Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programs (OINP)
About Ontario
When Canada is mentioned, Ontario often comes to mind. This is a natural association as the province houses the nation’s capital, Ottawa, in its eastern region and is just a short drive away from Toronto, the country’s largest city. With over 38% of Canada’s population residing there, Ontario is a vibrant and diverse province.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the region was inhabited by the Iroquois Aboriginals. It has since become a cultural melting pot, welcoming a mix of First Nations Aboriginals, long-established families, and immigrants from various corners of the world.
Despite its central location within the country, Ontario boasts an extensive shoreline stretching from historic Hudson Bay to the Great Lakes, which it shares with the United States. This combination of diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes offers residents and visitors a wide range of activities to indulge in. From special events and bustling downtown nightlife to family-friendly cultural centers and theaters, there is something for everyone.
Ontario’s economy thrives on a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, high-tech industries, natural resources, financial services, and agriculture. Thanks to the province’s diverse urban centers and rural areas, a wide range of job opportunities are available. In-demand occupations in Ontario include trades in the construction field, farm and nursery workers, heavy equipment operators, and many others.
Ontario’s rich cultural fabric, stunning landscapes, and thriving economy make it a compelling destination for both residents and those seeking new opportunities.
Ontario PNP Categories
Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) has several categories:
The Ontario Express Entry is made up of three streams, of which nominees must have qualified for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry pool as well as the required education, professional work experience, language and other characteristics to establish and integrate into Ontario’s workforce and communities:
most popular stream for foreign skilled workers having enough experience, education and language abilities. The Human Capital Priorities Stream is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Ontario.
French-speaking foreign workers with strong English language abilities who want to live and work permanently in Ontario.
for foreign workers with Ontario work experience in an eligible skilled trade who want to live and work permanently in Ontario. Skilled trades certification may be required.
The Employer Job Offer Category consists of two streams:
for skilled workers possessing a job offer inside Ontario. The Foreign Workers with a job-offer stream is how the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OPNP) helps employers meet their human resource needs by enabling them to recruit foreign workers and international students. Ontario employers can recruit foreign workers for approved skilled positions through this category. These employees may be living abroad or in Canada at the time of application.
for skilled workers in an in-demand occupation with a job offer in Ontario. The Employer job offer in-demand skills stream targets workers in particular agriculture and construction occupations.
The OINP International Student Category is specifically designed for international students in Ontario under the following sub-categories:
for recent graduates possessing a job offer in Ontario. To qualify as an international student, they must have graduated from a full-time degree or diploma program from an eligible publicly-funded college or university in Canada which is at least two years in length or a one-year post-graduate certificate program. They must complete half of their studies in Canada and apply within two years of graduation.
for students having a master’s degree from an Ontario university. Students who have graduated with a Master’s degree from an eligible publicly funded university in Ontario without the requirement of a job offer.
for students having a Ph.D. degree from an Ontario university. Students who have graduated from a Ph.D. program at an eligible publicly funded university in Ontario without the requirement of a job offer.
The OINP Entrepreneur Stream Categories:
The OINP Entrepreneur Stream is designed for individuals looking to implement a new business initiative or buy an existing business in Ontario. Successful applicants will obtain a temporary work permit support letter – based on a performance agreement – to establish the business in Ontario. If the investment and job creation agreements outlined in the performance agreement are adhered to, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to be nominated for Canadian permanent resident status.