Ontario is one of the most popular landing destinations for immigrants around the world. It’s home to several major cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton, which offer a wide range of attractions and opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
The province is home to some of Canada’s top-ranking universities such as the University of Toronto, McMaster University, University of Waterloo and more, attracting thousands of international students annually. With a flourishing economy, bustling cities, and world-class educational institutions, Ontario is a desirable location for individuals seeking to live, work, or study in Canada.
What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a popular immigration program that offers a pathway for individuals to immigrate to Canada and settle in the province of Ontario. The program targets skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs who have the necessary qualifications and experience to contribute to the province’s economy.
One of the significant benefits of the Ontario PNP program is that it allows candidates to apply for permanent residency in Canada, making it an excellent option for those seeking long-term immigration solutions. Successful applicants will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which allows them to apply for permanent residency through the federal government’s immigration system.
This article aims to provide an overview of the program, its requirements, benefits, and how to apply.
Step 1: Determine your eligibility
At the time of writing this, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (PNP) offers nine streams, and each has its own eligibility criteria. Below is an overview of each stream.
If you have a job offer.
- Foreign worker stream
- International Student Stream
- In-Demand Skills Stream
If you have a Masters or Ph.D. degree from an Ontario university.
- Masters Graduate stream
- PhD Graduate stream
If you have the skills and experience that Ontario employers need.
- Human Capital Priorities stream
- Skilled Trades stream
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream
- Entrepreneur stream
For an overview of other immigration programs in Canada, click here to read our comprehensive guide.
Foreign Worker Stream
The Foreign Worker Stream is designed for foreign workers who have a job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible occupation. Eligible occupations must be at TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
The stream operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) basis, and applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered, such as having relevant work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds. To apply, you must first register for the OINP’s Expression of Interest System to receive an invitation to apply for this stream. You cannot apply for this stream without being invited!
Other requirements;
- The job offer must be for a full-time permanent position in Ontario.
- The pay of the job offered must meet or be higher than the median wage level in that specific region of Ontario.
- You must intend to live in Ontario.
For more information on this stream, I’ve included a link to Ontario’s website. Click this link to learn more.
International Student Stream
This stream is for international students who have graduated from an eligible Ontario post-secondary institution and have a job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible occupation. Eligible occupations are the same as those for the Foreign Worker Stream.
The stream operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) basis, meaning you can not apply for this stream without being invited. And applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as:
- Complete a Canadian degree or a diploma (full-time) that takes at least two years. At least half of your studies must be completed within Canada.
- Have a valid job offer on TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- And more. For a full breakdown of eligibility for this stream, click this link.
In-Demand Skills Stream
This stream is for foreign workers with work experience in eligible occupations that have been identified as in-demand in Ontario, such as agriculture, construction, trucking, personal support work and other select occupations. Applicants must have a job offer from an Ontario employer and meet eligibility criteria.
The stream operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) basis, therefore you cannot apply without being invited. If you are eligible, you first need to register in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System and wait for an invitation.
For a full breakdown of eligibility and how to apply, click this link.
Masters Graduate Stream
This stream is for international students who have graduated from an eligible Ontario masters program.
- The masters program must have at least one academic year of full-time study.
- You must have enough funds to support yourself and your dependents.
- You must have legal status when applying within Canada.
- You won’t qualify if you work full-time during your studies.
- You must have lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years before applying.
For more information, click this link.
PhD Graduate Stream
This stream is for international students who have graduated from an eligible Ontario PhD program. The stream operates on an EOI basis, and applicants must meet eligibility criteria, such as:
- Graduate from an eligible Ontario PhD program. If you completed the program under a scholarship, bursary or grant you will not qualify.
- At least two years of the PhD program must be completed within Ontario.
- Proficiency in English or French.
- demonstrate sufficient settlement funds.
To learn more, click this link.
Human Capital Priorities Stream
This stream is for skilled workers with work experience in eligible occupations. Applicants must have a minimum level of language proficiency and meet other eligibility criteria, such as;
- You must have a minimum of 1-year of work experience.
- You must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
- English or French proficiency.
- Have enough funds to support yourself and your dependents.
For a full breakdown of this stream, click here.
Skilled Trades Stream
This stream is for skilled workers with work experience in eligible trades occupations. Applicants must have a job offer from an Ontario employer and meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having relevant work experience and language proficiency.
Click here to learn more.
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
This stream is for French-speaking skilled workers with work experience in eligible occupations. Applicants must have a minimum level of language proficiency in French and English and meet other eligibility criteria, such as having a job offer from an Ontario employer.
Click here to learn more.
Entrepreneur Stream
This stream is for individuals who want to start or purchase an existing business in Ontario. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria, such as having a minimum net worth, owning a certain percentage of the business, and meeting other business requirements. Successful applicants will receive a temporary work permit to establish their business in Ontario, which may lead to permanent residency.
For more information on the Entrepreneur Stream, click this link.
Step 2: Choose the right stream
There are nine streams available under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Select the stream that best fits your eligibility and immigration goals.
Step 3: Create an Express Entry profile (Depending on the stream)
If you are applying through the Human Capital Priorities Stream, you must first create an Express Entry profile. You will be invited to apply for the Ontario PNP if you meet the eligibility criteria and have enough CRS points (Comprehensive Ranking System).
Step 4: Register for the OINP’s Expression of Interest System (Depending on the stream)
Some streams require you to be invited to apply for the Ontario (OINP). To be considered, you must register for the OINP’s expression of interest.
Step 5: Apply for the Ontario OINP
Once you have determined your eligibility and selected the right stream, you can submit your application for the Ontario OINP. You will then need to provide detailed information about your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant information.
Note: Depending on the stream, you might need to wait for an invitation to apply. See step 4 for reference.
Step 6: Wait for the decision
The processing time for the Ontario PNP varies depending on the stream and the complexity of your case. It may take several months to receive a decision on your application.
Step 7: Apply for permanent residency
If your Ontario PNP application is approved, you will receive a nomination certificate. You can use this certificate to apply for permanent residency with the Canadian federal government.
It should be emphasized that the Ontario PNP is an extremely competitive program, and merely satisfying the eligibility requirements does not guarantee nomination. It is imperative to submit a thorough and precise application, and to consult an immigration expert if you have any uncertainties or queries.
