The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a program established by the Canadian province of Ontario to attract and select skilled immigrants who can contribute to the province’s economic growth and development.
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is a popular destination for newcomers due to its strong economy, diverse job opportunities, and high quality of life. The province welcomes a significant portion of Canada’s annual immigration intake, offering promising pathways for skilled individuals and families seeking permanent residency in Canada.
The OINP provides qualified applicants with a provincial nomination, which strengthens their application for Canadian permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This program focuses on attracting individuals with skills and experience that align with Ontario’s labor market needs and economic priorities.
Overview of the Ontario PNP
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a program established by the Canadian province of Ontario to attract and nominate skilled immigrants who can contribute to the province’s economic growth and development. Established in 2007, the OINP prioritizes three key objectives:
- Addressing skill shortages: The program identifies and targets specific professions and in-demand skill areas needed in Ontario’s labor market. By nominating individuals with these skills, the OINP aims to address existing and future labor gaps.
- Facilitating investment: The program offers pathways for entrepreneurs and investors to contribute to Ontario’s economy and create jobs.
- Enhancing newcomer integration: The OINP prioritizes nominees who demonstrate potential for successful integration into Ontario’s diverse communities.
Since its inception, the OINP has significantly expanded its scope. Initially limited to nominating only 1,000 newcomers annually, the program currently nominates approximately 8,000 individuals per year.
Ontario Immigration Categories:
Ontario offers different immigration pathways for individuals seeking permanent residency in the province. These pathways are categorized based on skills, qualifications, and employment situations. To understand which pathway might be best suited for you, it’s helpful to review the available options:
- Human Capital Category:
- Tailored for skilled workers, French-speaking skilled workers, and tradespersons.
- Open to international graduates with Master’s or PhD degrees from Ontario universities.
- No job offer required for application.
- Masters or PhD Graduate Category:
- Exclusive to international graduates with Master’s or PhD degrees from Ontario universities.
- No job offer required for application.
- Employer Job Offer Category:
- Designed for applicants with an eligible job offer in Ontario from a pre-approved employer.
- Streamlined application process for qualified candidates.
- Business Category:
- Targets entrepreneurs and investors who can contribute to Ontario’s economy.
- Subcategories with specific investment or business ownership requirements.
Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream vs. French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream vs. Skilled Trades Stream
| Feature | Human Capital Priorities Stream | French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream | Skilled Trades Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Offer Required? | No | No | No |
| Express Entry Aligned? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Requirements |
|
|
|
| Focus | Skilled workers across various fields | French-speaking skilled workers | Skilled tradespersons |
| Unique Selling Points | Access Express Entry benefits, no job offer needed | Dedicated to French-speaking applicants, Express Entry benefits | Live & work in Ontario, Express Entry benefits |
This table provides a more differentiated and informative comparison of the three streams, highlighting their unique requirements and advantages.
Ontario Masters and PhD Graduate Stream Comparison
| Feature | Masters Graduate Stream | PhD Graduate Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Job Offer Required? | No | No |
| Express Entry Aligned? | No | No |
| Additional Requirements |
|
|
Employer Job Offer Category Information
Three pathways exist under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)’s Employer Job Offer Category:
| Stream | Description | Application Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Worker Stream | Skilled workers with job offers in Ontario | CAD $1,500 (Outside Greater Toronto Area) CAD $2,000 (Within Greater Toronto Area) |
N/A |
| International Student Stream | Recent graduates of Ontario post-secondary institutions with job offers | CAD $1,500 | 90-120 days |
| In-Demand Skills Stream | Intermediate skilled workers in specific sectors | CAD $1,500 | 60-90 days |
Additional Requirements:
The table above provides an overview, but each stream has specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of key requirements:
| Category | Job Offer Required | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Worker Stream | Yes | Minimum 2 years work experience (unless licensed/authorized) |
| In-Demand Skills Stream | Yes | Job in an in-demand sector |
| Skilled Trades Stream | Yes | Pay above low wage for your occupation |
Ontario Regional Immigration Pilot Information
The Ontario Regional Immigration Pilot (ORIP) is a program that facilitates skilled worker immigration to rural and small communities in Ontario. It operates within the Employer Job Offer Category of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
The pilot aims to
- Attract skilled immigrants: Address labour shortages and support economic growth in participating communities.
