent graduates possessing a job offer in Ontario. To qualify as an international student, they must have graduated from a full-time degree or diploma program from an eligible publicly-funded college or university in Canada which is at least two years in length or a one-year post-graduate certificate program. They must complete half of their studies in Canada and apply within two years of graduation.
• OINP Masters Graduate Stream – for students having a master’s degree from an Ontario university. Students who have graduated with a Master’s degree from an eligible publicly funded university in Ontario without the requirement of a job offer.
• OINP Ph.D. Graduate Stream – for students having a Ph.D. degree from an Ontario university. Students who have graduated from a Ph.D. program at an eligible publicly funded university in Ontario without the requirement of a job offer.

The OINP Entrepreneur Stream Categories:

The OINP Entrepreneur Stream is designed for individuals looking to implement a new business initiative or buy an existing business in Ontario. Successful applicants will obtain a temporary work permit support letter – based on a performance agreement – to establish the business in Ontario. If the investment and job creation agreements outlined in the performance agreement are adhered to, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to be nominated for Canadian permanent resident status.

A Step-by-Step Guide to OINP Entrepreneur Stream

FAQ: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programs

What are the requirements to be eligible for the OINP?

The requirements for eligibility differ based on the OINP’s particular stream or category. They often consist of elements like training, professional background, linguistic ability, and ties to Ontario.

How do I apply for the Immigrant Nominee Programme in Ontario?

There are various steps in the application process:

Verify Your Eligibility Choose the best stream for you and make sure you fit its requirements.
Establish a Profile Online: Use the OINP online portal to submit an application or Expression of Interest (EOI).
Get Nomination: If Ontario nominates you, you can then apply to the federal government for permanent residency.

Does the OINP require a job offer?

Not always. A legitimate job offer from an Ontario employer is necessary for some OINP streams, but not for others. For instance, a job offer is not required for all Human Capital Category streams.

What advantages does the OINP offer?

A province can expedite the process of gaining permanent residency in Canada for successful applicants nominated through the OINP. Ontario provides a wide range of career, educational, and quality-of-life options.

How much time does it take to complete an application for OINP?

OINP application processing times can change depending on the particular stream and the case. Usually, it takes a few months to hear back about a nomination after submitting an application.