Ontario Immigrant Nominee
Program
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
Ontario, located in central Canada, is the top choice for newcomers. It houses Toronto, the economic hub, and Ottawa, the capital. Toronto is known for its multiculturalism, and Ontario champions diversity and economic opportunity.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the province's official Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). It nominates eligible foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residence to meet labor market needs and foster economic growth.
OINP allows Ontario employers to hire skilled, professional, and managerial workers, as well as international graduates, to fill workforce gaps in key sectors. The program is managed by the Government of Ontario in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Two-Stage Immigration Process under OINP
Candidates interested in immigrating to Ontario must complete a two-step process:
- Apply to the Government of Ontario for a provincial nomination
- After receiving the nomination, apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence through IRCC
Only candidates nominated by Ontario may proceed to the federal permanent residence stage.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Streams
The OINP provides various immigration pathways to attract individuals who can significantly contribute to Ontario’s economy, targeting skilled workers, international students, entrepreneurs, and investors.
It manages three main immigration categories:
- Human Capital
- Employer Job Offer
- Business Immigration
Each category features specific sub-streams tailored for various applicant profiles. Candidates can apply directly under five non-Express Entry streams, which include all Employer Job Offer sub-streams and selected International Graduate streams. Additionally, Ontario has three Express Entry-aligned streams that select candidates from the federal pool. The Entrepreneur stream operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, allowing candidates to wait for an invitation from Ontario without needing an Express Entry profile.
Ontario Human Capital Program
Ontario’s Human Capital Program focuses on candidates who possess the skills, education, and work experience needed to integrate quickly into the provincial labour market. Preference is often given to individuals with Canadian education or work experience, strong language proficiency, or active Express Entry profiles.
The Human Capital Program includes the following streams:
- Masters Graduate
- PhD Graduate
- Express Entry – Human Capital Priorities
- Express Entry – French-Speaking Skilled Worker
- Express Entry – Skilled Trades
These streams allow Ontario to attract highly skilled professionals, graduates of Ontario institutions, and bilingual candidates who can contribute to the province’s long-term workforce needs.
Ontario Employer Job Offer Program
The Employer Job Offer streams are designed for candidates who have received a valid job offer from an Ontario employer. Both the employer and the job offer must meet strict eligibility criteria, and applicants must also satisfy stream-specific requirements.
The Employer Job Offer Program includes:
- Foreign Worker Stream
- International Student Stream
- In-Demand Skills Stream
These pathways support Ontario employers by facilitating the recruitment of international talent where qualified Canadian workers are not readily available.
Ontario Business Immigration Program
Ontario’s Business Immigration streams are intended for experienced entrepreneurs and corporations willing to make significant investments in the province. These programs support job creation, innovation, and economic expansion.
The Business Immigration category includes:
- Entrepreneur Stream
- Investor Stream (currently closed)
- Corporate Stream (currently closed)
Applicants under the Entrepreneur Stream are nominated for permanent residence after successfully establishing and operating a business in Ontario in accordance with program requirements.
Ontario PNP Draws
Ontario conducts OINP draws regularly, typically on a monthly basis. During these draws, the province issues Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool or invites applicants under non–Express Entry streams.
Each draw targets specific occupations, CRS score ranges, or labour market priorities. The selection criteria and draw details are publicly released after each round of invitations.
Processing Time for Ontario PNP Applications
OINP processing timelines are divided into two stages:
- Provincial nomination processing by Ontario
- Federal permanent residence processing by IRCC
Ontario currently estimates that most nomination applications are processed within approximately 60 to 90 days. Express Entry Skilled Trades applications are often processed faster, typically within 30 to 60 days. Business immigration applications may take longer depending on complexity.
At the federal level, IRCC processes non–Express Entry provincial nominee applications in approximately 15 to 19 months. Express Entry–aligned nominations are generally processed within an average of six months.
Minimum Requirements to Apply for OINP
(Human Capital Priorities Stream)
Settlement Intent
Applicants must submit a settlement plan demonstrating a genuine intention to live and work permanently in Ontario.
Work Experience
Applicants must have at least one year of continuous, paid, full-time work experience in a skilled occupation classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, or 2 (previously NOC 0, A, or B). The experience must have been obtained within the last five years and must match the occupation listed in the Express Entry profile.
Education
A bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree is required. Degrees obtained outside Canada must be supported by a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French with a minimum score equivalent to at least CLB 7 in all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Proof of Funds
Candidates must provide evidence of sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their dependents upon arrival in Ontario. Acceptable proof may include bank statements, fixed deposits, or other liquid financial assets.
Age
Applicants are generally expected to be under 49 years of age at the time of application, as age impacts overall points and competitiveness.
In-Demand Occupations in Ontario
Ontario publishes an annual list of occupations that are in high demand across the province. These occupations reflect critical labour shortages and guide the selection of candidates under various OINP streams.
Thousands of skilled professionals are invited each year through OINP to address workforce gaps and support economic growth. The in-demand occupation list also assists Ontario employers in identifying suitable candidates for nomination
Ontario PNP Points System
Applicants under the Human Capital Priorities stream must meet a minimum score of 67 points based on selection factors such as education, work experience, age, and language ability. Candidates must also maintain a competitive CRS score in the Express Entry system.
Once an Express Entry profile is created and submitted, candidates are ranked against others in the pool. Ontario sets the CRS cut-off score for each draw based on labour market needs. Candidates who meet the criteria receive a Notification of Interest (NOI), which allows them to apply for provincial nomination.
The OINP points and CRS systems together ensure that Ontario selects candidates who are most likely to succeed economically and integrate successfully into the province.
