Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program OINP (Ontario PNP Guide)

Ontario PNP initiatives, notably through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), aim to bolster the province’s workforce by attracting skilled workers, addressing labor market needs, and fostering economic growth.

The province strategically leverages immigration to enhance its economic vitality and meet diverse labor demands, making it a key player in Canada’s immigration landscape.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program also called OINP has 3 programs to choose from and each one has its subcategories Applicants see which one suits their profile.

1. Ontario Employer Job Offer: If you have a job offer from an Ontario employer, you can register the expression of interest and receive invitation from Ontario through OINP’s Expression of Interest System.
2. Ontario’s Express Entry: These streams are aligned with federal express entry system profiles, you will receive a notification of interest from Ontario, and you must have an express entry profile.
3. Ontario Entrepreneur: The Entrepreneur Stream of Ontario PNP is designed to attract entrepreneurs seeking to make substantial investments in business development within the province.

Calculate your OINP Scores through Ontario PNP Points Calculator

Check Latest Ontario Draws Ontario Latest Draw

1. Ontario Employer Job Offer

This stream is for people having job offer from Ontario Employer, and the stream is divided into 3 categories, applicant can select whichever suits him best. Ontario Employer Job Offer has 3 streams in it:

1.1 OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream

The Foreign Worker stream in Ontario PNP offers foreign workers with skilled job offers the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in Ontario, accepting offers in TEER categories 0-3 of the NOC from both inside and outside Canada.

Job Offer Requirements

1. Full-time and Permanent:
   • Job must be full-time (1,560 hours/year, minimum 30 hours/week).
   • Permanent position without an end date. Seasonal or contract offers are ineligible.
   • Excludes job offers affecting labor disputes.
2. Eligible Occupation:
   • Job must fall under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC.
3. Median Wage Level:
   • Median wage must meet or exceed the median wage for the occupation in the specific Ontario region.
   • Check Job Bank for median wage by occupation and location.
   • Exemptions for existing employees with collective agreements.
4. Urgently Necessary Position:
   • Job must be crucial for the employer’s business, aligning with existing activities and urgently needed for business growth or maintenance.
5. Work Based in Ontario:
   • Job duties must primarily occur in Ontario.

Applicant requirements

1. Expression of Interest and Invitation to Apply:
   • Apply within the specified deadline after receiving an invitation.
   • Prove qualifications claimed in the Expression of Interest with the OINP.
2. Work Experience or Authorization:
   • For occupations requiring a licence, hold a valid licence in Ontario.
   • For others, show two years of cumulative full-time work experience in the same occupation within the last five years.
3. Valid Licence or Authorization (if applicable):
   • If the job requires a licence, ensure it’s valid when applying.
4. Intention to Live in Ontario:
   • Demonstrate ties to Ontario through work, job offers, education, volunteering, property, visits, and personal relationships to show intent to reside in the province after obtaining permanent residence.

Employer requirements

1. Employer Eligibility:
   • Active in Ontario for three years with premises in the province.
   • No outstanding orders under Ontario employment laws; efforts made to recruit locally. Requires a valid work permit or positive LMIA.
2. Revenue Requirements:
   • Business must meet revenue criteria based on location:
     • $1,000,000 if in Greater Toronto Area.
     • $500,000 if outside Greater Toronto Area.
3. Full-Time Employee Requirements:
   • For the Greater Toronto Area, five full-time employees, and for outside the area, three full-time employees, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
   • Full-time employee defined as working a minimum of 30 hours per week.
4. Employer Form:

• • Employer to complete and sign an Employer Form for approval of the employment position.

Processing time: 90 – 120 days

Application fees: $1500

Check your points using Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream Points Calculator

1.2 OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

The International Student stream in Ontario pnp allows international students with a skilled job offer in TEER categories 0-3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to apply for permanent residence in Ontario.

Job Offer Requirements

• Full-time and Permanent: Minimum 30 hours/week, permanent, excluding seasonal/contract offers.
• Eligible Occupation: Falls under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC.
• Median Wage Level: Meets or exceeds the region’s median wage.
• Urgently Necessary Position: Crucial for the employer’s business, urgently needed for growth or maintenance.
• Work Based in Ontario: Primarily in Ontario.

Applicant Requirements

• Expression of Interest: Apply after receiving an invitation, proving qualifications.
• Education: Degree or diploma, at least two years full-time, completed mainly in Canada.
• License or Authorization: Ensure any required Ontario license is valid.
• Intention to Live in Ontario: Demonstrate ties to Ontario.
• Legal Status in Canada: Maintain legal status if applying from within Canada.
• Application Period: Submit within two years of completing degree requirements.

