Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is Ontario’s economic immigration program that allows the province to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residence. It is designed to attract skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to Ontario’s economy and labor market.

How the OINP Works

The OINP operates in partnership with the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While Ontario nominates candidates through various streams, final decisions on permanent residency are made by the federal government.

Who Can Apply

Candidates must meet specific requirements depending on the stream they are applying under. Generally, applicants should have relevant work experience, education, and a specific level of language proficiency to qualify. The program is open to skilled professionals, trades workers, recent graduates, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to Ontario's economy.

OINP Streams and Categories

The program consists of multiple streams, broadly categorized into three groups:

1. Employer Job Offer Category

This category is for individuals with a valid job offer from an Ontario employer. It includes the following streams:

• Foreign Worker Stream: For skilled workers with a job offer in a qualifying occupation.

  • Requirements:

    • A permanent, full-time job offer in an eligible occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

    • At least two years of work experience in the same occupation.

    • A wage equal to or greater than the median wage level in Ontario for the occupation.

    • Legal status in Canada (if applicable).

    • No minimum language requirement.

• International Student Stream: For recent graduates of eligible Ontario institutions with a job offer.

  • Requirements:

    • A job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

    • A degree or diploma from an eligible Ontario post-secondary institution.

    • A program of at least two years or a one-year post-graduate program.

    • No minimum language requirement.

• In-Demand Skills Stream: For workers in specific high-demand occupations, particularly in agriculture, construction, and personal support services.

  • Requirements:

    • A job offer in an eligible occupation (NOC TEER 4 or 5).

    • Nine months of full-time work experience in Ontario in the same occupation.

    • A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French.

2. Human Capital Category

This category focuses on candidates with education, work experience, and language proficiency that align with Ontario’s economic needs. It includes:

• Ontario’s Express Entry Streams: These are linked to the federal Express Entry system and include:

  • Human Capital Priorities Stream: Targets candidates with skills in demand in Ontario.

    • Must have a valid Express Entry profile.

    • Work experience in an eligible skilled occupation.

    • Minimum CLB 7 in English or French.

  • French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: Aims at francophone candidates with strong English proficiency.

    • Must have a valid Express Entry profile.

    • Minimum CLB 7 in French and CLB 6 in English.

  • Skilled Trades Stream: Focuses on individuals with work experience in an eligible skilled trade.

    • At least one year of Ontario work experience in a skilled trade.

    • Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.

• Graduate Streams: These are for recent graduates from Ontario universities:

  • Masters Graduate Stream (for graduates of master’s programs in Ontario).

    • Must have graduated from an eligible Ontario university within the last two years.

    • Minimum CLB 7 in English or French.

  • PhD Graduate Stream (for PhD graduates from Ontario institutions).

    • Must have completed at least two years of PhD studies in Ontario.

    • No minimum language requirement.

3. Business Category

The Entrepreneur Stream under this category is designed for individuals who want to start or buy an existing business in Ontario and actively manage it.

• Requirements:

  • Minimum net worth of $800,000 (Greater Toronto Area) or $400,000 (outside GTA).

  • Minimum investment of $600,000 (GTA) or $200,000 (outside GTA).

  • At least two years of business experience as an owner or senior manager in the last five years.

  • No formal language requirement, but proficiency in English or French is beneficial for business operations.

Success Chances and Processing Time

The success rate depends on the stream, applicant qualifications, and demand.

• Express Entry Streams: Higher success rates due to alignment with federal priorities and automatic consideration in the federal Express Entry system.

• Employer Job Offer Streams: Success depends on securing a valid job offer from an Ontario employer, which can be challenging.

• Entrepreneur Stream: Lower approval rate due to high financial and experience requirements.

Processing Time:

• Employer Job Offer Streams: 60-90 days.

• Human Capital Streams: 60-90 days for provincial nomination; IRCC processing takes 6-8 months.

• Entrepreneur Stream: Several months for approval and business establishment.

Conclusion

The OINP is a key pathway for skilled professionals, graduates, and entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves in Ontario. With multiple streams available, it provides diverse opportunities for individuals to gain permanent residence and contribute to the province’s economy. If you are considering immigration to Ontario, exploring the OINP could be your first step toward a successful future in Canada.

For expert guidance on the OINP process and eligibility, contact Omulique Lawyers today.