Ontario PNP: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Introduction to OINP

Ontario stands out as a preferred destination for immigrants aspiring to settle in Canada, given its substantial population and dynamic economic activities. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) provides individuals with the right skills and experience an opportunity to secure provincial nominations, facilitating the process of applying for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Program Overview

The OINP is strategically designed to address specific shortages in various sectors, aiding potential immigrants in competing, succeeding, settling, and integrating within the community. The program features both base and enhanced streams, with enhanced streams aligned with the Express Entry System.

Ontario Immigration Categories

Three primary categories are available for those pursuing permanent residency in Ontario:

• Human Capital Category
• Employer Job Offer Category
• Business Category

Human Capital Category

This category caters to skilled workers, tradespersons, and French-speaking skilled workers. International graduates from an Ontario University with a Master’s or Ph.D. can apply, requiring a job offer or relevant experience.

Included Programs:

• Ontario Express Sub-Stream
• Human Capital Priorities (Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class)
• Skilled Trades
• French-Speaking Skilled Workers

Applicants receiving nominations through Ontario Express Entry receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and become eligible for an Invitation to Apply in the subsequent Express Entry draw. Graduate Streams are not aligned with Express Entry and necessitate the creation of a profile and registration of an expression of interest.

Graduate Streams:

• Master’s Graduate Stream
• Ph.D. Graduate Stream

Application Fee: CAD 1,500

Minimum Requirements:

• Financial stability to support self and family
• Intent to live and settle in Ontario
• Valid Express Entry Profile
• At least one year of full-time and paid experience
• Language requirement of CLB 7 or higher
• Valid license or certificate (Skilled Trades Stream)

Application Process:

1. Check eligibility and register for a One-Key account on the website.
2. Create a profile, complete the application, and upload documents.
3. Maintain a valid Express Entry profile for Express Entry streams.
4. Approved applicants receive a Nomination Approval Letter and an OINP Certificate of Nomination by email.
5. Express Entry Stream nominees receive an additional 600 CRS points.
6. Graduate Stream nominees must apply for permanent residence with IRCC.

Employer Job Offer Category

This category comprises three programs:

1. Foreign Worker Stream: Skilled workers
2. International Students: Recent graduates of provincial post-secondary institutions
3. In-Demand Skills Stream: Intermediate skilled workers in specific sectors (agriculture, construction, personal support workers, trucking)

Application Fee: CAD 1500 (outside GTA) / CAD 2000 (within GTA)

Minimum Requirements:

• Full-time and permanent job offer in the province with required license/authorization.
• Intent to live in Ontario.
• Additional requirements for Foreign Workers Stream (job popularity, work experience, language proficiency).
• Skilled Trades Stream applicants must earn above low-level wage and possess a two-year degree/diploma from a Canadian institute.

Application Process:

1. Create a profile on the OINP e-Filing Portal and register Expression of Interest (EOI).
2. Highest-ranking candidates receive notification and submit applications within 14 days.

Ontario Regional Immigration Pilot

This pilot is part of the Employer Job Offer Category, designed to attract immigrants to rural communities for labor needs. Applicants with job offers in pilot communities (Chatham-Kent, Belleville, Quinte West, Cornwall) can apply.

Business Category

This category targets individuals starting or buying businesses in Ontario.

Application Fee: CAD 3,500

Minimum Requirements:

• 24 months of business experience in the last five years.
• Net worth (CAD 800,000 GTA / CAD 400,000 outside GTA).
• Personal investment (CAD 600,000 GTA / CAD 200,000 outside GTA).
• One-third equity participation in the business.
• Creation of permanent full-time jobs for citizens or residents.
• Additional requirements for buying existing businesses.

Application Process:

1. Submit EOI and registration form.
2. Highest-ranked candidates receive an invitation to apply through OINP e-Filing Portal.
3. Submit net worth report and verified funds position.

Nexus Migration is a premier Canadian immigration service, offering assistance to individuals interested in immigration and permanent residency opportunities in Ontario through the OINP. Leveraging our extensive knowledge of Canadian immigration laws, we seamlessly navigate you through the process. Reach out to us for a consultation.