Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

Ontario is the most populous province in Canada. Approximately 40 percent of Canadians live there. The province is home to Ottawa, Canada's capital city, and Toronto, the country's largest city and primary business and financial center. Ontario is the economic, social, and political heartland of Canada. It is the most popular destination in Canada for new immigrants from around the world, making it the most multicultural province in the country. The area includes more than 125 languages and people from over 200 countries. The easiest way to immigrate to Ontario, Canada, is with a provincial nomination under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

What Is the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)

The Ontario INP is designed to give select foreign nationals interested in immigrating to Ontario, Canada, the opportunity to apply for Canadian permanent residence through an expedited process. Formerly called the Opportunities Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OOPNP), the program is designed for prospective immigrants with the specific skills and experience needed in the province.

There are two different ways to go about getting nominated by the OINP. Outside of Express Entry, a potential immigrant can contact Immigration Ontario and apply to the OINP directly. If given a provincial nomination, they can then create a Canada Express Entry profile and add their nomination credentials.

Prospective immigrants can also begin the process by creating an Express Entry profile and an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the province within the system. The OINP can then contact the person through Express Entry and send them a formal Invitation to Apply (ITA) to the immigration program. This will instantaneously increase their score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) by 600 points. As a result, the person will likely have enough Canada Express Entry CRS points to receive an ITA during the next Express Entry draw, which takes place every few weeks.

One of the best ways to start this process is to utilize the expertise of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can facilitate your application process from start to finish, including thoroughly evaluating you to ensure you're eligible for the OINP, giving you pointers on how to improve your eligibility, creating your EOI profile, filling out your application forms, representing you with certain provincial authorities, help you source and verify your documentation and provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout your application process.

Here's a full breakdown of how to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) like the OINP.

Each OINP stream has specific sets of criteria for different types of applicants. However, there are several critical criteria

If You Have a Job Offer in Ontario:

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream

This stream is for highly skilled foreign workers who want to apply for Canadian permanent residence and have work experience and a job offer on the province's in-demand jobs list.

The OINP Foreign Worker Stream has three specific sets of eligibility criteria - one for the applicant, one for the Canadian employer and one for the job offer. They are as follows:

Job Offer Requirements:

Your job offer in Ontario must be:

• For a full-time position
• This means it must be for a minimum of 30 hours a week
• For an eligible occupation
  • An eligible occupation refers to an occupation in TEER Category 0, 1, 2, 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
  • Learn more about TEER categories and how they affect your applications here.
• Paying at the median wage level for that occupation
• This means that the annual salary for the job is at the average level for that occupation or NOC code in Canada
• Vital for the running of your employer's business
• Based in Ontario

Applicant Requirements:

As an applicant to this stream, you must have the following:

• An EOI
• An ITA
• Sufficient work experience or certifications
• A valid license or authorization in your occupation
• This is only necessary if that occupation requires it
• The Intention to live in Ontario
• Legal status in Canada
• This only applies if you are using the OINP from within Canada

Employer Requirements

For the OINP to consider your employment valid, your employer must also fulfill specific criteria. They are as follows:

General Requirements

The employer must:

• Have been actively conducting business through their enterprise for at least three years before applying
• Have and work in business premises in Ontario
• Have no open cases of offences committed against the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 or the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Have shown to the relevant authorities that they have committed effort to find a suitable applicant within Canada
• They can show this through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Revenue Requirements

The employer must have met these requirements within the past fiscal year. In addition, the employer's enterprise must have gross annual revenue of at least:

• 1,000,000 CAD if the business premises or the applicant's workplace is in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
• 500,000 CAD if the business premises or the applicant's workplace is outside the GTA.

Employment Requirements

For the Canadian enterprise to be considered legitimate, the enterprise must employ at least:

• Five full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Three full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents working at the exact location where the applicant will report to work.

Scoring Factors:

This stream is scored on numerous factors relating to the nature of the Canadian job offer, language ability and where in Ontario you plan to move. These factors are as follows:

Job Offer Factors:

Note: If you're applying from outside of Canada, you must choose <40,000

Language Criteria

Regionalization

If you want to get started by getting a job in Canada, here's a handy guide on how to apply.

Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

International students having a job offer in a specialized occupation are encouraged to apply. This stream allows international students inside and outside Canada to apply for job offers in Ontario. Following that, students will be nominated and granted permanent residency by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you want to become an international student in Canada, here's how to apply for a Canadian study permit.

This is a terrific opportunity for students because Ontario is one of Canada's most varied, lively, and thriving provinces. In addition, it's an excellent starting point for their future jobs. While the OINP has stringent requirements, successful candidates will have a fantastic opportunity to get permanent status through the Ontario PNP.