Employer Requirements

• Eligibility:
  • Active in Ontario for three years.
  • No outstanding orders under Ontario employment laws.
  • Valid work permit or positive LMIA.
• Revenue Requirements:
  • $1,000,000 if in Greater Toronto Area.
  • $500,000 if outside Greater Toronto Area.
• Full-Time Employee Requirements:
  • GTA: five full-time employees; Outside GTA: three full-time employees.
• Employer Form:
  • Complete and sign an Employer Form for position approval.

Processing time: 90 – 120 days

Application fees: $1500 (outside GTA), $2000 (inside GTA)

Learn more about Select Ontario International Student Stream and check your eligibility through Employer Job Offer: International Student stream Points Calculator

1.3 OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

The In-Demand Skills stream enables foreign workers with job offers in specific occupations, including agriculture and construction, to apply for permanent residence in Ontario. Ontario PNP Stream is open to foreign workers both within and outside Canada.

Job offer requirements

1. Full-time and Permanent:
   • Job must be full-time (1,560 hours/year, minimum 30 hours/week).
   • Permanent with no end date; excludes seasonal or contract offers.
   • Job offer ineligible if linked to a labor dispute.
2. Eligible Occupations:
   • Occupations in NOC TEER categories 4 or 5.
   • Specific occupations based on location, such as machine operators outside the Greater Toronto Area. Below are the detailed list of eligible occuptions.
3. Median Wage Level:
   • Job pay must meet or exceed the median wage for the specific Ontario region, verified on the Job Bank website.
   • Exceptions for existing employees with a collective agreement determining wages.
4. Urgently Necessary Position:
   • Position must be crucial for the employer’s business, aligning with existing activities and urgently needed for business growth or maintenance.
5. Work Based in Ontario:
   • Job duties must primarily occur in Ontario.

Eligible Occupations

Outside the Greater Toronto Area

Applicant requirements

1. Expression of Interest and Application:
   • Apply after receiving an invitation within the specified deadline.
   • Verify qualifications stated in your Expression of Interest with the OINP.
2. Work Experience:
   • 9 months of cumulative full-time work experience in Ontario in the same in-demand occupation as your job offer.
   • Gained within the three years before application, legally living and working in Ontario.
   • Cumulative work means adding up to 9 months, not necessarily continuous.
3. Licence or Authorization (if applicable):
   • If the job requires a licence in Ontario, it must be valid when applying.
4. Language:
   • Proficient in English or French at CLB level 4 or higher.
   • Take an approved language test within two years before application.
5. Education:
   • Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if completed outside Canada.
   • ECA report from designated organizations must be no more than five years old.
6. Intention to Live in Ontario:
   • Demonstrate ties to Ontario, including work, job offers, study, property, visits, and relationships.
7. Legal Status in Canada (if applicable):
   • If applying from within Canada, maintain legal status (visitor record, study permit, or work permit) until nomination.

Employer requirements

1. Employer Eligibility:
   • Active in Ontario for three years with premises in the province.
   • No outstanding orders under Ontario employment laws; efforts made to recruit locally. Requires a valid work permit or positive LMIA.
2. Revenue Requirements:
   • Business must meet revenue criteria based on location:
     • $1,000,000 if in Greater Toronto Area.
     • $500,000 if outside Greater Toronto Area.
3. Full-Time Employee Requirements:
   • For the Greater Toronto Area, five full-time employees, and for outside the area, three full-time employees, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
   • Full-time employee defined as working a minimum of 30 hours per week
   • Require at least three full-time Canadian citizen or permanent resident employees at your work location, or the location where you’ll work or report to work outside the Greater Toronto Area.
4. Employer Form:

• • Employer to complete and sign an Employer Form for approval of the employment position.

Processing time: 90 – 120 days

Application fees: $1500

Check your points using Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream Points Calculator

How to Apply Employer Job Offer Streams

1. Ensure Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for the specific stream under the Employer Job Offer category that you are applying for. Ensure you meet the requirements related to work experience, education, language proficiency, etc.
2. Job Offer from an Ontario Employer: Obtain a job offer from an eligible Ontario employer. The job offer should meet the criteria specified by the OINP.
3. Employer Approval: Ensure that your employer obtains approval from the OINP for the job offer. The employer may need to submit documents and information related to the job offer.
4. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including personal identification, education credentials, language proficiency test results, and any other documents specified by the OINP.
5. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Some OINP streams require applicants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before they can apply. Check the specific requirements of the stream you are applying for.
6. Create an Online Account: Create an online account on the OINP e-Filing Portal. This is where you will submit your application.
7. Submit Application: Complete the application form and upload all required documents to the online portal. Ensure accuracy and completeness.
8. Pay Application Fee: Pay the required application fee. The fee amount may vary based on the stream you are applying for.
9. Wait for Processing: Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the OINP. This process may take some time.
10. Receive Nomination: If your application is successful, you will receive a nomination certificate from the OINP.
11. Apply for Permanent Residence: Use the nomination certificate to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

