Understanding Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program

The Ontario PNP, also known as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), was enacted in 2007. The program intends to address the skill shortages in certain areas within Ontario. The immigration program is ideal for those with an Ontario-based employment offer, making it easy for employers to hire skilled foreign workers who can contribute to the economy.  The program invites qualifying immigrants to fill Ontario's labor shortage sectors with skilled investors, workers, and entrepreneurs.

 

What is Ontario PNP?

Ontario is one of the most in-demand Canadian provinces and is one of the top immigrant choices. The province runs its provincial nominee program, called the Ontario PNP. Immigrants with the required skills and experience are invited by the province and are issued a provincial nomination. Selected nominees can then apply for a Canada PR through the nomination. The OINP program manages and organizes applications via two different intake systems, segregated into eight different streams for candidates to choose from. The streams are categorized into Ontario’s Express Entry Streams, Master or PhD streams and, Employer job offer streams.

 

OINP Streams

The Ontario PNP streams function through the OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates who wish to register for the program are required to register an EOI and receive an invitation to apply.

The OINP streams are arranged into three major categories:

 

If you have a job offer in Ontario

• Human Capital Priorities stream
• Skilled Trades stream
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream

 

Masters or PhD degree

• Masters Graduate stream
• PhD Graduate stream

 

Ontario’s Express Entry Streams

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream

 

A Complete Overview of the OINP Streams

The table given below has a complete breakdown of the OINP streams.

Category	Stream	Is a job offer required?	Express Entry profile creation	Processing time	Application Fee
Employer Job Offer Category	Foreign Worker Stream	Yes	Yes	60-90 days	CAD $1,500 [for job offer outside GTA]
	In-Demand Skills Stream	Yes	Yes	60-90 days	CAD $2,000 [For job offer within GTA]
	International Student Stream	Yes	Yes	90-120 days	CAD $1,500
Masters and PhD Category	Masters Graduate Stream	No	No	30-60 days	CAD $1,500
	PhD Graduate Stream	No	No
Express Entry category	Human Capital Priorities Stream	No	Yes	60-90 days	CAD $1,500
	French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream	No	Yes	90-120 days	CAD $1,500
	Skilled Trades Stream	No	Yes	70-100 days	CAD $1,500

 

OINP Express Entry Category

The OINP Express Entry streams operate through the Express Entry system. The OINP chooses eligible candidates from the Express Entry pool, who fulfill the criteria for any of the immigration streams under the OINP stream. Individuals who are selected via the Express Entry pool are sent a Notification of Interest (NOI) to their official IRCC account. Candidates are given 45 days to submit their application after receiving a NOI. Interested applicants can apply for the streams listed below with the required skills and professional expertise that the Ontario employers are looking for.

Note: Interested candidates are required to have a valid Express Entry profile and have received a NOI (Notification of Interest) from Ontario to apply for the program.

 

Human Capital Priorities Stream

The Human Capital Priorities stream is one of the immigration programs under the Ontario PNP program. Skilled foreign workers who fulfill certain eligibility criteria including factors like education, professional experience, and language proficiency. Candidates can apply for PR to reside and settle in Ontario. One of the primary requirements to qualify for the stream is to have an active Express Entry profile and a nomination from Ontario.

 

Documents for Human Capital Priorities Stream

Given below is the general list of documents for the Human Capital Priorities stream:

List of documents required while applying from outside Canada:

• NOI (Notification of Interest) Letter
• An updated CV
• A signed Application Consent form
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Status
• Documents supporting your education
• Language proficiency test score
• Proof of employment in Canada
• Proof of work history
• Proof of sufficient settlement funds
• Proof of intent to settle in Ontario
• Documents supporting the dependent family members

 

List of documents required while applying from inside Canada:

• Proof of your Canadian status
• Proof of your education in Canada
• Evidence of your work experience in Canada
• Documents supporting any relatives in Canada
   

Skilled Trades Stream

The Skilled Trades stream is one of the immigration streams under the OINP Express Entry category. The stream allows foreign professionals with prior work experience in a qualifying skilled trade to apply for PR. Upon receiving a nomination, eligible candidates can permanently settle and seek employment in Ontario. To apply for a PR nomination by the government of Ontario, one must have an active Express Entry profile along with a valid Notification of Interest (NOI).

