Ontario Immigration 2025

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) supports Ontario employers by facilitating the immigration of managerial, professional and skilled foreign workers and international students required to meet their human resources needs.

The province of Ontario operates the OINP in partnership with the federal immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Interested candidates must follow a two-stage process: apply for nomination to the provincial government, and then, if nominated, apply for permanent residence to the federal government.

What is the OINP?

The OINP is Ontario’s economic immigration program, designed to attract skilled workers, business owners, and entrepreneurs to contribute to the province’s economy.

Through the OINP, the Ontario government nominates individuals for Canadian permanent residency based on their skills, work experience, and qualifications that align with Ontario’s economic priorities.

The program includes streams for international graduates, foreign workers, and those with job offers in high-demand occupations.

It works in partnership with the federal Express Entry system and offers opportunities for candidates to fast-track their immigration process while addressing labor market gaps in Ontario.

How to Apply for the OINP

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the OINP.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the following OINP streams:

1. Employer Job Offer Streams:

   • Foreign Worker Stream
   • International Student Stream
   • In-Demand Skills Stream

2. Human Capital Streams:

   • Ontario’s Express Entry streams (e.g., French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Human Capital Priorities, Skilled Trades)
   • Masters Graduate Stream
   • PhD Graduate Stream

Each stream has specific requirements regarding education, work experience, job offer (if applicable), and language proficiency.

Step 2: Create a Profile

For Express Entry streams:

• Create a profile in the federal Express Entry system and select Ontario as a preferred destination.
• Wait for a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario if you qualify.

For other streams:

• Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the OINP e-Filing Portal for the specific stream you are eligible for.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply

• If your EOI or Express Entry profile is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the OINP.
• Ensure that your ITA is for the stream you intended to apply under.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Prepare all supporting documents, including:

• Passport and personal identification
• Proof of education (degree, transcripts, and equivalency report if required)
• Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
• Work experience letters and reference letters
• Proof of job offer and employer form (if applicable)
• Proof of settlement funds

Ensure that all documents are translated into English or French if necessary.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Log in to the OINP e-Filing Portal.
• Complete the application form for your stream.
• Upload all required documents.
• Pay the application fee, which varies by stream ($1,500–$3,500 CAD).

Step 6: Await Processing

The OINP will assess your application. Processing times vary by stream but typically take 60–90 days. Stay updated via the OINP portal or official communications.

Step 7: Receive Nomination

If approved, you will receive a provincial nomination certificate:

• For Express Entry streams: Add the nomination to your Express Entry profile to receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
• For non-Express Entry streams: Proceed with your permanent residence application directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 8: Apply for Permanent Residence

With the nomination certificate, submit your application for permanent residence to IRCC. Include all required documents and pay the applicable fees.

Key Tips:

• Regularly check OINP stream openings, as some operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Submit your application promptly after receiving an ITA or NOI, as there are deadlines.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation to avoid delays.

By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the OINP application process and move closer to achieving Canadian permanent residence in Ontario.

OINP Streams

The OINP manages two intake systems to manage applications: Expression of Interest and Express Entry. Each is further divided into several categories.

Applicants must register in either the Expression of Interest system or the Express Entry system to let the OINP know that they wish to be invited to apply. 

Expression of Interest

All streams in this category operate through the OINP’s Express of Interest System. To qualify, a candidate needs to register an expression of interest and receive an invitation to apply. 

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
• Masters Graduate Stream
• PhD Graduate Stream

Express Entry

These streams operate through the federal government’s Express Entry System and are catered to candidates who have the skills and experience that Ontario employers need. Candidates must first register in the Express Entry system and receive a notification of interest before applying. 

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

What are the Requirements for the OINP?

The OINP offers multiple immigration streams to skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs. Each stream has specific requirements related to qualifications, job offers, language skills, and other criteria. Below is a breakdown of the general requirements for the key OINP streams.

1. Employer Job Offer Streams

These streams are for candidates with a valid job offer in Ontario.

a. Foreign Worker Stream

• A full-time, permanent job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
• At least two years of work experience in the occupation within the last five years.
• A wage that meets Ontario’s median wage for the occupation.
• Employer must meet specific requirements, including business activity in Ontario.

b. International Student Stream

• A full-time, permanent job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
• Must have graduated from a Canadian college or university within the last two years.
• No work experience required for eligibility.
• Employer must meet program criteria.

c. In-Demand Skills Stream

• A job offer in an in-demand occupation, such as agricultural, construction, or healthcare-related roles.
• At least nine months of cumulative, full-time work experience in the occupation within the last three years.
• A valid language test score of CLB 4 or higher in English or French.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Human Capital Streams

These streams target individuals with skills and qualifications that align with Ontario’s labor market needs.

a. Ontario’s Express Entry Streams

These streams require a valid Express Entry profile and are linked to the federal Express Entry system.

• Human Capital Priorities Stream:

  • Active Express Entry profile with a CRS score that meets Ontario’s cut-off.
  • Work experience:
    • Federal Skilled Worker Program: 1 year of continuous work experience.
    • Canadian Experience Class: 1 year of Canadian work experience within the last three years.
  • A bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Language test results of CLB 7 or higher.

• Skilled Trades Stream:

  • Experience in a skilled trade under NOC TEER 2 or 3 within Ontario.
  • Active Express Entry profile.
  • A valid language test score of CLB 5 or higher.

• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream:

  • CLB 7 or higher in French and CLB 6 in English.
  • Work experience requirements as per Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class.

b. Masters Graduate Stream

• Must have completed a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university within the last two years.
• Must have lived in Ontario for at least 12 months in the past two years.
• A valid language test score of CLB 7 or higher.
• Proof of sufficient settlement funds.

c. PhD Graduate Stream

• Must have completed a PhD program from an eligible Ontario university within the last two years.
• Proof of sufficient settlement funds.
• No job offer or work experience required.

General Requirements Across Streams

1. Language Proficiency:

   • Most streams require a valid language test result (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) meeting minimum CLB levels.

2. Education:

   • Proof of education is often required, with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees.

3. Settlement Funds:

   • Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to settle in Ontario.

4. Intention to Reside in Ontario:

   • Proof of ties to Ontario, such as work, study, or family connections.

5. Legal Status in Canada (if applying from within Canada):

   • Must have valid temporary resident status.

OINP Draws

The OINP issues periodic Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through its Expression of Interest system and Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates in the Express Entry pool, allowing them to apply for nomination under one of the targeted streams. The details and methodology used are published after the draws are done.