Ontario Provincial Immigration Program – Canada 

The Ontario immigration program allows international applicants to flexibly choose the pathway that best suits their qualifications and circumstances. Recognized as one of the fastest and most straightforward routes, OINP streamlines application procedures and provides convenient support for participants. Explore the program in detail with Immigration here.

Introduction to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

What is OINP?

OINP stands for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, an immigration program managed by the Ontario government. Its main goal is to attract skilled workers, international students, and investors to live, work, and obtain permanent residency in the province. Eligible candidates under this program receive a provincial nomination, which significantly increases their chances of becoming a permanent resident in Canada.

According to the Ontario government, by December 2024, the province had fully allocated its federal nomination quota, totaling 21,500 applications. This reflects the continuing high demand for immigration, especially in priority sectors such as healthcare and technology.

What streams does OINP offer?

The Ontario immigration policy provides three popular streams for immigrants:

• Entrepreneur Stream: For investors who want to start a new business or take over an existing business in Ontario.
• Employer Job Offer Stream: For individuals who receive a job offer from an Ontario employer for a long-term, full-time position.
• Skilled Worker Stream: For workers or international graduates who meet work experience, education, and language proficiency requirements.

In addition to Ontario, you may also consider the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (Saskatchewan PNP) in Central Canada, which offers attractive skilled worker and entrepreneur streams.

Immigration programs in Ontario – Canada

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Entrepreneurs Stream

The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream is a provincial immigration pathway designed for individuals who wish to invest in and operate a business in Ontario. It targets foreign investors with financial capability, management experience, and the desire to build a career in the province.

Note: This program is currently closed and no longer accepting new applications. Individuals interested in investment-based immigration can explore other programs in Canada.

Eligibility requirements:

• Experience: At least 2 years of senior or managerial business experience within the last 10 years.
• Net worth:
  • 800,000 CAD for businesses in central Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa, etc.)
  • 400,000 CAD for businesses outside central areas
• Minimum investment:
  • 600,000 CAD for businesses in central Ontario
  • 200,000 CAD for businesses outside central areas
• Job creation:
  • At least 2 full-time positions for Canadian citizens or permanent residents if the business is in central Ontario
  • At least 1 full-time position if located outside central areas
• Other requirements:
  • The business must be profitable and contribute to Ontario’s economy
  • Business proposal must be feasible and meet provincial criteria
  • Language: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
  • Residency: Reside in Ontario at least 75% of the time while managing the business
  • Active participation: The owner must be directly involved in running and developing the business according to the initial business plan

Processing times:

• Work permit assessment: Approximately 15 weeks
• Permanent residency (PR) assessment: Around 21 months after meeting all business requirements

Ontario Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It is designed for foreign workers who have a valid job offer from an employer in Ontario in a position classified under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. This program allows eligible candidates to apply for a provincial nomination, which can lead to permanent residency in Canada.

For skilled workers with a job offer, the OINP Skilled Worker Stream provides a clear pathway. Similarly, you may consider Alberta’s PNP programs for skilled workers as another option.

Eligibility Requirements for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

For Applicants:

• Must have a full-time, long-term job offer from an employer in Ontario.
• The job must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Must meet Ontario’s minimum wage requirements for the offered position.
• Must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in the same NOC code as the offered position.
• If the job requires a professional license in Ontario, the applicant must hold a valid license at the time of application.
• Must intend to live and work permanently in Ontario.
• Applicants applying from within Canada must have a valid legal status (work permit, study permit, or visitor status).

For Employers:

• Must have been operating the business in Ontario for at least 3 years.
• The business must be based in Ontario, and the job must be performed primarily in the province.
• Must meet minimum revenue requirements:
  • ≥ 1,000,000 CAD if the position is in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
  • ≥ 500,000 CAD if the position is outside the GTA.
• Must have a minimum of 5 full-time employees (GTA) or 3 full-time employees (outside GTA) who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Must demonstrate the need for hiring the foreign worker and commit to complying with the job offer conditions.

Important Notes:

• The job offer must be valid on the date the applicant is nominated by OINP if already working in the position, or on the date the applicant holds a work permit if not yet employed.
• Employers must comply with the terms of the job offer and start paying the prescribed wages once the applicant is nominated.

Processing Times:

• Ontario nomination (OINP) approval: approximately 120–150 days from application submission.
• Permanent residence application: approximately 21 months.

