Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
OINP Overview
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is Ontario's primary immigration program. It allows the province to nominate individuals for permanent residence in Canada who possess the skills, experience, and qualifications to contribute to Ontario's economy. The OINP operates in partnership with the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This guide outlines all the available streams under the OINP, eligibility requirements, how to apply, and tips for increasing your chances of success.
The OINP is divided into three major categories, each containing several streams:
1. Employer Job Offer Category
This category is for individuals who have a job offer from an Ontario employer.
Foreign Worker Stream: For individuals with a job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) and at least two years of work experience.
International Student Stream: For international graduates with a job offer in a skilled occupation and a credential from an eligible Canadian institution.
In-Demand Skills Stream: For workers with job offers in high-demand occupations, such as agriculture, construction, trucking, and personal support work. Only some NOC TEER 4 and 5 occupations are eligible.
2. Human Capital Category
This category is aimed at individuals with valuable human capital characteristics, such as high language proficiency, education, and work experience.
a. Express Entry-Linked Streams
These streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system.
Human Capital Priorities Stream: For candidates in the Express Entry pool with skilled work experience and strong education/language skills. Ontario often selects candidates with experience in targeted occupations.
Skilled Trades Stream: For individuals in the Express Entry pool with work experience in Ontario in a skilled trade (NOC major groups 72, 73, 82, 83, or 93).
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: For bilingual (French and English) candidates in Express Entry with skilled work experience.
b. Graduate Streams (Non-Express Entry)
These streams are for international students who have graduated from eligible Ontario institutions.
Masters Graduate Stream: For individuals with a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university. No job offer is required.
PhD Graduate Stream: For individuals with a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university. No job offer is required.
3. Business Category
Entrepreneur Stream: For individuals from outside Canada looking to start a new business or buy an existing one in Ontario. Minimum net worth and investment thresholds apply.
General Eligibility Requirements Each stream has its own criteria, but some general requirements include:
Valid legal status (if applying from within Canada)
Intention to reside in Ontario
Job offer from an eligible Ontario employer (for Employer Job Offer category)
Educational credentials (usually post-secondary education)
Work experience relevant to the job or occupation
Language proficiency (CLB 7 or higher is standard in many streams)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Determine your eligibility: Review the criteria for each stream.
Create a profile: For Express Entry streams, first create an Express Entry profile with IRCC.
Register an Expression of Interest (EOI): For most non-Express Entry streams, create an EOI profile with OINP.
Receive an invitation: Wait to be selected based on your EOI or Express Entry profile.
Apply to OINP: Submit a complete application with supporting documents through the OINP e-Filing Portal.
Receive nomination: If approved, you will receive a nomination certificate.
Apply for permanent residence: Submit your PR application to IRCC within six months of nomination.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success
Focus on in-demand occupations: Ontario often targets certain NOC codes based on labour shortages.
Improve your CRS score: For Express Entry-linked streams, a higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score increases your visibility.
Secure a job offer: This opens more streams and improves your EOI score.
Get credential assessments: Use WES or another designated organization to assess foreign education.
Prepare strong documentation: Missing or inconsistent documents can delay or harm your application.
Stay updated: Follow OINP news for periodic tech draws or occupation-targeted invitations.
FAQs
Q: Is a job offer required for all OINP streams? A: No. The Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate, and Express Entry Human Capital streams do not require job offers.
Q: Can I apply to OINP without Express Entry? A: Yes. Several streams are not linked to Express Entry, including the Employer Job Offer and Graduate streams.
Q: How long does the OINP process take? A: Processing times vary, but nomination typically takes 2-3 months, followed by 6-8 months for PR from IRCC.
Q: Is there a fee to apply? A: Yes. Fees range from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the stream.
Conclusion
The OINP is a powerful tool for individuals who want to build a future in Ontario. With multiple streams designed for different skillsets and backgrounds, it offers various pathways for permanent residency. Understanding eligibility, choosing the right stream, and preparing a strong application are key to success. Always refer to the official OINP website for the most current information and updates.