2. Ontario’s Express Entry

Ontario Express Entry has 3 Streams in it, here’s the brief difference between these 3 streams: 

2.1 Human Capital Priorities stream

The Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream in Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) enables eligible foreign workers with the right experience, language skills, and education to apply for permanent residence in Ontario.

Eligibility Requirements

• Work Experience:
  • Choose between the Federal Skilled Workers Program or Canadian Experience Class.
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program: One year of continuous full-time work in TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC within the last five years, either in Canada or overseas.
  • Canadian Experience Class: One year of cumulative full-time work in TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC within the last three years, in Canada with legal status.
• Education:
  • Possess a Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree or equivalent.
  • If studies were outside Canada, provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from designated organizations.
  • ECA report must not be more than five years old, and you must authorize the organization to share results with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
• Language:
  • Demonstrate English or French proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher.
  • Take an approved English or French language test within two years from application.
• Settlement Funds:
  • Have enough funds to support yourself and dependents upon settling in Canada.
  • Options include bank statements, annual earnings in Ontario, or a job offer in Ontario.
• Intention to Live in Ontario:
  • Show ties to Ontario, such as past or current work, job offers, studying, volunteering, property ownership, visits, professional networks, family ties, or personal relationships.
• Legal Status in Canada:
  • If applying within Canada, have legal status (visitor record, study permit, or work permit) at the time of application and maintain it until nomination.
  • ‘Implied status’ is acceptable if you’ve applied to renew/extend your temporary status document before its expiry.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
  • If assessed against FSWP, score at least 67 points on selection factors, including education, language skills, work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada, and adaptability.

Processing time: 70 – 100 days

Application fees: $1500 (outside GTA), $2000 (inside GTA)

Learn more about the Human Capital Priorities stream here

2.2 Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades stream

Eligibility Requirements

1. Work Experience:
   • One year of cumulative full-time or part-time work in specific Ontario job groups within the last two years.
   • Work in identified occupations in Express Entry profile, in Ontario, while maintaining legal status in Canada.
2. Valid Certificate or Licence:
   • For compulsory trade experience, hold a valid Ontario certificate or licence during the application.
   • Ensure the certificate or licence covers the period of work experience used to meet the one-year requirement.
3. Current Residence and Legal Status:
   • Reside in Ontario and possess a valid work permit during application.
   • If the work permit has expired, apply with pending renewal to be in implied status, allowing continued work until a decision.
4. Language Proficiency:
   • Demonstrate English or French skills at CLB level 5 or higher.
   • Take an approved language test within two years before application.
5. Settlement Funds:
   • Have sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents when settling in Canada.
   • Options include bank statements, annual earnings, or a job offer in Ontario.
6. Intention to Live in Ontario:
   • Show ties to Ontario through work, job offers, studies, volunteering, property ownership, visits, professional networks, family ties, or personal relationships.

Processing time: 90 – 120 days

Application fees: $1500

Learn More about Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream here and check your Ontario Express Entry Points Calculator

2.3 Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream

• Work Experience:
  • Choose between the Federal Skilled Workers Program or Canadian Experience Class in Ontario PNP.
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program: One year of continuous full-time work in TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC within the last five years, either in Canada or overseas.
  • Canadian Experience Class: One year of cumulative full-time work in TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC within the last three years, in Canada with legal status.
• Education:
  • Possess a Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree or equivalent.
  • If studies were outside Canada, provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from designated organizations.
  • ECA report must not be more than five years old, and you must authorize the organization to share results with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
• Language:
  • Meet language requirements: English (CLB 6) and French (CLB 7).
  • Provide recent language test results: IELTS/CELPIP for English, TEF/TCF Canada for French.
• Settlement Funds:
  • Have enough funds to support yourself and dependents upon settling in Canada.
  • Options include bank statements, annual earnings in Ontario, or a job offer in Ontario.
• Intention to Live in Ontario:
  • Show ties to Ontario, such as past or current work, job offers, studying, volunteering, property ownership, visits, professional networks, family ties, or personal relationships.
• Legal Status in Canada:
  • If applying within Canada, have legal status (visitor record, study permit, or work permit) at the time of application and maintain it until nomination.
  • ‘Implied status’ is acceptable if you’ve applied to renew/extend your temporary status document before its expiry.

