Ontario Provincial Nominee Program
Overview of Ontario PNP
The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program was launched in 2007. Since this program gained immense popularity. The main objective of this program is to target the skill shortage and call for candidates who can fulfill the demand. The OINP program was created to make things easier for newcomers to settle and integrate well into the province’s economy.
In the beginning, only 1000 individuals were allowed to nominate in the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program. Now the threshold increased to 8000 newcomers every year under OINP.
Enhanced Immigration streams are those that are in line with the Express Entry System. This federal immigration stream is one that Canada uses to manage Permanent Resident Applications through Canada’s three Economy-class Immigration Programs.
In this system, the Candidate is accessed on the basis of a point system which is called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-scoring applicant is invited to apply for permanent residence. Those Candidates who have a nomination from the Province will get an additional 600 points which guarantees in getting an Invitation to apply (ITA) for the PR Application. You can also get a nomination from the Express entry profile.
Base streams are those which are not aligned with the Express Entry system. Applicants who get Provincial nominations are required to apply directly to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Ontario PNP Program streams
Choose a stream to find out how to get nominated:
Ontario Human Capital Category
The Human Capital Category is divided into two sub-categories. One example is Ontario Express Entry. These sub-stream programs are improved. This signifies they are connected to the Express Entry system.
The following programs fall into the Human Capital Category:
- Ontario Express Entry Substream: This stream is aligned with the express entry. Individuals are nominated by the province from the Federal express entry pool and submit their applications.
- Human Capital Priorities: This stream includes a federal skilled worker program in which people with relevant trade-specific experience are invited to apply and Canadian Experience Class (CES) are those who have a minimum of one year of experience in Canada.
- Skilled Trade: This is for those who have relevant skilled trade experience in the province in an eligible trade occupation.
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker: This program is for individuals who are bilingual and have a strong hold on French. This program operates in the same way as Human Capital Priorities, through FSWP and CEC.
If you receive an invitation through Ontario Express Entry. You will be notified via email and it’s up to you whether you like to move with that or refuse the nomination. Accepting the invitation will give you an additional 600 points which will help you in securing an Invitation to apply (ITA) from the IRCC.
Minimum Requirements:
The following are the minimum requirements needed to be eligible through one of the streams under the Human Capital Category:
- Must have enough money to support yourself and your family.
- Must intend to live in Ontario
- Must meet the additional requirements for the stream you are applying for, set out below:
Category | Is a job offer required? | Express Entry aligned? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
Human Capital Priorities Stream | No | Yes |
|
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream | No | Yes |
|
Skilled Trades Stream | No | Yes |
|
How it works:
You must register for an ONe-key account on the OINP website once you know which stream you are eligible for.
You must first create a profile and then begin your application through the portal by clicking the file number next to the stream for which you wish to apply. You’ll also have to upload the necessary paperwork.
If you apply for one of the Express Entry streams, you must keep your profile active until you are nominated.
If your application is approved, you will receive an email with a Nomination Approval Letter and an OINP Certificate of Nomination.
For Express Entry Streams: Your nomination will be sent to you via your Express Entry profile. You must accept the nomination in order to get 600 more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This implies you will be invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry in the following draw.
Graduate Streams: You will then have six months to apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). With your application, include your nomination approval letter and certificate.
Masters and PhD Category
The following programs are not aligned with Express Entry. An applicant must create a profile and register an expression of interest (EOI):
- Masters Graduate Stream: For individuals who received their Masters degrees from a University in Ontario
- PhD Graduate Stream: For individuals who received Ph.D.’s from an Ontario University.
Note: The Masters Graduate Stream and the PhD Graduate Stream both use Ontario’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system
Application Fee: CAD $1,500
Processing Time: 30-60 days
Category | Is a job offer required? | Express Entry aligned? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
Masters Graduate Stream | No | No |
|
PhD Graduate Stream | No | No |
|
Employer Job Offer Category
The following three programs exist under the Employer Job Offer Category:
- Foreign worker stream: for skilled workers;
- International students: for recent graduates of Ontario post-secondary institutions;
- In-demand skills stream: for intermediate skilled workers in certain sectors, such as agriculture, construction, trucking and personal support workers.
Stream | Application Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
Foreign Worker Stream AND In-Demand Skills Stream | CAD $1,500 if the job offer is outside the Greater Toronto Area. CAD $2,000 if the job offer is within the Greater Toronto Area (City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York and Peel regions) | 60-90 days |
International Student Stream | CAD $1,500 | 90-120 days |
Minimum Requirements:
- Must have a full-time, permanent job offer in an eligible occupation in Ontario;
- Must have work experience, licence or other authorization that is required to perform the job;
- Must intend to live in Ontario;
- Employer must meet additional requirements (business, revenue, employment).
Category | Is a job offer required? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Foreign Worker Stream | Yes |
|
In-Demand Skills Stream | Yes |
|
Skilled Trades Stream | Yes |
|
How it works:
You must first create an account on the OINP e-Filing Portal and register your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Ontario holds provincial drawings on a regular basis to choose the top candidates from the pool. If you are invited, you will be notified via the portal and must submit your application within 14 calendar days. Your application can be submitted through your ONe-key account.