 

Documents for Skilled Trades Stream

Given below is the general document list to apply for the Skilled Trades stream:

• NOI (Notification of Interest)
• Applicant Consent Form
• Proof of identity
• Proof of your status in Canada
• Language proficiency test scores
• Evidence of your work history in Ontario
• Certification of Trade
• Proof supporting the requirement of funds
• Proof supporting your ongoing job in Ontario
• Employment offer in Ontario
• Updated CV
• Proof of intent to live in Ontario

 

French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

Candidates who are registered in the Express Entry pool and are proficient in English and French languages can apply for this stream. They must meet certain other criteria and have a skill level that can add to Ontario’s labor work force.

 

Documents for French-speaking Skilled Worker Stream

The list of requirements is similar to the other Express Entry streams. You can refer the “Human Capital Priorities stream” for a complete set of documents. The requirements may however vary depending on the place of application submission.

 

How to apply for OINP Express Entry Streams?

You can follow the simple steps below to apply for the Express Entry streams:

Step 1: The first step would be your Express entry profile creation  

Step 2: Obtain a Notification of Interest (NOI)

Step 3: Submit your application within a 45-day timeframe

Step 4: Check the status of your application

Step 5: Apply for permanent residence

 

How to maintain a valid Express Entry profile?

Having a valid Express Entry is one of the primary requirements while waiting for a nomination from the OINP program. The officials must be informed if your Express Entry profile expires at the time of application processing.

The government provides a Webform, through which the candidate can notify the authorized persons. The Webform must the below details:

• A copy of the Job seeker validation code and Express Entry number
• A copy from the IRCC that states reasons for the ineligibility of the previous Express Entry profile.

Note: For candidates who fail to notify the government about the new Express Entry profile, your application will be reverted back along with the refund of the fee payment.

 

Your profile will not be valid for a nomination if the IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during the processing of your OINP application.  

In such conditions, one can either refuse the ITA granted by the IRCC or revoke the OINP application

Note: If you deny the ITA, you are required to report to the OINP using the Webform that has an attachment of proof of rejection.

 

Masters and PhD category

International graduates who have earned their Masters or PhD from Ontario can apply for this stream. It gives graduates a chance to settle and seek employment in the province as a PR holder. Through the stream, foreign graduates can reside in Ontario and have access to study permits while being able to attend universities within the province. International Graduates must express their interest to apply and receive an invitation from the province to gain professional experience and residential benefits from the program.

 

Document Checklist for Masters and PhD Stream

Given below is the general list of documents to apply for the Masters and PhD stream:

• Identity proof
• Applicant Consent Form
• Proof of your Canadian status
• Proof of residency in Ontario
• Proof of documents to support your education
• Proof of language test scores
• Evidence fulfilling the settlement funds requirement
• Proof of employment in Ontario
• Proof related to the job offer in Ontario
• Updated CV
• Proof of intent to reside in Ontario

 

List of eligible universities in Ontario that offer PhD programs

Candidates who have completed their PhD from any of the universities listed below can qualify for the OINP Express Entry PhD stream:

• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• Queen’s University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
• Trent University
• University of Guelph
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• University of Windsor
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

 

EOI scoring factors

The table below has details of the EOI scoring factors with the required list of documents:

 

What are the EOI scoring factors?

Employment/Labour Market Factors:

Employment / labour market factors
Job offer: NOC TEER	Number of points allotted	Job offer: broad occupational category	Number of points allotted	Job offer: wage	Number of points allotted	Work or study permit status	Number of points allotted	Job tenure with job offer employer	Number of points allotted	Canadian work experience: earnings history	Number of points allotted
NOC TEER category 0 or 1	10 Points	Occupational Category 0,2,3	10 points	$40 per hour or higher	10 points	With valid work or study permit	10 points	6 months or more working in job offer position	3 points	$40k or more earnings in a year	3 points
NOC TEER category 2 or 3	8 Points	Occupational Category 7	7 points	$35 to $39.99 per hour	8 points
NOC TEER category 4	0 Points	Occupational Category 1,9	5 points	$30 to $34.99 per hour	7 points
NOC TEER category 5	0 Points	Occupational Category 4,8	4 points	$25 to $29.99 per hour	6 points	Without valid work or study permit	0 points	Less than 6 months working in job offer position or not currently working in position	0 points	Less than $40k earnings in a year	0 points
		Occupational Category 5,6	3 points	$20 to $24.99 per hour	5 points
				Less than $20 per hour	0 points	Note: The work or study permit must have legal status.		Note: The work in the offered employment position must have been within Ontario.		Note: The factors are based on a Notice of Assessment granted by the CRA in the last five years.