Exclusion:

• This program does not apply to physicians who are eligible to apply without a job offer.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

The Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) allows international students with a valid job offer in Ontario to apply for Canadian permanent residence. The program aims to attract young, skilled workers to contribute to Ontario’s economic development.

Eligibility Requirements:

For Applicants:

• Must have a valid job offer in Ontario in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• The position must be full-time (at least 30 hours/week, 1,560 hours/year) and indeterminate in duration.
• Offered wage must meet or exceed Ontario’s minimum wage for the region.
• The position must be necessary for the employer’s operations.
• Must have completed a full-time study program in Canada and obtained one of the following credentials from a eligible educational institution:
  • Bachelor’s degree or diploma (minimum 2 years full-time).
  • Master’s degree or postgraduate diploma (minimum 1 year full-time).
  • Graduate certificate (minimum 1 year full-time) from an Ontario college or university.
• Must intend to live and work permanently in Ontario.
• Must submit the application within two years of completing the program.
• Applicants currently in Canada must hold valid legal status (study, work, or visitor permit).

Exclusions:

• Physicians can apply under a different OINP stream and do not require a job offer.

Processing Time:

• Ontario nomination: approximately 90–120 days from the date of application submission.

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

The Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This program targets skilled workers in high-demand occupations in Ontario, offering them the opportunity to receive a provincial nomination and eventually become permanent residents of Canada.

It is designed for workers with a job offer from an Ontario employer in sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Eligibility requirements for the In-Demand Skills Stream:

• Have a full-time, long-term job offer from a valid employer in Ontario for an eligible occupation.
• Possess at least 9 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the eligible occupation within the 3 years prior to application.
• Hold at least a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent credential recognized by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• If the job requires a license or certification in Ontario, the applicant must hold a valid one.
• Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 (Canadian Language Benchmark) in all skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) in English or French.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family while living in Ontario.
• Demonstrate the intention to live and work in Ontario long-term.

Processing time: Applications under the In-Demand Skills Stream typically take 120–150 days to process, though actual times may vary depending on the volume of applications received.

Eligible Occupations (In-Demand Skills Stream – OINP)

Recruitment positions can be located anywhere in Ontario (both inside and outside the Greater Toronto Area) and must belong to one of the following occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 4 or 5:

NOC Code	Occupation Title
44101	Home support workers, caregivers, and related occupations
65202	Butchers and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
75110	Labourers in processing, manufacturing, and utilities
75119	Other labourers in processing, manufacturing, and utilities
84120	Specialized livestock workers and agricultural machinery operators
85100	Livestock workers
85101	Harvesting labourers
85103	Nursery and greenhouse workers
94141	Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry processing workers, and related occupations

Recruitment positions must be located outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA: Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel) and belong to one of the following occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 4 or 5:

Sector	NOC Code	Occupation Title
Logistics & Warehouse Operations	14400	Shippers and Receivers
	14402	Production Logistics Workers
	75101	Material Handlers
Transportation & Public Works Maintenance	74200	Railway and Yard Maintenance Workers
	74203	Automotive, Heavy Truck and Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
	74204	Utility Maintenance Workers
	74205	Public Works Equipment Operators and Related Workers
	75211	Railway and Motor Transport Labourers
	75212	Public Works and Maintenance Labourers
Industrial Services & Cleaning	65320	Dry Cleaning, Laundry and Related Occupations
Fisheries & Aquaculture	85102	Aquaculture and Marine Harvesting Workers
	94142	Fish and Seafood Plant Workers
	95107	Fish and Seafood Processing Labourers
Metal Fabrication & Processing	94100	Machine Operators in Mineral and Metal Processing
	94101	Foundry Workers
	94105	Metal Machining and Forging Operators
	94106	Machine Tool Operators
	94107	Operators of Machines Producing Other Metal Products
	95100	Mineral and Metal Processing Labourers
	95101	Metal Fabrication Labourers
Construction Materials & Minerals Manufacturing	94103	Concrete, Clay, and Stone Forming Machine Operators
	94104	Inspectors and Testers, Mineral and Metal Processing
Chemical & Plastics Industry	94110	Chemical Plant Machine Operators
	94111	Plastics Processing Machine Operators
	94112	Rubber Processing Machine Operators and Related Workers
	95102	Chemical and Utility Processing Labourers
	95104	Rubber and Plastic Product Manufacturing Labourers
Wood & Paper Processing	94120	Sawmill Machine Operators
	94121	Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Machine Operators
	94123	Wood Sorters, Inspectors, and Other Wood Processing Sorters
	94124	Wood Processing Machine Operators
	94211	Assemblers and Inspectors of Other Wood Products
	95103	Wood, Pulp and Paper Processing Labourers
Mechanical & Electronics	94200	Motor Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors and Testers
	94201	Electronics Assemblers, Fabricators, Inspectors and Testers
	94202	Electrical Equipment, Appliance and Component Assemblers, Testers and Inspectors
	94203	Industrial Electrical Motor and Transformer Assemblers and Testers
	94204	Mechanical Assemblers and Inspectors
	94205	Machine Operators and Inspectors in Electrical Equipment Manufacturing
Industrial Manufacturing & Assembly	94102	Glass Forming and Finishing Machine Operators and Glass Cutters
	94212	Plastic Product Assemblers, Finishers, and Testers
	94213	Industrial Painters, Coaters, and Metal Finishers
	94219	Assemblers, Finishers and Testers of Other Products
	95106	Food and Beverage Processing Labourers
Food & Beverage Processing	94140	Process Controllers and Machine Operators, Food and Beverage Processing
	94143	Inspectors and Sorters, Food and Beverage Processing
Textile & Apparel	94132	Industrial Sewing Machine Operators