The admission requirements for this stream are broadly similar to those of the Foreign Worker Stream, with a few minor differences. They are as follows:

Job Offer Requirements:

Your job offer in Ontario must be:

• For a full-time position
• This means it must be for a minimum of 30 hours a week
• For an eligible occupation
  • An eligible occupation refers to an occupation in TEER Category 0, 1, 2, 3
• Paying at the low wage level for that occupation
• This means that the annual salary for the job is at the Canadian Job Bank's average low level for that occupation or NOC code in Canada.
• Vital for the running of your employer's business
• Based in Ontario

Applicant Requirements:

As an applicant to this stream, you must have the following:

• An EOI
• An ITA
• A degree, diploma or certificate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution
• A valid license or authorization in your occupation
• This is only necessary if that occupation requires it
• The Intention to live in Ontario
• Legal status in Canada
• This only applies if you are using the OINP from within Canada

Employer Requirements

For the OINP to consider your employment valid, your employer must also fulfill specific criteria. They are as follows:

General Requirements

The employer must:

• Have been actively conducting business through their enterprise for at least three years before applying
• Have and work in business premises in Ontario
• Have no open cases of offences committed against the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 or the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Have shown to the relevant authorities that they have committed effort to find a suitable applicant within Canada
• They can show this through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Revenue Requirements

The employer must have met these requirements within the past fiscal year. In addition, the employer's enterprise must have gross annual revenue of at least:

• 1,000,000 CAD if the business premises or the applicant's workplace is in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
• 500,000 CAD if the business premises or the applicant's workplace is outside the GTA.

Employment Requirements

For the Canadian enterprise to be considered legitimate, the enterprise must employ at least:

• Five full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Three full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents working at the exact location where the applicant will report to work.

Scoring Factors:

This stream is scored on numerous factors relating to the nature of the Canadian job offer, language ability and where in Ontario you plan to move. These factors are as follows:

Job Offer Factors:

Education

Language Criteria

Regionalization

If you are unsure as to whether your university is considered eligible for this stream, look at our list of Canadian universities or consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who can help evaluate you to find which program is best for you and ensure you're studying in the right place for you to get your permanent residency in Canada.

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

This stream is for foreign semi-skilled workers interested in immigrating to Ontario, Canada, with work experience and a job offer on the province's in-demand jobs list.

Job Offer Requirements:

Your job offer in Ontario must be:

• For a full-time position
• This means it must be for a minimum of 30 hours a week
• For an eligible occupation
  • An eligible occupation refers to an occupation that is currently on Ontario's in-demand occupations list.
• Paying at the median wage level for that occupation
• Vital for the running of your employer's business
• Based in Ontario

Applicant Requirements:

As an applicant to this stream, you must have the following:

• An EOI
• An ITA
• Sufficient work experience or certifications
• For this stream, this means at least:
• 1,200 hours of paid full-time work over nine months
• the equivalent of 1,200 hours of paid work in those nine months through multiple part-time jobs.
• A CLB of 4 or higher
• A minimum of a high school education
• You can prove this via
• A valid license or authorization in your occupation
• This is only necessary if that occupation requires it
• The Intention to live in Ontario
• Legal status in Canada
• This only applies if you are applying to the OINP from within Canada

Employer Requirements

For the OINP to consider your employment valid, your employer must also fulfill specific criteria. They are as follows:

General Requirements

The employer must:

• Have been actively conducting business through their enterprise for at least three years before applying
• Have and work in business premises in Ontario
• Have no open cases of offences committed against the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 or the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Have shown to the relevant authorities that they have committed effort to find a suitable applicant within Canada
• They can show this through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Revenue Requirements

The employer must have met these requirements within the past fiscal year. In addition, the enterprise must have gross annual revenue of at least:

• 1,000,000 CAD if the business premises or the applicant's workplace is in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
• 500,000 CAD if the business premises or the applicant's workplace is outside the GTA.

Employment Requirements

For the Canadian enterprise to be considered legitimate, the enterprise must employ at least:

• Five full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Three full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents working at the exact location where the applicant will report to work.

Scoring Factors:

This stream is scored on numerous factors relating to the nature of the Canadian job offer, language ability and where in Ontario you plan to move. These factors are as follows:

Job Offer Factors:

Regionalization

Global Skills Strategy (GSS)

The GSS is a government-initiated program designed to help attract and retain highly skilled workers in the province. This program helps fast-track the process for those looking to work in Ontario, reducing the time to apply for a work permit from weeks or months to just two weeks. The strategy also provides employers with a 25% refundable tax credit for each new highly-skilled worker they hire, allowing them to reduce their labour costs. Furthermore, the program offers job-specific language training to help new immigrants quickly adjust to their new job roles and positively contribute to the Ontario economy. 