Processing time: 60 – 90 days

Application fees: $1500

How to Apply for Ontario’s Express Entry Streams?

1. Express Entry Profile: Create a profile in the federal Express Entry system in Ontario PNP, indicating your skills and qualifications.
2. Ontario Nomination: If eligible, Ontario may send you a Notification of Interest (NOI). Apply to the OINP through the Express Entry stream.
3. Nomination Certificate: If nominated, you’ll receive a certificate. Update your Express Entry profile, boosting your CRS score.
4. Federal Draw: Wait for a federal Express Entry draw. If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
5. Permanent Residence Application: Submit a complete application to IRCC within the specified timeframe.
6. COPR: If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa.

3. Additional Streams

3.1 OINP Masters Graduate stream

1. Invitation and Qualifications:
   • Receive and apply within the specified deadline after receiving an invitation.
   • Demonstrate the claimed qualifications in the Expression of Interest registered with the OINP.
2. Education:
   • Obtain a master’s degree, involving at least one academic year of full-time study.
   • The degree must be from an eligible Ontario university.
   • This won’t be eligibile for students meeting licensing requirements or working full-time in Ontario.
3. Language Skills:
   • Proficiency in English or French at CLB level 7 or higher.
   • Take an approved language test within two years before application.
4. Residency:
   • Legally live in Ontario for a cumulative one year in the past two years.
5. Settlement Funds:
   • Show adequate funds through bank statements, annual earnings, or a job offer.
6. Intention to Live in Ontario:
   • Demonstrate ties to Ontario through work, studies, volunteering, property, visits, or relationships.
7. Residency at Application:
   • Must be living in Ontario with legal status or residing outside Canada at the time of application.
8. Legal Status in Canada:
   • If applying within Canada, maintain legal status from application to nomination.
9. Application Period:
   • Submit the application within two years of completing master’s degree requirements.

Processing time: 60 – 90 days

Application fees: $1500

Learn more about OINP Masters Graduate Stream Learn

3.2 OINP PhD Graduate stream

1. Invitation and Qualifications:
   • Receive an invitation and apply within the specified deadline.
   • Demonstrate claimed qualifications from the Expression of Interest with Ontario PNP.
2. Education (PhD):
   • Complete PhD requirements from an eligible Ontario university.
   • At least two years of PhD studies must be in Ontario.
3. Residency:
   • Legally live in Ontario for a cumulative one year in the past two years.
4. Settlement Funds:
   • Demonstrate funds through bank statements, earnings, or a job offer.
5. Intention to Live in Ontario:
   • Show ties to Ontario through work, studies, job offers, volunteering, property, visits, networks, and relationships.
6. Legal Status in Canada:
   • If applying within Canada, maintain legal status during application and until nomination.
7. Application Period:
   • Submit within two years of completing PhD requirements.
   • Use the date on the degree within two years of the application, not the invitation.

Processing time: 30 – 60 days

Application fees: $1500

Check your points using OINP Masters or Phd Graduate stream Points Calculator

4. Entrepreneur stream

This program is designed for non-Canadian entrepreneurs looking to launch a new business or acquire an existing one in Ontario. It offers the entrepreneur, along with one foreign business partner, the chance to be nominated for permanent residence after successfully establishing their business in Ontario.

You can learn more about Entrepreneur stream here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

is Ontario PNP easy to approve?

The approval for the Ontario PNP depends on individual qualifications, skilled experience, and other criteria’s, alignment with the province’s needs, and adherence to program criteria, making outcomes variable.

Do I Need job offer for OINP?

For streams comes under ontario Job offer must require you to have job offer while some streams may not require a job offer, such as the Human Capital Priorities Stream or the Masters Graduate Stream.

What is the NOC code for skilled trade in Ontario?

Skilled trades encompass all roles in NOC minor group 633 (first three digits of the NOC Code) and positions within NOC major groups 72, 73, or 82 (first two digits of the NOC Code).

What are the requirements for PNP in Ontario?

Eligibility criteria based on education, work experience, language proficiency, and a genuine connection to Ontario. Some streams may require a valid job offer, Express Entry profile, and adherence to health, character, and settlement fund requirements.

What is the processing time of OINP?

The processing time for Ontario PNP depends on the PNP stream you choose, but it could carry from 30 days to 120 days depending on the applicant’s profile too.

Does PNP guarantee PR?

Getting PNP approval does not guarantee PR. Final approval depends on meeting federal immigration criteria and successfully completing the application process with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) but getting PNP approval will make it very likely you will get your Canadian PR too.