Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
OINP : Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) allows the government of Ontario to nominate individuals for immigration to Ontario. The OINP is one of the most varied and dynamic of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), with streams and categories designed to welcome skilled workers, graduates, and business immigrants.
Apart from the federal programs, such as the programs managed under the Express Entry immigration system, Ontario immigration authorities also offer unique pathways to Canada.OINP: An Overview
The following table shows the range of immigration streams and categories operated by the Ontario immigration authorities. Click on any item in the left column to learn more about that particular stream or category.
Ontario Express Entry
|
Stream/Category
|
Job offer required?
|
Basic criteria
|
|---|---|---|
|
Human Capital Priorities
|
No
|
Be in the Express Entry pool as a FSW or CEC candidate and meet a minimum CRS score requirement determined by the director [of the OINP]
|
|
French-Speaking Skilled Worker
|
No
|
Be in the Express Entry pool as a FSW or CEC candidate with adequate-intermediate (CLB 7) or better French and developing-intermediate (CLB 6) or better English ability
|
|
Skilled Trades
|
No
|
Be in the Express Entry pool as a CEC candidate and currently residing in Ontario, with work experience in a listed skilled trade occupation
|
Graduate Streams
|
Stream/Category
|
Job offer required?
|
Basic criteria
|
|---|---|---|
|
Masters Graduates
|
No
|
Graduated from a Master’s program in Ontario within the last two years
|
|
PhD Graduates
|
No
|
Graduated from a PhD program in Ontario within the last two years
|
Employer Job Offer
|
Stream/Category
|
Job offer required?
|
Basic criteria
|
|---|---|---|
|
International Student
|
Yes
|
Graduated from a degree program at a Canadian college or university that is at least two years in length, or a diploma program at a college or university that is at least a one-year post-graduate certificate program
|
|
Foreign Worker
|
Yes
|
Have a permanent job offer in a skilled occupation that meets the prevailing wage levels in Ontario for that occupation and region.
|
|
In-Demand Skills
|
Yes
|
Recently worked in Ontario in a high-demand construction or agriculture occupation
|
Business Streams
|
Stream/Category
|
Job offer required?
|
Basic criteria
|
|---|---|---|
|
Entrepreneur
|
No (but must create jobs)
|
Business owner/managerial experience, high net worth (min. $400,000), personal investment funds (min. $200,000), create two or more jobs
|
|
Corporate
|
n/a
|
Terminated in 2019
|
Steps to a successful OINP application
If you want to ensure that your OINP application is as successful and stress-free as possible then you need to make sure that you pay attention to the following helpful steps:
1.Make sure you qualify: This may sound like a pretty obvious point to make but the reality is that many OINP applicants fail to ensure that they meet the minimum eligibility qualifying criteria. So, to avoid this stress make sure you meet all the mandatory requirements for the OINP stream you’ve applied for.
2.Apply to be nominated by the Ontario government: Once you’ve chosen your stream, you must apply online, through the OINP e-Filing Portal. It takes between two to three hours to complete the application.The application cost for the employer job offer and human capital streams is either $1,500 or $2,000, and for the the business streams is $3,500 per business partner or key staff applicant.Application processing times vary, read Application Processing Times and Nominations Issued for more information.
3.Apply to the Government of Canada for permanent residence: If your application is successful and you are nominated by the Ontario government, the next step is to apply for permanent residence through IRCC. The Government of Canada makes the final decision on who becomes a permanent resident.
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