Ontario PNP: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

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First off, Ontario is indeed one of the most popular destinations for immigrants in Canada. It is the most populous province in the country and offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals seeking a new life in Canada.

Here is a description of Ontario as a popular place for immigrants:

Diversity: Ontario is known for its cultural diversity, with people from various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities living harmoniously. It has a rich multicultural fabric, making it easier for immigrants to find communities that share their language, traditions, and customs.
Economic Opportunities: Ontario’s economy is robust and diverse, offering numerous opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. It is home to major industries such as finance, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and education. The province’s strong economy provides immigrants with a wide range of job prospects and the chance to improve their standard of living.
Education and Research: Ontario is renowned for its high-quality education system. It has prestigious universities, colleges, and research institutions that attract students and professionals from around the world. Immigrants often choose Ontario to pursue higher education, gain specialized skills, or engage in research and innovation.
Access to Healthcare: Ontario provides a comprehensive healthcare system that ensures residents have access to medical services. Immigrants can benefit from this universal healthcare system, receiving necessary medical care and support for themselves and their families.
Welcoming Communities: Ontario has a reputation for being welcoming and inclusive. The province and its cities have established support networks, settlement services, and community organizations to assist newcomers in integrating into Canadian society. These resources help immigrants adapt to their new environment, find housing, learn English or French, and navigate the immigration process.
Natural Beauty and Lifestyle: Ontario offers diverse landscapes, including picturesque lakes, forests, and vibrant urban centers. The province is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, skiing, and water sports. Additionally, its cities provide a high standard of living, with various cultural events, entertainment options, and amenities.
Immigration Programs: Canada has various immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, students, and family members. Ontario has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) called the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which enables the province to nominate individuals with the skills and experience needed in the local labor market. The program provides opportunities for immigrants to settle and contribute to Ontario’s economy.

Overview of OINP or Ontario PNP

OINP stands for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. It is an immigration program specific to the province of Ontario in Canada. The OINP allows the provincial government of Ontario to nominate individuals who have the skills and experience required by the local labor market for permanent residency in the province. The OINP operates under an agreement with the Government of Canada’s immigration authorities, and successful applicants through the program receive a provincial nomination certificate. This certificate can then be used to apply for permanent residence with the federal government.

The OINP has several streams or categories through which individuals can apply for nomination. These streams target different groups of immigrants, including skilled workers, international students, business owners, and individuals with specific job offers in Ontario.

Some of the popular streams under the OINP include:

Human Capital Category: This category includes various streams such as the International Masters Graduate Stream, International PhD Graduate Stream, and Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream. These streams aim to attract international students who have graduated from an eligible Ontario institution or skilled workers who have proficiency in English or French.
Business Category: This category includes the Entrepreneur Stream and the Corporate Stream. It targets individuals who want to start or purchase an existing business in Ontario or who are seeking to expand their existing business in the province.
Ontario Express Entry: This stream allows the province to nominate candidates who have a profile in the federal Express Entry system. It targets skilled workers with experience in occupations that are in demand in Ontario.

Each stream within the OINP has its own eligibility requirements and application process. The program is designed to address the specific labor market needs of Ontario and attract individuals who can contribute to the province’s economy and society.

1. Human Capital Category

The human capital category itself is divided into two sub-streams. One is Ontario Express Entry. The program for this sub-stream will be improved. This means you are connected to 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 Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Skilled Trades: For individuals with relevant Ontario work experience in an eligible trade occupation.
French-Speaking Skilled Worker: This program operates, like Human Capital Priorities, through FSWP and CEC. Applicants for French-Speaking Skilled Worker must have strong skills in both French and English.

You’ll be informed if Ontario Express Entry has nominated you. The decision to accept or reject the nomination will then be yours, as the candidate. You earn 600 more CRS points if you accept the nomination. This indicates that you will be given an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the upcoming all-program Express Entry draw.

