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For immigrants across the world, Ontario is a popular landing destination. It is the center of Canada’s economic, social, and political life.

The main aim of the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) is to respond to skill shortages in targeted areas and welcome skilled workers, corporations, entrepreneurs and international students as permanent residents of the province.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) partners with the OINP Ontario PNP to determine the eligibility.

The OINP nominates individuals who meet requirements for economic immigration, and the IRCC reviews applications and approves the permanent resident visas to the successful applicants.

Who Should Consider The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program?

The focus is on applicants whose ability to fulfill in-demand positions or create business growth makes then eligible to be permanent residents.

To immigrate to Ontario, there are 3 main categories to choose from Business Category

  • The Corporate Stream offers support for established international corporations who are interested in an Ontario expansion, or purchasing a business within the province.
  • The Entrepreneur Stream provides help for those who wish to start a new business in the province, or purchase an existing business to implement an entrepreneur’s plan.

Employer Job Offer Category

  • The Foreign Worker Stream includes people who have a permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario company.
  • The In-Demand Skills Stream focuses on construction and agriculture workers, specifically those who meet eligibility for important roles within those industries.
  • The International Student Stream allows foreign students with a job offer to apply for Ontario residency.

Human Capital Category

  • The Masters Graduate Stream gives international students a chance to live and work in Ontario, with the ability to apply to PNP Ontario without a job offer.
  • The PhD Graduate Stream functions similar to the Masters stream, but focuses on students at the post-doctoral level.
  • The Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream involves workers who speak fluent French and English.
  • The Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream focuses on skilled applicants who wish to work and live in Ontario on a permanent basis.
  • The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream deals with workers who have experience in a specific, eligible trade.

Who Qualifies For OINP?

There are several options to qualify under this stream so in order to maximize your chances of selection it is important that you select the correct option.

Business Category Qualifications

This is for corporate applicants if their businesses have been operational for at least 3 years before applying. They need to create a minimum investment of $5 million and full-time employment for at least 5 Canadians.

Entrepreneur applicants need 3 years of business experience over the past 5 years and must prove a certain net worth and the ability to invest capital into their business.

Employer Job Offer Qualifications

Businesses need minimum gross annual revenue along with a minimum number of established Canadian workers. Foreign workers, international students and in-demand workers have to prove education, work experience and licensing, when needed.

Human Capital Qualifications

Masters graduate and PhD graduate streams may apply for Ontario PNP without a job offer through this category.

French-speaking skilled workers, skilled trades workers and human capital priority candidates must have a valid profile in the Express Entry pool, qualify for the Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Worker Program and receive a notification of interest online through the IRCC.

What Is The Processing Time For OINP Applications?

If you are a Masters graduate or a PhD graduate or applying through express entry for skilled trades, it usually take between 30 to 60 days for processing.

Employer job offer categories and express entry for French-speaking workers and human capital programs usually require 60 to 90 days for the application to process.

The Ontario PNP processing time for entrepreneur and corporate streams depends on how complex your application is.

Everything you need to know about the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program

Do I need a job offer to qualify for Ontario PNP?

Most Ontario PNP streams require a job offer for skilled workers. However, Masters and PhD graduates may apply successfully without a job offer.

Does starting or purchasing a business place me at the top for OINP?

Purchasing or starting a business alone doesn’t automatically qualify for OINP requirements. Other specific criteria need to be met for successful applications.

Will studies at a Canadian university qualify for PNP?

Even if you have a Masters or PhD, or are working towards one, you’ll need to fulfill requirements beyond education to successfully apply for OINP streams. In some cases, you’ll need a job offer. In other cases, you’ll need to prove financially capable of remaining in Canada without a full-time employment offer.

Additional questions you must seek answers to from your immigration consultant before applying for your Ontario PNP

  • Who Are The Top Candidates For Ontario PNP?
  • Do I Need To Apply While Outside Of Canada?
  • Can I apply for the Ontario PNP Without Job Offer?
  • Can I Apply For Ontario PNP As An Investor?
  • Can I Put In Multiple Applications?
  • How Much Money Do I Need To Apply?
  • Can My Family Join Me In Ontario?

Contacting EEP for assessment: Why is this important?

The lawyers at EEP provide legal representation tailored to your individual situation. Our expertise focuses on immigration and visa programs for Canada and the United States.

Partnering with our award-winning immigration team greatly increases the likelihood of achieving your specific immigration or visa goals. Immigration is a complex process that requires strong legal strategy, precise paperwork and attention to detail. This reduces the risk of wasted time, money, or permanent rejection.

Contact us: Start your Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) application today!

Begin with our one-minute online assessment form or call us +1 (431) 264-0786.

We have a dedicated team of licensed professionals standing by; ready to answer your immigration and visa questions. Book a personal consultation to speak with an award-winning immigration lawyer over the phone, on Skype or in-person at our Winnipeg office.