ONTARIO IMMIGRANT NOMINEE PROGRAM
ONTARIO CANADA

There are many ways to immigrate to Canada on a temporary or permanent basis. While the Government of Canada makes the final decision to approve immigrants through all immigration programs, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) complements the Government of Canada’s economic immigration programs. The OINP recognizes and nominates people for permanent residence who have the skills and experience the Ontario economy needs.

• Ontario is a destination of choice in Canada and welcomes the highest number of immigrants each year.
• More than 8,000 nominations are provided each year through the OINP to applicants and their families, from over 120 countries.
• Nominees have experience in occupations ranging from technology to teaching to agriculture and skilled trades.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS To APPLY TO THE OINP

1. CREATE A PROFILE IN CANADA’S EXPRESS ENTRY CANDIDATE POOL

Individuals with a profile in the Government of Canada’s Express Entry System may receive a Notification of Interest from the OINP, inviting you to apply for a nomination through one of the following Ontario Express Entry streams:

• Human Capital Priorities stream for workers with the required work experience, education and language proficiency in French OR English.
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream for workers with the required work experience, education and language proficiency in French AND English.
• Skilled Trades stream for workers with work experience in Ontario in an eligible trade
  occupation.

In order to be considered for a nomination through the OINP, be sure to keep your profile up to date with your most current work experience, language tests and education.

2. SUBMIT AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) TO THE OINP

Once you ensure that you are eligible for your stream of interest, you can create a profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal and then register an expression of interest. After registering your EOI, you may receive an invitation to apply at which point you may submit an application to the program for the following streams:

EMPLOYER JOB OFFER STREAMS

Individuals who have a full-time and permanent job offer from a qualifying employer in Ontario can apply for a nomination through the Employer Job Offer (EJO) category.

• EJO: Foreign Worker stream for workers in skilled positions
• EJO: International Student stream for recent graduates in Ontario
• EJO: In-Demand Skills stream for intermediate skilled workers in eligible occupations

Nominees with a job offer and approved entrepreneurs will receive a work permit support letter from the OINP. This allows nominees and their families to settle and work in Ontario while they are either applying for permanent residence or establishing their business in Ontario.

ENTREPRENEUR STREAM

Individuals from outside Canada looking to implement a new business idea or buy and grow an existing business in Ontario can submit an expression of interest and may be invited to apply to the Entrepreneur stream.

• Additional points are awarded to applicants who intend to invest and reside in small or medium-sized communities across Ontario.

Foreign entrepreneurs can be nominated for permanent residence once their business has been successfully established in Ontario.

MASTERS AND PhD GRADUATE STREAMS

Recent graduates who have completed their degrees in Ontario can apply to the Master’s Graduate stream or the PhD Graduate stream.

OINP Legislation

Understand your obligations as an applicant or representative, and the rights and responsibilities of the program.

• Ontario Immigration Act, 2015
• Ontario Regulation 421/17
• Ontario Regulation 422/17

Contact us

If you have general questions about the OINP:

• use our webform
• call us Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
  Tel: 416-327-0374
  Toll-free: 1-866-214-6820 (toll-free within North America only)
  TTY: 416-325-0866
  Toll-free TTY: 1-866-853-2137

If you have questions about your application for a visa or temporary permit or your application for permanent residence, please contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada through their website or by telephone at 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only).