Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is an immigration program that allows Ontario to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on the province’s economic and labor market needs. The OINP includes both Express Entry and non-Express Entry streams, providing various pathways for skilled workers, business people, and international graduates to settle in Ontario.

Express Entry Streams

The OINP Express Entry streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system, allowing candidates to receive a provincial nomination that adds 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

1. Human Capital Priorities Stream
   • Targeted Occupations: This stream selects candidates who have the skills and experience that meet the province’s labor market needs. Ontario conducts targeted draws to invite candidates in specific occupations, including tech and health care.
   • Eligibility Criteria:
     • Must have a valid Express Entry profile.
     • Meet the minimum CRS score requirement for the draw.
     • Language proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 7).
     • Educational equivalent to a Canadian bachelor’s degree or higher.
     • Relevant work experience in a skilled occupation.
2. French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
   • Purpose: This stream targets French-speaking candidates with strong English language abilities to promote Francophone immigration to Ontario.
   • Eligibility Criteria:
     • Must have a valid Express Entry profile.
     • French language proficiency (minimum CLB 7) and English proficiency (minimum CLB 6).
     • Educational equivalent to a Canadian post-secondary institution degree.
     • Relevant skilled work experience.
3. Skilled Trades Stream
   • Target Group: For candidates with work experience in Ontario in eligible skilled trades.
   • Eligibility Criteria:
     • Must have a valid Express Entry profile.
     • At least one year of full-time work experience in Ontario in an eligible skilled trade.
     • Hold a valid trade certification if required by the trade.
     • Language proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 5).

Non-Express Entry Streams

These streams operate independently of the Express Entry system and cater to a wider range of applicants, including international students, workers, and entrepreneurs.

1. Employer Job Offer Category
   • Foreign Worker Stream: For foreign workers with a job offer in a skilled occupation in Ontario.
   • International Student Stream: For international graduates with a job offer in Ontario.
   • In-Demand Skills Stream: Targets workers with job offers in specific high-demand occupations such as agriculture, construction, and personal support work.

   Eligibility Criteria:

   • Valid job offer in Ontario.
   • Meet specific work experience and language proficiency requirements.
   • Intend to live and work in Ontario.
2. Masters Graduate Stream
   • Purpose: For international graduates with a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario institution.
   • Eligibility Criteria:
     • No job offer required.
     • Apply within two years of completing the degree.
     • Language proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 7).
     • Intend to live and work in Ontario.
3. PhD Graduate Stream
   • Purpose: For international graduates who have completed a PhD program at an eligible Ontario institution.
   • Eligibility Criteria:
     • No job offer required.
     • Apply within two years of completing the degree.
     • Intend to live and work in Ontario.
4. Entrepreneur Stream
   • Target Group: For experienced business owners or senior managers looking to start or buy a business in Ontario.
   • Eligibility Criteria:
     • Business experience and a viable business plan.
     • Meet the minimum net worth and investment requirements.
     • Actively manage the business and create jobs for Canadians.

Application Process

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Candidates submit an EOI to the OINP, expressing their interest in applying for a specific stream.
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Selected candidates receive an ITA to apply for a provincial nomination.
3. Submission of Application: Candidates submit a complete application with supporting documents.
4. Nomination: Successful candidates receive a provincial nomination, which they can use to apply for permanent residence with the federal government.

The OINP provides diverse pathways for immigrants to contribute to Ontario’s economy and fill labor market gaps, catering to a broad range of skilled workers, students, and entrepreneurs.