Minimum Requirement:

The minimum requirements to qualify through one of the Human Capital Category’s streams are as follows:

You must be able to support both yourself and your family financially.
1. Must plan to reside in Ontario.
1. You need to satisfy the additional requirements listed below for the stream you’re applying for.

Category	Is a job offer required?	Express Entry aligned?	Additional Requirements
Human Capital Priorities Stream	No	Yes	Must have valid Express Entry profile. Must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience. Must 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	Must have valid Express Entry profile Must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience Must have a bachelor’s, masters or PhD degree Language requirement: CLB level 7 or higher (French).
Skilled Trades Stream	No	Yes	Must have valid Express Entry profile 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 application Language requirement: CLB level 5 or higher (English or French)

Application Process of Human Capital Category

You must sign up for a ONe-key account on the OINP website once you know which stream you are qualified for.

After creating a profile, you must start your application through the portal by selecting the file number next to the stream you want to apply for. Additionally, you must upload the necessary files.

If you are submitting an application through one of the Express Entry streams, you must keep your profile up to date until you are nominated.

You will get an OINP Certificate of Nomination and a Nomination Approval Letter via email if your application is accepted.

For Express Entry Streams: You will then get your nomination for the Express Entry Streams via your Express Entry profile. You must consent to the nomination in order to earn an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. In the upcoming draw, you will be invited to submit an Express Entry application for permanent residency.

For Graduate Streams: You will then need to submit an application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within six months. Your application should be accompanied by a letter of approval for the nomination and a certificate.

Masters and Ph.D. Category

The below 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 Master’s degrees from an Ontario University

PhD Graduate Stream: For individuals who received Ph.D. from an Ontario University.

Application Fee: CAD $1,500

Processing Time: 30-60 days

The Ontario Expression of Interest (EOI) system is used by both the Master’s Graduate Stream and the PhD Graduate Stream.

Category	Is a job offer required?	Express Entry aligned?	Additional Requirements
Masters Graduate Stream	No	No	Must have a Master’s 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.

2.Business Category

The Business Category is for people who want to start a business in Ontario or buy an existing one. Currently, the Entrepreneur Stream is the only stream available under the Business Category.

Application Fee: CAD $3,500

Processing Time: EOI Assessment: Less than 30 days

Minimum Requirements:

1. Must have 24 months of business experience within the previous 60 months.

2. The applicant’s net worth must be at least CAD $400,000 outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or CAD $800,000 inside the GTA.

3-Must make a minimum personal investment of CAD $200,000 OR CAD $600,000 depending on whether the business will be located inside or outside the GTA.

4. Requires ownership of at least one-third of the company’s equity.

5-Must be actively involved in business management.

6. Making money must be the main goal of investing.

7-Must create at least two full-time, permanent jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents if the business is located in the GTA, OR one full-time, permanent job if the business is located outside the GTA. No matter where the company is located, only one full-time position is necessary if it operates in the information and communications sector or the digital communications sector.

8- If you’re buying an existing company, you’ll need to meet more requirements.

Application Process of Business Category

When requesting a copy of the registration form from the OINP via email, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The form must be filled out completely and returned via email.

After that, you’ll be added to a pool and compared to other applicants. The top candidates in Ontario’s draws are frequently asked to use the OINP e-Filing Portal to apply to the Entrepreneur Stream.

A qualified vendor that you hire will also need to examine your financial situation and legal accumulation of assets.

3. Employer Job Offer Category

The Employer Job Offer Category includes the three programs listed below.

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 an Ontario job offer that is full-time and permanent in an eligible field.
1. Must possess the necessary credentials, such as a license or other authorization, to carry out the job.
1. You must plan to reside in Ontario.
1. Employer must also fulfill additional criteria (business, revenue, employment).

Category	Is a job offer required?	Additional Requirements
Foreign Worker Stream	Yes	Must have two years of work experience if the occupation does not require a license or other authorization Pay 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 occupation Must have nine months of work experience Language requirement: CLB 4 or higher (English or French) Must have a high school diploma Pay 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 Ontario Must have a two-year degree or diploma from a Canadian institution.

