Ontario Immigration Programs OINP
Canada’s most populous province Ontario, nearly home to 40 percent of Canadians which call Ontario home. Ontario has the biggest immigration program Ontario Immigration Program or OINP. Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, and its largest city, Toronto both are in Ontario. In many ways, Ontario is the center of Canada’s economic, social, and political life. Ontario is by far the leading destination for newcomers to Canada. The province welcomes one third of all newcomers each year. People chose to land in Ontario because of its job opportunities, high income and diverse population. In fact, more than half of those living in Toronto were born outside of Canada.
Overview of the Ontario immigration program or OINP
- The Ontario PNP or OINP, officially the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), launched in 2007.
- The main objectives of the OINP are to respond to skill shortages in targeted areas, make it easier to invest in Ontario, and make sure newcomers can settle and integrate well in the province.
- When OINP first started, the Ontario PNP was only allowed to nominate up to 1,000 newcomers.
- Today, Ontario nominates some 9,750 newcomers per year.
- Some Ontario immigration streams are base streams and others are enhanced streams.
- Enhanced streams are those that are aligned with the Express Entry system. This is the federal immigration system that Canada uses to manage permanent residence applications through the country’s three main economic class immigration programs.
- Through this system, a candidate is given a point score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residence.
- Those with nomination from a provincial program that is enhanced get an extra 600 points, effectively guaranteeing getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. They also get their nomination through their Express Entry profile.
- Base streams are streams that are not aligned with the Express Entry systems. Candidates who get a provincial nomination are required to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Ontario Immigration Categories- OINP categories
If you wish to immigrate to Ontario, then you have three categories to choose from:
- Human Capital Category;
- Masters or PhD Category;
- Employer Job Offer Category;
- Business Category.
The Human Capital Category is for skilled workers, French-speaking skilled workers and tradespersons. Masters and Ph.D is for international graduates who graduated from an Ontario university with a Masters or PhD degree. No job offer is required to apply through this category.
The Employer Job Offer Category is for candidates who have an eligible job offer in Ontario from an employer who is willing to nominate them.
Human Capital Category- OINP
The Human Capital Category itself divides into two sub-streams. One is the Ontario Express Entry. Programs in this sub-stream are enhanced. This means that they are linked with the Express Entry system.
The following programs fall into the Human Capital Category – Ontario Express Entry sub-stream:
- Human Capital Priorities: This category includes the Federal Skilled WorkerProgram (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Skilled Trades: For individuals with relevant Ontario work experience in an eligible tradeoccupation.
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker: This program operates, like Human Capital Priorities, through FSWP and CEC. Applicants applying under French speaking Skilled Workers category must have strong language skills in both French and English.
How can we help you in getting OINP nomination?
It starts with an initial consultation with us and we make an early assesment on your profile on whether you will qualify for an PNP or not and then we will move forward with your application. Once we create your profile and later you receive a nomination through Ontario Express Entry, we will notify you. It will then be up to you, to accept or refuse the nomination. Accepting the nomination awards you with an
extra 600 CRS points. This means that you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next all program Express Entry draw and thats all it takes for you to get a Canada PR through OINP.
What are the requirements for OINP or Ontario Immigration program for HCP or Human Capital Category?
Minimum Requirements:
- The following are the minimum requirements needed to be eligible through one of the streams under the Human Capital Category:
- You should have enough money to support yourself and your family.
- You must 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 | Having a valid Express Entry profile, you must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience. Education requirements – have a bachelor’s, masters or PhD degree. Language requirement: CLB level 7 or higher (English or French) |
| French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream | No | Yes | French speakers must have valid Express Entry profile and aleast one year of full-time paid work experience. Education requirements they should have a bachelor’s, masters or PhD degree. Language requirement: CLB level 7 or higher (French). |
| Skilled Trades Stream | No | Yes | Valid Express Entry profile and must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience, Must have a valid certificate or licence (if applicable) Must be currently living in Ontario and hold a valid work permit at the time of applicationLanguage requirement: CLB level 5 or higher (English or French) |
How we will work on your OINP application:
Once we know which stream you are eligible for, we will register you on Oinp portal on the OINP website.
Second, We will create your application profile and begin your application through the portal. If you plan on going through the fast express Entry system of federal govt of Canada. We will keep your express entry profile valid as long as our contract with you remains valid or until profile is nominated under OINP.
If your application is successful, you will be receiving a Nomination Approval Letter and an OINP
Certificate of Nomination by email.
Express Entry Stream : You will receive your nomination through your Express Entry profile. You will need to accept the nomination, after which you will receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This means you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry in the next draw.
