OINP – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program – is a program that allows specific foreign individuals interested in Ontario immigration to apply for permanent residence in Canada in a more efficient and timely manner.
The program, previously known as the Opportunities Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OOPNP), is for potential immigrants who have the specific skills and expertise that the province is looking for.
The OINP’s key goals are to address talent shortages in specified areas, make it simpler to invest in Ontario, and ensure that newcomers can settle in and integrate successfully. It identifies and nominates candidates for permanent residence who have the skills and experience the Ontario economy requires, while the Government of Canada takes the ultimate decision to accept permanent residence applications.
The PNP gives Ontario the ability to match immigrants’ skills to Ontario employers’ and labor market needs In 2009, the Ontario PNP was only authorized to nominate up to 1,000 newcomers when it first began. Approximately 8,000 newcomers are selected each year in Ontario.
OINP categories
If you want to immigrate to Ontario, you can do it in one of three ways:
- Human Capital Category
- Employer Job Offer Category
- Business Category
OINP – Human Capital Category in detail:
Stream Main Criteria (not exhaustive) Job Offer Required Aligned with Express Entry OINP spplication Fees (CAD)
Category: Human Capital
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Have an Express Entry profile as an FSW or CEC candidate with a CLB 7 or higher in French and a CLB 6 or higher in English. No Yes 1500
Human Capital Priorities Have an FSW or CEC Express Entry profile with a minimum of CRS points as assessed by the Director. No Yes 1500
6 in-demand Tech occupations are sometimes targeted
Skilled Trades Have an Express Entry profile as a CEC candidate, live in Ontario, and have work experience in one of the skilled trade occupations specified in NOC categories 633, 72, 73, or 82. No Yes 1500
Masters Graduate Graduating from a Master's degree program at a publicly-funded university in Ontario that is at minimum one academic year long during the last two years (full-time studies) No No 1500
PhD Graduate Graduated from an eligible publicly-funded university in Ontario with a PhD in the last two years and resided in Ontario for at least two years during your PhD studies No No 1500
Human Capital Category
There are two sub-streams within the Human Capital Category, and the Ontario Express Entry program is one of them. These sub-program streams have been enhanced, and as a result, they are integrated into the Express Entry system that Canada uses to manage permanent residence applications.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class are also included in this category (CEC). Individuals with relevant Ontario work experience in a qualifying trade occupation are eligible for the Skilled Trades stream. Further detailed information about the program and eligibility can be found on the OINP website.
French Speaking Skilled Workers
Like Human Capital Priorities Stream, this program is administered through FSWP and CEC. Candidates for the position of French-Speaking Skilled Worker must be fluent in both French and English.
You will be contacted if you are nominated through Ontario Express Entry. You, the candidate, will then have the option of accepting or declining the nomination. Receiving the nomination will get you 600 more CRS points, and you’ll get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next Express Entry all-program draw.
The Human Capital category includes the following programs:
Sub-stream for International Graduates
They aren’t aligned with the Express Entry system. An applicant must first build a profile and demonstrate an interest in the position (EOI):
- Masters Graduate Stream: For individuals who received Master’s degrees from an Ontario University
- Ph.D. Graduate Stream: For an individual who received PhD degree from an Ontario University.
Note that both the master’s and Ph.D. Graduate Streams employ Ontario’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
- Application Fee: CAD $1,500
- Processing Time: 30-60 days
Application process:
- Once you’ve determined which stream you’re eligible for, go to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program website and create a ONe-key account.
- You must first create a profile, after which you must begin your application through the Portal by choosing the file number next to the stream you wish to apply for. You’ll need to submit the appropriate documents as well.
- You must keep an active profile until you are nominated if you are applying for one of the Express Entry streams.
- You will get an OINP Certificate of Nomination and a Nomination Approval Letter if your application is approved through email.
- For Express Entry Streams: Your nomination certificate will be sent to you via your profile. It would help if you accepted the nomination to get an extra 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This implies that you will be invited to apply for permanent residence through the next Express Entry Draw.
The Provincial Nominee Programs allow Ontario to align immigrants’ abilities to the requirements of Ontario companies and the labor market.
Graduate Streams
Within 6 months, you must apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Provide a copy of your nomination confirmation letter and certificate with your application.