 

Education Factor:

Education Factor
Highest level of education	Number of points allotted	Field of study	Number of points allotted	Education	Number of points allotted
PhD	10 points	STEM/health (engineering, health, math, computer science) and trades (agriculture and natural resources operations and management, mechanics and repair, architecture, construction and precision production)	12 points	More than one Canadian credential	10 points
Masters	8 points
Bachelors or equivalent	6 points
Graduate diploma or certificate	6 points	Business and administration, social, legal, education, behavioral science, personal, security and transport services, social work and related programs	6 points	One Canadian credential	5 points
Undergraduate diploma or certificate	5 points
Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma	5 points	Arts and humanities, business, humanities, arts, social science and education (BHASE) programs, not elsewhere classified (n.e.c)	0 points
Less than college or trade certificate	0 points
Note: Must have an ECA or a Canadian credential				Note: Credential must be for a post-secondary education from an eligible Canadian institution that takes a minimum of one year to complete on a full-time basis.

 

Language Factor:

Language Factor
Official language ability	Number of points allotted	Knowledge of official languages	Number of points allotted
CLB 9 or higher	10 points	2 Official Languages	10 points (a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in one official language and a minimum CLB 6 in the second official language)
CLB 8	6 points
CLB 7	4 points	1 Official Language	5 points
CLB 6 or lower	0 points

 

Regionalization Factor:

Regionalization
Regional immigration: location of job offer	Number of points allotted	Regional immigration: location of study (where you physically attended classes)	Number of points allotted
Northern Ontario	10 points	Northern Ontario	10 points
Other areas outside GTA (except Northern Ontario)	8 points	Other areas outside GTA (except Northern Ontario)	8 points
Inside GTA (except Toronto)	3 points	Inside GTA (except Toronto)	3 points
Toronto	0 points	Toronto	0 points
		Credential was completed without physically attending (in-person) classes	0 points

 

Document Checklist for EOI Factors

Candidates with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) are required to scan and upload supporting documents for the scoring factors through which the points were allotted.

Note: The scoring factors are not the same as the stream criteria. Candidates must complete the eligibility criteria for the stream and submit the checklist of documents.

 

The list of documents below is for candidates who are looking to claim points through the scoring factors.

• Work Permit Status in Canada
• Proof of NOAs granted by the CRA in the recent five years
• Records of your highest level of education
• Proof related to your field of study
• Proof of Canadian education credentials
• Language ability test scores
• Proof of your study location

 

OINP Employer Job offer Category

The streams under the OINP Employer Job offer category are managed by the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. The first step to apply for the OINP Employer job offer category is to register an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply.

Note: Registering an Expression of Interest (EOI) is not the same as applying for a Canadian PR or the OINP.

 

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

The Foreign Worker stream is particularly for foreign workers with a full-time employment offer. The job must be listed in any one of the NOC 0,1,2, 3 categories and fulfill the employment and wage standards in the province. Selected candidates can apply to permanently reside and work in Ontario. Candidates are required to express their interest and get invited to apply to receive an OINP nomination.

 

Document Checklist for Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

Given below is the general list of documents to apply for the Foreign Worker stream:

• Applicant consent form
• Proof of Identity
• Proof of your Canadian status
• Documents related to your employer in Ontario
• Documents related to your employment contract
• Proof of previous work history
• Updated CV
• Proof of intention to reside in the province
• Additional documents related to the EOI scoring factors

 

Requirements for Applicants

Foreign Worker stream applicants are required to submit the below documents:

• EOI
• ITA
• Professional job experience
• Legal license and other authorization forms
• Proof of intention to settle in Ontario
• Evidence of your Canadian legal status (if applicable)

 

Requirements for Employers

Employers are required to submit the below documents:

• General set of requirements
• Documents related to Revenue
• Documents related to employees -related documents
• Proof of papers related to the recruitment efforts made by the employer
• Application for Approval of an Employment Position

 

OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

The International Student stream under the Employer Job Offer category offers a flexible immigration pathway for foreign students looking to settle in Ontario, Canada. International students with a full-time employment offer in a skilled occupation that falls under the NOC 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, can qualify to apply for this stream.