Application Process Employer Job Offer Category

On the OINP e-Filing Portal, you must first register your Expression of Interest (EOI) and create a profile.

The pool’s top candidates are frequently invited to Ontario through provincial draws. If you are selected for an invitation, you will be notified in the portal and have 14 days to submit your application. By using your ONe-key account, you can submit your application.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?

The OINP is an immigration program that allows the government of Ontario to nominate individuals who have the skills and experience needed in the local labor market for permanent residency in the province.

2- How do I apply for the OINP?

To apply for the OINP, you must first determine the stream or category best suits your qualifications and eligibility. Each stream has its own specific requirements and application process. You will need to create an online account, complete the application forms, provide supporting documents, and pay the application fee.

3- Can I apply to the OINP if I don’t have a job offer in Ontario?

Yes, some streams of the OINP do not require a job offer in Ontario. For example, the Human Capital Category has streams that target international students and skilled workers without a job offer. However, having a job offer may increase your chances of being nominated.

4- Is there an English or French language requirement for the OINP?

Yes, most streams of the OINP require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French. This is usually assessed through language tests such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TEF (Test d’évaluation de français).

5- How long does the OINP application process take?

The processing time for OINP applications can vary depending on the stream and the volume of applications received. It is recommended to regularly check the OINP website for updates on processing times. Generally, it can take several months to process an application.

6- Am I guaranteed permanent residency if I am nominated through the OINP?

A nomination through the OINP does not guarantee permanent residency. Once nominated, you must apply to the federal government’s immigration authorities (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – IRCC) for permanent residency. The federal government will assess your application based on their own requirements, including health, security, and admissibility criteria.

7- Can I apply to the OINP if I am already living in another province in Canada?

Yes, you can apply to the OINP even if you are currently residing in another province. However, you must be able to demonstrate a genuine interest and intention to settle in Ontario.

8- Are there any age restrictions for the OINP?

There are no specific age restrictions for the OINP. However, some streams may have age-related requirements or preferences, such as the master’s Graduate Stream, which requires applicants to be under a certain age at the time of application.

9- Can I apply to the OINP if I have previously been refused by another immigration program in Canada?

Yes, you can still apply to the OINP even if you have been refused by another immigration program in Canada. However, it’s important to carefully review and address any previous refusal reasons to ensure a strong application.

10- Can I include my family members in my OINP application?

Yes, in most cases, you can include your eligible family members in your OINP application. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. However, specific requirements and eligibility criteria for family members may vary depending on the stream you are applying through.

11- Can I work in Ontario while my OINP application is being processed?

If you are in Canada with valid status, you may be eligible to work in Ontario while your OINP application is being processed. You can apply for an open work permit through the federal government’s immigration authorities to legally work in the province.

12- What happens if my OINP application is approved?

If your OINP application is approved, you will receive a nomination certificate from the province of Ontario. This certificate allows you to apply for permanent residency to the federal government’s immigration authorities (IRCC). The nomination certificate generally provides additional points towards your overall Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score if you are applying through an Express Entry-aligned stream.

13- Can I appeal if my OINP application is refused?

The OINP does not have an official appeal process for refused applications. However, if you believe there was an error in the decision or if there are new and significant information or changes in your circumstances, you may have options to address the refusal, such as reapplying or seeking legal advice.

14- Are there any specific requirements for settlement funds under the OINP?

Some OINP streams may require applicants to demonstrate that they have a certain amount of settlement funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Ontario. The specific amount required can vary depending on the size of the family and the stream you are applying through.

15- Can I apply to the OINP if I am currently studying in Ontario?

Yes, if you are an international student studying in Ontario, you may be eligible to apply to the OINP through specific streams designed for international graduates, such as the International Masters Graduate Stream or the International PhD Graduate Stream.