Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

OINP Guide

Your Pathway to Ontario

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What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the province's economic immigration program. It works in partnership with the Government of Canada to nominate individuals for permanent residence who have the specific skills and experience the Ontario economy needs.

As Canada's most populous province and economic hub, Ontario offers a vast range of opportunities. The OINP is a key pathway for foreign workers, international students, and entrepreneurs looking to build a life and career in Ontario.

OINP Program Categories & Streams

The OINP is organized into three main categories, each containing multiple immigration streams designed to meet the diverse needs of Ontario's economy.

This category focuses on nominating candidates with valuable work experience, education, and language skills. Many streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system.
  • French-Speaking Skilled Worker: For French-speaking skilled workers with strong English language abilities.
  • Human Capital Priorities: For skilled workers in the Express Entry pool who meet Ontario's specific labour market needs.
  • Skilled Trades: For skilled trades workers with Ontario work experience.
  • Masters Graduate Stream: For graduates with a Master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university.
  • PhD Graduate Stream: For graduates with a PhD from an eligible Ontario university.

This category is for candidates who have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer. It provides a direct pathway for those with secured employment.
  • Foreign Worker Stream: For skilled workers with a job offer in Ontario.
  • International Student Stream: For recent graduates with a job offer in the province.
  • In-Demand Skills Stream: For intermediate-skilled workers in specific sectors like agriculture, construction, and trucking.

This category is designed to attract entrepreneurs who are looking to establish a new business or purchase an existing one in Ontario.
  • Entrepreneur Stream: For individuals from outside of Canada who want to start a business or buy an existing one in Ontario.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) System

Most OINP streams require candidates to first register an Expression of Interest (EOI). This is a preliminary step where you provide information about yourself to be entered into a selection pool.

The OINP then holds draws and invites candidates from the pool who have the required score and meet the criteria of a specific stream to apply for a provincial nomination. Your EOI score is based on factors like your job offer, work experience, education, language skills, and the region where your job is located.

General Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility & Register an EOI

Carefully review the criteria for your desired OINP stream. If you qualify, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to enter the selection pool for that stream.

Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI score is high enough, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the OINP during a program-specific draw. You will have a limited time to submit your full application.

Step 3: Submit Application & Get Nomination

Prepare and submit your complete application with all supporting documents to the OINP. If your application is approved, you will be issued an official Provincial Nomination Certificate.

Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence

With your nomination, you can apply to IRCC for permanent residence. If your OINP stream is aligned with Express Entry, your nomination will add 600 CRS points to your profile.

Why Choose the OINP?

  • Access to Canada's Largest Economy: Immigrate to a province with diverse job opportunities in sectors like technology, finance, manufacturing, and healthcare.
  • Multiple Pathways: With numerous streams for different types of candidates, the OINP offers flexibility and options.
  • Express Entry Advantage: OINP's Express Entry-aligned streams provide a significant boost with 600 additional CRS points, fast-tracking your path to permanent residence.
  • No Job Offer Required for Some Streams: The Human Capital Priorities, Masters, and PhD Graduate streams do not require a job offer, making them accessible to a wider range of candidates.

Client Success Stories

"Getting a nomination through the OINP's Human Capital Priorities stream was a game-changer for my Express Entry profile. BritishOxford's strategic advice was flawless. I couldn't be happier with their service and my new life in Toronto!"

Priya Patel
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"As an international student, the Employer Job Offer stream was my best option. The team at BritishOxford guided me and my employer through the entire process, making everything clear and simple. I highly recommend them to any student looking to stay in Ontario."

Li Chen
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