On This Page You Will Find:
- What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
- Who Can Apply: Streams and Categories Explained
- Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the OINP
- Key Requirements for Different OINP Streams
- How OINP Draws Work
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is Ontario’s economic immigration program, operated in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows the province to nominate skilled workers and international graduates for permanent residence based on labour market needs.
The program supports Ontario employers in recruiting foreign talent for managerial, professional, and technical roles, helping to fill job vacancies in high-demand sectors like healthcare, construction, and technology.
Applicants follow a two-step process:
- Apply to the provincial government for a nomination.
- If nominated, apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
Who Can Apply: Streams and Categories Explained
OINP applications are managed through two systems: Expression of Interest (EOI) and Express Entry.
Expression of Interest (EOI) System
You must register in the OINP e-Filing Portal and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This applies to:
- 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 System
For these streams, you must first create a federal Express Entry profile and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario before applying:
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the OINP
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Identify which stream you qualify for based on your education, work experience, job offer (if applicable), and language ability.
Step 2: Register Your Profile
- For Express Entry streams: Create a profile in IRCC’s Express Entry system and select Ontario.
- For EOI streams: Register through the OINP e-Filing Portal.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply
You will get an ITA (EOI) or NOI (Express Entry) if your profile is selected.
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
Documents may include:
- Passport and ID
- Education credentials and ECA (if required)
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
- Work references and job offer (if applicable)
- Settlement fund proof
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Log into the OINP portal, upload documents, complete your application, and pay the fee.
Step 6: Await Processing
Processing times vary.
Step 7: Receive Nomination
- Express Entry: Add the 600 CRS points to your profile.
- Non-Express Entry: Proceed to apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
Step 8: Apply for Permanent Residence
Submit your PR application to IRCC with the nomination certificate and supporting documents.
Key Requirements for Different OINP Streams
Employer Job Offer Streams
Foreign Worker Stream
- Full-time, permanent job in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0–3)
- Two years of recent work experience
- Employer must meet operational criteria
International Student Stream
- Job offer in NOC TEER 0–3
- Graduated from a Canadian institution within 2 years
- No work experience required
In-Demand Skills Stream
- Job in an in-demand occupation (agriculture, construction, healthcare)
- 9 months full-time experience in last 3 years
- CLB 4+, high school diploma
Human Capital Streams
Human Capital Priorities Stream (Express Entry)
- 1 year of skilled work experience
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- CLB 7+
- Active Express Entry profile
Skilled Trades Stream (Express Entry)
- Ontario experience in a trade (NOC TEER 2 or 3)
- CLB 5+
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream (Express Entry)
- CLB 7 in French, CLB 6 in English
- Experience under FSW or CEC
Masters Graduate Stream
- Master’s from eligible Ontario university (within 2 years)
- 12 months residence in Ontario
- CLB 7+ and proof of funds
PhD Graduate Stream
- PhD from eligible Ontario university (within 2 years)
- No job offer or work experience required
- Proof of funds
General Requirements Across Streams
- Valid language test results
- Education credentials and ECA (if applicable)
- Sufficient settlement funds
- Intention to live in Ontario
- Legal status in Canada (if applying from inside Canada)
How OINP Draws Work
OINP issues:
- Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for candidates in the EOI system
- Notifications of Interest (NOIs) for candidates in the Express Entry system
Draws target specific streams and occupations. Cut-off scores and selection criteria are published after each draw.
FAQ: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
What is the OINP?
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a provincial immigration program designed to attract skilled workers and international students to Ontario. The program allows the province to nominate candidates for Canadian permanent residency based on their qualifications, work experience, or educational background. OINP helps address labor market needs in Ontario and includes various streams, such as Employer Job Offer and Human Capital, tailored to meet the province’s economic priorities.
Who can apply for the OINP?
The OINP is open to skilled workers and international graduates who meet the eligibility criteria for specific streams. Applicants typically require a valid job offer in Ontario or qualifications aligned with labor market demands. Certain streams, like the Masters and PhD Graduate Streams, focus on educational achievements and do not require a job offer. Each stream has unique requirements, so it’s important to determine which one suits your circumstances.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the OINP?
Not all OINP streams require a job offer. Streams under the Employer Job Offer category, such as the Foreign Worker or International Student streams, mandate a valid job offer. However, streams like the Masters and PhD Graduate Streams do not require one. Additionally, Express Entry-linked streams focus on factors like work experience, education, and language proficiency, allowing candidates without job offers to apply if they meet other criteria.
How long does it take to process an OINP application?
OINP processing times depend on the stream. Most applications are processed within 60 to 90 days. Express Entry-linked streams may be faster due to integration with federal processes. Streams requiring additional verifications may take longer. After provincial nomination, the permanent residence application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) typically takes several months. Regularly check the official OINP website for updated processing times.
What happens after receiving an OINP nomination?
Once nominated by Ontario, applicants can apply for Canadian permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Express Entry nominees receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, ensuring an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. For non-Express Entry streams, nominees submit a paper-based application to IRCC. Meeting federal requirements and submitting complete documentation is essential for successful permanent residence approval.
