How does OINP work? Here’s how Ontario helps you obtain Canada PR

Blog highlights

• Learn what OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) is all about.
• Understand how it’s a partner process of IRCC and the Government of Canada.
• Get a basic understanding of all the immigration pathways OINP offers.

Have you ever wondered what makes Ontario unique among the 10 Canadian provinces? Well, we assure you that by the time we give you a picture of Ontario, you will be highly interested in exploring and even migrating to this wonderful province in Canada.

An introduction to Ontario

To start with, Ontario is the economic and political center of Canada. It also has the largest population in Canada. Ontario’s metropolitan centers provide world-class employment opportunities along with opportunities for innovation. These centers have all the amenities to improve your lifestyle including entertainment and dining, etc.

Ontario is counted among the best provinces for new immigrants and is the most popular one. In fact, Ontario has received about half of all newcomers who arrived in Canada in 2021. More than half of residents in Ontario come from a visible minority group.

Ontario generates close to 40% of Canada’s national GDP. Close to half of all skilled workers in industries including high-tech, knowledge-intensive, and financial services are settled in Ontario.

A large number of immigrants who arrive in Ontario have got employed in the automotive industry. Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is where Canada's financial services and banking industry are centered. Ontario also has the largest economy in Canada.

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Immigration to Ontario

The OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) is the economic immigration program of Ontario. OINP partners with the Government of Canada via IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).

If you are an international student or a foreign national with the apt skills, education, and experience you can apply for a nomination. The application is made to the OINP.

The OINP is tasked with recognizing and nominating individual applicants for Canada PR. These candidates possess the skills and experience that the economy of Ontario requires. The Canadian government makes the final decision regarding the approval of applications for Canada PR.

The streams under OINP operate via an EOI (Expression of Interest) system.

Ontario’s immigration streams

Case 1: If you have a job offer from an employer in Ontario

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream

This stream is created for foreign workers who have received a job offer in a skilled occupation. They have the opportunity to file an application to live and work in Ontario permanently.

The job offer has to be a skilled occupation of Type 0 or of Level A or B of the NOC (National Occupational Classification). Foreign workers in and outside of Canada can apply through this stream.

Steps under this stream

• Register in the OINP’s EOI System
• Receive an ITA (invitation to apply)
• Apply online to receive a nomination issued by the Ontario government for PR

Upon receiving a nomination, apply to the federal government via IRCC. They make the final decision on approving the PR application.

Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

Under this stream, international students who hold a job offer in Ontario for a skilled occupation can apply to live and work in Ontario permanently. The job offer has to be for a skilled occupation of Type 0 or of Level A or B of the NOC. International students in and outside of Canada can apply through this stream.

Steps under this stream

• Register in the OINP’s EOI System
• Receive an ITA (invitation to apply)
• Apply online to receive a nomination issued by the Ontario government for PR

Upon receiving a nomination, apply to the federal government via IRCC. They make the final decision on approving the PR application.

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

This stream is meant for foreign workers who have a job offer from an employer in Ontario. The job offer will be for specific in-demand occupations. Applicants get the opportunity to apply to live and work in Ontario permanently. Foreign workers in and outside of Canada can apply through this stream.

Steps under this stream

• Register in the OINP’s EOI System
• Receive an ITA (invitation to apply)
• Apply online to receive a nomination issued by the Ontario government for PR

Upon receiving a nomination, apply to the federal government via IRCC. They make the final decision on approving the PR application.

Case 2: If you have a Masters/Ph.D. degree from a university in Ontario

Masters Graduate stream

This stream is meant for international graduates holding a master’s degree from Ontario. They get the opportunity to file an application to live and work in Ontario permanently.

Steps under this stream

• Register in the OINP’s EOI System
• Receive an ITA (invitation to apply)
• Apply online to receive a nomination issued by the Ontario government for PR

Upon receiving a nomination, apply to the federal government via IRCC. They make the final decision on approving the PR application.

Ph.D. Graduate stream

Under this stream, international students who hold an Ontario Ph.D. degree can apply to live and work in Ontario permanently.

Steps under this stream

• Register in the OINP’s EOI System
• Receive an ITA (invitation to apply)
• Apply online to receive a nomination issued by the Ontario government for PR

Upon receiving a nomination, apply to the federal government via IRCC. They make the final decision on approving the PR application.

Case 3: If you possess the skills and experience required by employers in Ontario

Human Capital Priorities stream

This stream is an immigration stream under the OINP.

Under this stream foreign workers possessing the required skilled work experience, education, and language skills will get the opportunity to apply to live and work in Ontario permanently.

Steps under this stream

• Create a valid profile in Canada Express Entry system
• Receive an NOI from Ontario
• Apply online for a nomination from the Ontario government for PR.

Upon receiving a nomination, apply to the federal government via IRCC. They make the final decision on approving the PR application.

Skilled Trades stream

This stream is for foreign nationals holding Ontario work experience in eligible skilled trades. They can apply to live and work in Ontario permanently.

Steps under this stream

• Create a valid profile in Canada Express Entry system
• Receive an NOI from Ontario
• Apply online for a nomination from the Ontario government for PR.

Upon receiving a nomination, apply to the federal government via IRCC. They make the final decision on approving the PR application.

French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream

This stream is for French-speaking skilled workers whose English language skills are strong. They can apply to live and work in Ontario permanently.

Steps under this stream

• Create a valid profile in Canada Express Entry system
• Receive an NOI from Ontario
• Apply online for a nomination from the Ontario government for PR.

Upon receiving a nomination, apply to the federal government via IRCC. They make the final decision on approving the PR application.

Case 4: If you are a foreign entrepreneur with a great business idea

This stream is meant for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or buy an existing business in Ontario.

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If you are an entrepreneur this stream gives you the opportunity to receive a nomination for Canada PR after (and up to 1 business partner who’s a foreign national) your business gets established in Ontario.

Upon receiving a nomination, apply to the federal government via IRCC. They make the final decision on approving the PR application.

If you are willing to migrate in Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the leading immigration and career consultant in the UAE.

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