Graduate Streams: You will then be required to apply for permanent residence with Immigration,
Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within six months. Include your nomination approval letter
and certificate with your application.
Masters and PhD Category for International students under OINP or Ontario immigration program
These programs are not aligned with Express Entry Canada. And as our client we will create a profile on your behalf and register you for an EOI :-
Masters Graduate Stream: For individuals who received Masters degrees from an Ontario University
PhD Graduate Stream: For individuals who received Ph.D.’s from an Ontario University.
The Masters Graduate Stream and the PhD Graduate Stream both use EOI system. Based on which candidates are selected and we highly highly recommend you to retain our services immediately after you have completed your Masters degreeor Ph.d from Ontario.
Application Fee: CAD $1,500
Processing Time: 30-60 days
Who is not Eligible to Apply for the PhD Graduate Stream under OINP of Ontario immigration program?
The following are not eligible to apply under the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream:
If you are currently Pursuing PhD and have not yet completed your PhD degree. The OINP will not accept applications from international students who are in their final semester of studies. Before you apply we need your degree at the time of OINP application. If you completed your PhD degree more than two years ago and you were a recipient of a grant, bursary, or scholarship that requires them to return to their home country or another jurisdiction (another Canadian province/territory or another country) after the completion of their studies.
Individuals who currently live in Canada without legal status.
Eligible Ontario Universities for Ph.D
To apply for the PhD Graduate Stream, the PhD degree must be completed at one of the these universities:
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- Dominican University College
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- Queen’s University
- Royal Military College of Canada
- Ryerson University
- Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa)
- St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo)
- Trent University
- University of Guelph
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- University of Ottawa
- University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
- University of Toronto
- University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
- University of Waterloo
- University of Windsor
- Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto)
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- York University
| Category | Is a job offer required? | Express Entry aligned? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Graduate Stream | No | No | Must have a masters degree from an eligible university in Ontario.Language requirement: CLB level 7 or higher (English or French)Must have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years. |
| PhD Graduate Stream | No | No | Must have a PhD degree from an eligible university in Ontario.Must have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years. |
Employer Job Offer Category
The following programs exist under the Employer Job Offer Category in Ontario. The 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:
- You need to have a full-time, permanent job offer in an eligible occupation in Ontario;
- You need to have work experience, licence or other authorization that is required to perform the job in Canada;
- Your intention should be to live in Ontario;
- Your employer must meet additional requirements (business, revenue, employment).
| Category | Is a job offer required? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Worker Stream | Yes | Must have two years of work experience if occupation does not require license or other authorizationPay must be higher than the median wage level for that occupation in Ontario |
| In-Demand Skills Stream | Yes | Job must be in an in-demand occupationMust have nine months of work experienceLanguage requirement: CLB 4 or higher (English or French)Must have a high school diplomaPay must be higher than the median wage level for that occupation in Ontario |
| Skilled Trades Stream | Yes | Pay must be higher than the low wage level for that occupation in OntarioMust have a two-year degree or diploma from a Canadian institution. |
How we will get you OINP under Ontario immigration program with a Job offer:
We will create your profile on the OINP Portal, and register your EOI. Ontario regularly holds provincial draws to invite the highest-ranking candidates in the pool. If you are invited, we will notify you and will have to submit your application within 14 calendar days. You can submit your application.
Business Category
The Business Category is for those who wish to start a business or buy an existing business in Ontario. There is currently only one stream under the Business Category – Entrepreneur Stream.
Application Fee: CAD $3,500
Processing Time:
EOI Assessment: Less than 30 days
Application: Depends on how complex the application is.
Ontario Immigration Program or OINP under the Business Category – Entrepreneur Stream requires you to complete these Minimum Requirements:
- You should have business managing experience of 24 months in the last 60 months.
- You should have a net worth of CAD $800,000 if the business will be located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) OR CAD $400,000 if the business will be located outside the GTA
- Must make a minimum personal investment of CAD $600,000 if the business will be located in the GTA OR CAD $200,000 if the business will be located outside the GTA
- You must control at least one-third of the equity in the business that you will invest into.
- You should actively be involved in the management of the business
- The main purpose of investing in Ontario must be to make profit
- You must hire two permanent full-time employees and they should be either Canadian citizens or permanent residents if the business will be in GTA OR if it is outside GTA one permanent full-time job if the business will be outside the GTA. If the business is in the information and communications sector, or digital communications sector, only one full-time job is required, regardless of location.
- Must meet additional requirements if you are purchasing an existing business.