 

Document Checklist for Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

Below is the list of documents required for the International Student Worker stream:

• Applicant Consent Form
• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Canadian status
• Records related to your employer
• Records related to your Job offer
• Proof of Education
• An updated CV
• Proof of intention to reside in Ontario

 

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

The in-demand skills stream is specifically for foreign workers with an employment offer in in-demand occupations like, agriculture, construction and other occupations. Qualifying individuals can apply for PR and also have their spouses and dependent children included in the application. Foreign workers from within the country and outside Canada are eligible for the stream.

 

Document Checklist for Employer Job Offer: In-demand Skills Stream

The documents required for the In-demand skills stream is same as the other Employer Job offer streams. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on whether the application is given from within the country or outside Canada.

 

How to apply for OINP?

You can follow the below steps to apply for the OINP:

Step 1: Register an EOI (Expression of Interest)

Step 2: Receive an ITA (Invitation to apply)

Step 3: Arrange the requirements

Step 4: Apply for the OINP

Step 5: Fly to Ontario.

 

What to do if you receive a nomination or do not receive a nomination?

The below steps will give you the detailed information about things to do after you receive a nomination:

 

Steps to follow if you are nominated:

You will receive a nomination approval letter and a nomination certificate via email. The nomination details will be entered into the official IRCC Express Entry system and receive a notification of nomination through the online IRCC account.

Candidates are given 30 days to accept or reject the nomination in the Express Entry.  

Step 1: Accept the nomination in the Express Entry system

Step 2: Apply for PR within 60 days

Step 3: Renewal of your Express Entry profile if expired 

Step 4: Request to extend your nomination certificate

Step 5: Wait for your PR status

 

The below steps will give you the detailed information about the things to do if you do not receive a nomination:

Steps to follow if you are not nominated:

If you do not receive a nomination or the application is unsuccessful, the IRCC will notify you via email. If you suspect an error in the application rejection, you can request an internal review.

Step 1: Download the Notice of Request for Internal Review form

Step 2: Fill out the form with correct information

Step 3: List out the error/errors in the decision

Step 4: Send the completed Notice of Request for Internal Review form via email

Step 5: Wait for a response.

 

What if you want to withdraw or have any changes in your personal information?

You must report any new changes in the information submitted in your application to the concerned officials. The changes in your application may include any of the following:

• Changes in contact information
• Changes in the immigration status
• Changes in the size of the family due to by:

• Birth of a new child
• Common-law relationship or marriage
• Change in child custody
• Death of a family member
• Separation or divorce

The changes in your telephonic number, country of residence or email address can be done by signing into the official OINP e-Filing portal. The changes can be revised by selecting “My profile” on the main page and clicking on “Save” when done.

For changes related to corrections in data entry or other changes, you can:

Step 1: Complete the “Change of Personal information” form

Step 2: Save the form after the completion of the details

Step 3: Send the form as an attachment with the help of the OINP Webform

For changes in your name or date of birth, a copy of the personal details page in your passport must be attached.

Note: The OINP may not completely accept requests related to changes in name or date of birth. If the program is not notified about the changes in the information given in your application, there are more chances of it affecting the outcome of your application.

In case you want to withdraw your application, you can click on the “Withdraw” button that is given next to the file number on the main page of the OINP portal.

Note: The application fee will be refunded only if the application is submitted before the processing.

 

Ontario PNP Processing times

Given below is the list of processing times for the OINP streams:

OINP stream	Average processing time
Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker	90 – 120 days
Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities	60 – 90 days
Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades	120 – 150 days
Masters Graduate	30 – 60 days
PhD Graduate	30 – 60 days
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker	120 – 150 days
Employer Job Offer: International Student	90 – 120 days
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills	120 – 150 days
Entrepreneur	Expression of Interest (EOI) Assessment: Less than 30 days
	Applications: Depends on complexity of the application

 

Ontario PNP Draws held in 2024

IRCC conducted 32 Ontario PNP so far and invited 32,634 candidates to apply for Canada PR.  

Month	No. of draws	Total no. of Invitations
July	8	5,925
June	5	646
April	1	211
March	9	11,092
February	1	6638
January	8	8122