OINP – Employer Job Offer Category in detail:
Stream Main Criteria (not exhaustive) Job Offer Required Aligned with Express Entry OINP spplication Fees (CAD)
Category: Employer Job Offer Requirements
Foreign Worker Full-time, indeterminate job offer in an occupation classified as NOC Skill Type/Level 0, A, or B, with earnings comparable to the region's/median occupation's salary. Yes No $2,000 inside GTA
$1,500 outside GTA
International Student The same full-time job offer as described above, as well as graduation from a minimum two-year degree program or a minimum one-year post-graduate diploma program at a Canadian university. Yes No 1500
In-Demand Skills Full-time, indeterminate job offer in a qualifying occupation with salaries comparable to the region's/median occupation's salaries, and at least 9 months of prior qualifying work experience in Ontario Yes No $2,000 inside GTA
$1,500 outside GTA
The following three programs exist under the Employer Job Offer Category:
- Foreign worker stream: for skilled workers;
- International students: for recent graduates of Ontario post-secondary Canadian institutions;
- In-demand skills stream: for intermediate skilled foreign workers in specific sectors, such as agriculture, construction, trucking, and personal support workers.
Application process:
You must first sign up on the OINP e-Filing Portal and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Ontario conducts provincial regular draws to choose the top applicants from the pool. If you are selected, you will be notified via the Portal and will have 14 calendar days to submit your application.
All qualified applicants will get a provincial nomination certificate.
Candidates must then apply for permanent residence with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You can use your ONe-key account to submit your application.
OINP – Business Category in detail:
Stream Main Criteria (not exhaustive) Job Offer Required Aligned with Express Entry OINP spplication Fees (CAD)
Category: Business Requirements
Entrepreneur Experience as a business owner or senior manager of at least two years No No 3500
A minimum net worth of $400,000 and a minimum investment of $200,000 are required.
Creation of at least 1 new job
The Business Category is for people who want to start a business in Ontario or buy an existing one. Under the Business Category, there is presently only one stream: Entrepreneur Stream.
Minimum Requirements (eligibility criteria):
- In the last 60 months, you must have had 24 months of business experience.
- If the firm will be located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), a net worth of CAD 800,000 is required; if the business is located outside the GTA, CAD 400,000 is needed.
- The personal investment of a minimum of CAD 600,000 if the business is located in the GTA, or CAD 200,000 if not.
- At least one-third of the company’s equity must be under your control.
- Must be actively involved in the management of the business
- The primary goal of investing must be to make a profit.
- Suppose the firm is located in the GTA. In that case, it must provide at least two permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents or one permanent full-time job if the business will be located outside the GTA. If the company is in the information and communications or digital communications sectors, only one full-time position is necessary, regardless of location.
- Must meet additional requirements if you are purchasing an existing business.
Application process:
You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by emailing the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and requesting a registration form. You will be needed to fill out the form and return it through email.
After that, you will be placed in a pool and ranked against other candidates. Ontario holds draws regularly, and the top-ranked individuals are asked to apply to the Entrepreneur Stream via the OINP e-Filing Portal.
You’ll also need to contact a skilled vendor to assess your net worth and legal fund buildup.
OINP requirements:
The processes involved in getting Permanent Residence through the OINP streams are listed below to understand the process better. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Meet the qualification criteria of the federal FSW or CEC programs.
- Create your valid Express Entry profile and pick “Ontario” or “All Provinces and Territories” as their province of interest.
- Meet the HCP stream’s minimum qualifying criteria.
- Have a Notification of Interest directly in your EE profile.
- You must apply for the HCP stream via the OINP e-Filing Portal within 45 days of getting the Notification of Interest (completing the required forms and uploading all the required documents).
- Accept the Ontario provincial nomination on your EE profile within 30 days of receiving it (after the OINP approves your application).
- Receive an Invitation to Apply after achieving 600 CRS points in your Express Entry pool profile (ITA).
- Submit your application for Canadian permanent residence through your EE profile.
OINP document checklist:
Check out the OINP application checklist thoroughly before submitting your application. When you (or your representative) apply to the OINP online, keep in mind to scan and upload all relevant documents. Please follow this link to find the correct checklist for your application.
What is OINP processing time?
The average processing time for the International Student stream is 90-120 days. This timeframe for the Human Capital Category and Employer Job Offer Category is 30-60 days and 60-90 days.
Where to find OINP’s latest draw 2022 stats?
You can visit Ontario’s official webpage to find all the latest updates and news about OINP draws in 2022.
Why choose Can adapt Consulting For Your OINP Application?
While the application process for an Ontario PNP may appear straightforward, some candidates choose to “do it themselves” instead of consulting an immigration specialist.
Ontario PNP applications are more likely to be rejected if not adequately prepared. The bar has been set extremely high.
To obtain a PNP, you must go through a long process that frequently involves the help of a professional.
Through the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, we’ve helped hundreds of people and families settle in Canada. You can rely on our knowledgeable immigration experts to evaluate your situation and recommend how to proceed in the most effective approach possible.
Getting an evaluation of your application is the first step in applying for the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program. Fill out our free immigration assessment form, and we’ll contact you to talk about your options and eligibility.