The GSS provides employers with access to a broader pool of highly-skilled workers while reducing the time and costs associated with the hiring process. It offers employees the chance to start a new job in Ontario quickly and provides language training to help them adjust to their new roles more quickly. The GSS is an excellent way for the province to attract and retain talent and is a great tool for employers looking to increase their workforce.

The GSS has two primary categories. Category A is for businesses that require highly specialized foreign workers to allow the business to grow. To be eligible for this category, you must:

• be offered a minimum annual salary of 80,000CAD 
• have advanced knowledge in the offered role
• have an advanced degree or at least five years of work experience.

Category B is for those who work in occupations on the global talent occupations list under the  Information Communication Technology (ICT)/ Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The list of eligible occupations is as follows:

If you have a job offer, find out if you're eligible for the OINP now.

If You Have a Master's or Ph.D. Degree from an Ontario University

Masters Graduate Stream

This stream is not currently accepting applicants. However, if you obtained a Master's Degree at a university in Ontario and would like to live and work in the province, this is the stream for you. You don't need a job offer in Ontario, Canada, to qualify for the Master's Graduates Stream.

However, you must have submitted your application no later than two years from the completion date of your Master's degree. It can be submitted during your last semester of study in the program.

Applicant Requirements:

As an applicant to this stream, you must have the following:

• An EOI
• An ITA
• Fulfilled the requirements for a Master's degree
• A CLB of 7 or higher
• A valid license or authorization in your occupation
• This is only necessary if that occupation requires it
• lived in Ontario for at least a year
• Sufficient Settlement Funds
• Learn more about Settlement Funds for Canada and how much you need here.
• Legal status in Canada
• This only applies if you are applying to the OINP from within Canada.

Education

Language Criteria

Regionalization

Ph.D. Graduate Stream

If you obtained a Ph.D. at a tertiary institution in Ontario, you could permanently apply to live and work in the province. In addition, you can apply for the Ph.D. Graduate Stream even if you do not have a job offer in Ontario, Canada.

Some university programs require that you may have to return to your home country or a jurisdiction outside of Ontario once you have completed your studies. If that is the case, as a result of grants, scholarships, or subsidies, you cannot apply for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program until all of your obligations have been met.

In other words, you will need to return to your home country first, and only then can you apply to one of the Ontario INP streams. You must also have submitted your application no later than two years from the date you received your Ph.D.

Applicant Requirements:

As an applicant to this stream, you must have the following:

• An EOI
• An ITA
• Completed at least two years of your Ph.D. legally in Ontario
• A CLB of 7 or higher
• Sufficient Settlement Funds
• Learn more about Settlement Funds for Canada and how much you need here.
• Legal status in Canada
• This only applies if you are applying to the OINP from within Canada.

Education

Language Criteria

Regionalization

If you want to take your education to the next level, let us help you get started on the right foot.

If You Have Skills and Experience Needed in Ontario

Human Capital Priorities Stream

Your eligibility for this stream is dependent on both federal and provincial criteria. Both requirements must be satisfied to apply for Canadian permanent residence under this stream. In terms of federal requirements, you must have

• A valid profile in the Express Entry pool,
• Fulfilled the eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• At least a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, as verified with an Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
• An interest in immigrating to Ontario when you create your Express Entry profile
• Received a Notification of Interest from Ontario.
• A CLB of 7 or higher
• A valid license or authorization in your occupation
• This is only necessary if that occupation requires it
• Sufficient Settlement Funds
• Legal status in Canada
• This only applies if you are applying to the OINP from within Canada

Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

Your eligibility for this stream is dependent on both federal and provincial criteria. Both requirements must be satisfied if you want to apply under this stream. In terms of the federal requirements, you must have the following:

• at least 1,560 hours of paid full-time work cumulative experience or equivalent paid part-time experience in Ontario Major NOC Groups 72 (excluding occupations under transportation officers), 73, 82, 83, 93 (excluding aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors) or Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks)
• a valid profile in the Express Entry pool,
• A valid profile in the Express Entry pool,
• Fulfilled the eligibility for the CEC or FSWP,
• A CLB of 5 or higher
• been already living and working in Ontario at the time of applying
• A valid license or authorization in your occupation
• This is only necessary if that occupation requires it
• Sufficient Settlement Funds
• the Intention to continue living in Ontario

French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

The Ontario INP French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream aligns with Canada's Express Entry selection system and enables prospective French immigrants to move to Ontario, Canada. Your eligibility for this stream is dependent on both federal and provincial criteria. Therefore, you must satisfy both requirements to apply under this stream.

