Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is designed to help the province of Ontario meet its economic and labor market needs by nominating individuals for permanent residence in Canada. The program targets skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who want to settle in Ontario and contribute to its economy.

Key Streams of OINP

1. Human Capital Category

This category is for skilled workers and international students who have the qualifications and experience needed to contribute to Ontario's labor market. The following streams are available under this category:

  • Ontario Express Entry Stream: For candidates in the federal Express Entry pool who meet Ontario’s requirements and have a job offer in Ontario.
  • Skilled Trades Stream: For workers with experience in specific skilled trades who are already living and working in Ontario.
  • International Student with a Job Offer Stream: For international students who have graduated from a recognized Ontario post-secondary institution and have a job offer in Ontario.

2. Employer Job Offer Category

This category is for foreign nationals who have received a job offer from an Ontario employer. The streams under this category are:

  • Foreign Worker Stream: For foreign workers who have a full-time job offer from an Ontario employer.
  • International Student Stream: For recent graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions in Ontario who have a full-time job offer.
  • In-Demand Skills Stream: For workers in occupations that are in demand in Ontario, such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality.

3. Business Category

This category is for individuals who wish to invest in or establish a business in Ontario. It includes:

  • Entrepreneur Stream: For experienced business owners or senior business managers who wish to establish, purchase, or expand a business in Ontario.

4. Other Streams

French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: Aimed at French-speaking skilled workers who have a job offer in Ontario and are ready to settle in Ontario.

General Requirements

  • Job Offer: Often required, especially for Employer Job Offer streams.
  • Education and Work Experience: Applicants must meet the qualifications and work experience required for the specific stream.
  • Language Proficiency: English or French (specific language levels vary by stream).
  • Settlement Plan: A plan outlining how applicants intend to settle and contribute to Ontario’s economy.
  • Intent to Reside in Ontario: Applicants must demonstrate their intent to live and work in Ontario.

Application Process

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile for the specific OINP stream.
  2. If selected, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to apply for provincial nomination.
  3. Submit a complete application to the OINP.
  4. Once nominated, apply for permanent residency through the federal immigration system (IRCC).

Benefits of OINP

  • Ontario’s diverse economy and high quality of life.
  • Access to a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors, including finance, tech, and healthcare.
  • Increased chances of obtaining permanent residency through the nomination process.