The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the provincial nominee program of Ontario and operates under the Canadian government through IRCC.
The OINP is open for applications to foreign workers, international students, and any other persons with adequate skills, experience, and education. Through these programs, the OINP identifies individuals with the necessary qualifications and experience that the Ontario economy requires for permanent residents, which is accepted by the Canadian government.
The program targets a variety of applicants, including skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs, through various streams categorized into three main sections:
Human Capital Category
Employer Job Offer Category
Business Category
Each category comprises a number of streams that are aimed at different types of applicants.
This category seeks to target informed personnel, and students to enhance the wealth status of Ontario. They comprise several streams aimed at fulfilling various needs of human capital.
This stream is aimed at applicants in the Express Entry pool intending to qualify for a PR by having the required skills and education, as well as work experience.
Criteria | Details |
Fulfil the criteria for a federal immigration program | Mandatory |
Have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer | Optional but beneficial |
An active profile on the federal Express Entry system | Mandatory |
Work experience in an occupation listed in the OINP’s targeted occupation list | Mandatory |
Proficiency in English or French | Mandatory |
This stream mainly targets the French-speaking people in the express entry pool who must prove their English language skills.
Criteria | Details |
Active Express Entry profile | Mandatory |
Relevant work experience | Mandatory |
Proficiency in both English and French | Mandatory |
Meet the criteria for either the worker program | Mandatory |
This stream is for applicants who have worked as a skilled worker in Ontario and possess work experience in any of the skilled trades occupations.
Criteria | Details |
Valid certificates or licenses (if applicable) | Mandatory |
Proficiency in English or French | Mandatory |
Active Express Entry profile | Mandatory |
At least one year of work experience in Ontario in a skilled trade listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) | Mandatory |
This stream is for foreign-trained graduates holding a master’s degree from an eligible university in Ontario.
Criteria | Details |
Master's degree within the past two years | Mandatory |
Intend to live and work in Ontario | Mandatory |
Sufficient funds | Mandatory |
Proficiency in English or French | Mandatory |
This stream is for International students who have a doctorate degree from an eligible university in Ontario State.
Criteria | Details |
Intend to work and live in Ontario | Mandatory |
Sufficient funds | Mandatory |
PhD degree completed within the last two years | Mandatory |
This category is available for the candidate with an employer’s offer in Ontario. It is divided into three streams, each operating in the functionality of job offers and candidates.
This stream is for foreign workers with a job offer in a skilled occupation in Ontario.
Criteria | Details |
Permanent and full-time job offer in an NOC skill type O, A, or B occupation | Mandatory |
Employer meets OINP requirements | Mandatory |
Relevant work experience in the same occupation | Mandatory |
This stream targets international students with a job offer in a skilled occupation.
Criteria | Details |
Completion of a diploma or degree from an eligible Canadian institution | Mandatory |
Employer meets OINP requirements | Mandatory |
Full-time and permanent job in NOC skill type O, A, or B | Mandatory |
This stream focuses on foreign workers with a job offer in specific in-demand occupations, such as in the construction or agriculture sectors.
Criteria | Details |
Permanent and full-time job offer in an eligible occupation | Mandatory |
Relevant work experience in the field | Mandatory |
Proficiency in English or French | Mandatory |
The Business Category is devised for businessmen from around the world who wish to invest in a new business or buy an existing business in the Ontario region. It comprises the Entrepreneur Stream.
This stream is for applicants who are willing to invest in the business and have prior experience of doing business in Ontario.
Criteria | Details |
Experience as a business owner or senior manager | Mandatory |
Creation of jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents | Mandatory |
Minimum net worth and investment requirements vary depending on the business location | Mandatory |
The OINP application process involves several steps:
Step | Details |
Expression of Interest (EOI) | Applicants submit an EOI, providing details about their skills, qualifications, and work experience. |
Invitation to Apply (ITA) | Selected candidates receive an ITA, allowing them to submit a complete application for nomination. |
Application Submission | Applicants submit their application with all required documents, proving their qualifications and language proficiency. |
Nomination | If approved, the candidate receives a nomination certificate from the OINP. |
Permanent Residence Application | Nominated applicants apply for permanent residence to IRCC, undergoing medical and security checks before approval. |
Each stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program has a specific application fee. Here are the details:
Stream | Application Fee |
Ontario's Express Entry Human Capital Priorities | CAD $1,500 |
French-Speaking Skilled Workers | CAD $1,500 |
Skilled Trades | CAD $1,500 |
Masters Graduate | CAD $1,500 |
PhD Graduate | CAD $1,500 |
Stream | Application Fee |
Foreign Worker | CAD $2,000 (if job in GTA) |
CAD $1,500 (if job outside GTA) | |
International Student | CAD $2,000 (if job in GTA) |
CAD $1,500 (if job outside GTA) | |
In-Demand Skills | CAD $1,500 |
Stream | Application Fee |
Entrepreneur | CAD $3,500 |
The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program is an excellent framework within Canada’s immigration regulation to offer PR to foreigners, including students, workers, and businesspeople. The OINP remains relevant since it assists in the immigration of people who can support the local economy of Ontario, making the province’s economic development plan successful. If you are a fresh graduate, an experienced worker, or a would-be businessman, the OINP extends chances for you to create a new life in Ontario.