To be eligible for this stream, you must have the following:

• A valid profile in the Express Entry pool
• Fulfilled the eligibility requirements for the CEC or FSWP
• A CLB of 7 or higher in French
• A CLB of 6 or higher in English
• been already living and working in Ontario at the time of applying
• A valid license or authorization in your occupation
• This is only necessary if that occupation requires it
• Sufficient Settlement Funds
• the Intention to continue living in Ontario
• legal status in Canada
• a CRS score of at least 67 on each FSWP selection factor.
• You can find a full breakdown of the selection factors here.

If You're an Entrepreneur with a Great Business Idea

In the fall of 2015, the Ontario investor program was officially closed. However, a new OINP category was introduced - the Ontario Entrepreneur Program.

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Ontario

Ontario has a plethora of economic development opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs can benefit from lower tax rates and overheads, an exceptionally talented and skilled workforce, and various provincial funding programs, especially if you are under 30.

Entrepreneur Stream

The Entrepreneur Stream is designed to help foreigners buy a business in the province or to help create a brand new Ontario company or purchase an existing one. Once the business has been established, entrepreneurs can be nominated by Immigration Ontario for Canadian permanent residency under the OINP Entrepreneur Stream.

The Ontario Entrepreneur Streams application process comes in two stages, each with its application process. They are as follows:

Stage 1

This stage focuses on the application process for you (and your business partners). This focus mostly follows the traditional PNP application process. For this phase of the application process, you must:

• Register an EOI
• Submit an online application if your EOI is successful
• Attend a mandatory interview with your business partner
• Sign a performance agreement.

However, one of the cornerstones of this stage is establishing whether or not your business plan is viable in Ontario and that you can undertake the establishment of this enterprise. As a result, the eligibility criteria for this stage are as follows.

To be eligible for this stream, you must have the following:

• At least 24 of full-time business experience, either as a business manager or senior owner, out of the last 60 months
• A minimum personal net worth of:
• 800,000CAD if you're starting your business in the GTA
• 400,000CAD if you're starting your business outside of the GTA
• A minimum personal investment of the business of:
• 600,000CAD if you're starting your business in the GTA
• 200,000CAD if you're starting your business outside of the GTA
• An active role within the company
• The expressed intent of making a profit through the business
• To hire at least:
• two Canadian citizens or permanent residents if you're starting your business in the GTA
• one Canadian citizen or permanent resident if you're starting your business outside of the GTA

Stage 2

This stage primarily focuses on setting up your enterprise in Canada. For this phase, you must:

• Receive a temporary work permit support letter and apply for a temporary Canadian work permit.
• Establish your business in Canada.
• You will have 20 months from your arrival date to establish your business and submit a final report on the implementation of your business plan
• Present the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility for permanent residence in Canada, provided your business fulfills all the eligibility requirements

As much of your business acumen and the legitimacy of your enterprise has already been established in Canada, the next step is to ensure you are eligible for life in Canada. As a result, the requirements for stage two primarily focus on your aspects. To qualify for Stage 2, you must:

• Have CLB level 4
• live in Ontario for at least 15 out of the 20 months you have to establish your business
• Meet the terms of your performance agreement

Setting up a business in Canada can be a highly detailed, thorough process with many pitfalls to watch out for. Often, it's such a massive undertaking that it's almost impossible to keep track of yourself unless you have significant experience dealing with Canadian immigration. This is why we highly recommend utilizing an immigration professional like an RCIC to ensure you have everything you need to start your business in Canada.

Here is a breakdown of how using an RCIC can benefit you:

FAQs

Why Should I Get An OINP?

The Ontario PNP is an excellent program for anybody considering relocating to the Canadian province. Of course, it does not apply to everyone, but those who do would gain enormously from a nomination. To get the first Ontario nomination, you must be chosen through an OINP EOI draw after submitting an Expression of Interest to the province. A province nomination will add 600 points to your Express Entry CRS. This increases your chances of getting an ITA for permanent residency through the federal immigration procedure significantly.

How Do You Prove Your Intention To Reside In Ontario For OINP?

There are various ways you can show intent to reside in Ontario. First, provide documentation such as letters from employers, a work contact if you have one, plans to rent or buy property, the addresses and contact of family or friends in Ontario, and any research you've been doing.

Apply For an Ontario INP For Your Canadian Immigration

If any of the above Ontario INP categories interests you, sign up for our services today. It's proven that working with an immigration expert betters your application for success. So trust in us, sit back, and we'll make Canada work for you.