- Retain immigrants: Encourage newcomers to settle and build their lives in these communities.
Eligibility
- Job offer: You must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in one of the pilot communities.
- Employer Job Offer stream: You must meet the criteria for one of the existing Employer Job Offer streams (Foreign Worker, International Student, or In-Demand Skills).
Current opportunities
- Quota: 150 nomination spaces available for 2021.
- Pilot communities:
- Chatham-Kent
- Cities of Belleville and Quinte West
- City of Cornwall
Application process
- Register an Expression of Interest (EOI): Indicate your interest in applying under the ORIP during your EOI registration.
- Contact the pilot communities: Connect directly with the participating community you wish to settle in for further information and support.
Business Category Information:
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)’s Business Category offers skilled entrepreneurs and investors a pathway to permanent residency in the province. Currently, the category operates through a single stream: the Entrepreneur Stream.
This stream is designed for individuals who
- Wish to establish a new business: Launch and lead a new business venture in Ontario.
- Plan to purchase an existing business: Acquire and actively manage an existing business in the province.
Key requirements
- Business experience: Minimum of 24 months of experience in the past 5 years.
- Financial resources:
- Net worth: CAD $800,000 (Greater Toronto Area) or CAD $400,000 (outside GTA).
- Personal investment: CAD $600,000 (GTA) or CAD $200,000 (outside GTA).
- Business ownership: Minimum one-third equity control.
- Active involvement: Demonstrate commitment to actively managing the business.
- Profit motive: Primary purpose of the business must be profit generation.
- Job creation:
- GTA: Two permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Outside GTA: One permanent full-time job.
- Information and communications sectors: One job regardless of location.
- Additional requirements for existing business purchases.
Application process:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) registration: Indicate interest in the Entrepreneur Stream.
- EOI assessment: Receive feedback on your suitability within 30 days.
- Formal application: Submit a detailed application if invited. Processing time varies based on complexity.
Ontario PNP (OINP) Frequently Asked Questions:
General:
- What is the Ontario PNP?
- The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a program established by the Canadian province of Ontario to attract and nominate skilled immigrants who can contribute to the province’s economic growth and development.
- What are the benefits of using the OINP?
- Receiving a provincial nomination from the OINP significantly increases your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry system.
Eligibility:
- Who is eligible for the OINP?
- There are several OINP streams with different eligibility criteria. Generally, you must have relevant skills, education, and work experience, and meet specific requirements set by each stream.
- Do I need a job offer to apply for the OINP?
- Some OINP streams require a job offer, while others do not. It depends on the specific stream you are interested in.
- What is the minimum language requirement for the OINP?
- Most OINP streams require you to demonstrate English or French language proficiency at a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level of 7 or higher.
Application Process:
- How do I apply for the OINP?
- The application process varies depending on the OINP stream you choose. Generally, you need to register an Expression of Interest (EOI) and then submit a formal application if invited.
- How much does it cost to apply for the OINP?
- Application fees vary depending on the stream, ranging from CAD $1,500 to $3,500.
- How long does it take to process an OINP application?
- Processing times vary depending on the stream and complexity of your application. Typically, it can take 30-60 days for the EOI stage and additional time for the formal application.
Other:
- Where can I find more information about the OINP?
- You can visit the official OINP website for detailed information about all streams, eligibility requirements, application forms, and processing times: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp
- Can I get help with my OINP application?
- You can consult with an immigration consultant or lawyer who specializes in Canadian immigration programs, including the OINP.