Ontario Masters Graduate Stream Immigration Program

The Masters Graduate Stream is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It is designed to attract international students who have completed a master’s degree in Ontario, allowing them to settle and work long-term in the province. The program does not require a job offer, giving graduates the opportunity to receive a provincial nomination and subsequently apply for Canadian permanent residency (PR).

Eligibility criteria for the Ontario Masters Graduate Stream:

• Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the OINP system.
• Complete a master’s degree program at one of the eligible universities in Ontario.
• The program must be full-time and at least 1 year in duration.
• Demonstrate English or French language proficiency at CLB 7 or higher (Canadian Language Benchmark).
• Have legally resided in Ontario for at least 12 months within the 2 years before applying.
• Show financial capacity to cover living expenses for yourself and your family.
• Evidence can include bank statements, employment income, or a job offer letter.
• Demonstrate intention to live and work long-term in Ontario.
• Must be legally residing in Ontario or outside Canada at the time of application.
• Submit the application within 2 years of receiving the master’s degree.

Processing time: Average processing time is 30–60 days.

Eligible Ontario universities offering master’s programs:

• Algoma University
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• Ontario College of Art & Design University
• Queen’s University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
• Trent University
• University of Guelph
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• University of Windsor
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

Ontario PhD Graduate Immigration Program (PhD Graduate Stream)

The Ontario PhD Graduate Stream is a category under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) designed to help international students who have completed a PhD at an eligible Ontario university apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Candidates must register in the OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system and receive an invitation before submitting a nomination application. Once nominated, applicants can proceed to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.

Eligibility requirements for the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream:

• Register in the OINP EOI system and receive a valid invitation to apply.
• Provide accurate information in the EOI that can be verified with valid documentation.
• Have completed a PhD program at an eligible Ontario university.
• At least two years of the PhD program must be completed while legally residing and studying in Ontario.
• Candidates who received scholarships, grants, or funding requiring them to return to their home country must fulfill these obligations before applying.
• Must have legally resided in Ontario for at least 12 months within the two years prior to application.
• Must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family, which may include:
  • Bank account balance
  • Income from current employment in Ontario
  • Job offer from an Ontario employer
• Must demonstrate an intention to continue living and working in Ontario after receiving permanent residency, through factors such as:
  • Work experience in Ontario
  • Job applications or interviews in Ontario
  • Ownership or rental of property
  • Family or social ties in Ontario
• Applicants maintaining legal status while awaiting permit renewal (“maintained status”) are eligible to apply.
• Must submit the application within 2 years of completing the PhD program.
• If the degree has not yet been conferred, a confirmation letter from the university indicating the expected date of completion can be used.

Processing times:

• OINP processing time: 60–90 days after submitting a complete application.
• IRCC permanent residency processing time: up to 21 months after nomination.

Eligible Ontario universities offering PhD programs:

• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• Queen’s University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
• Trent University
• University of Guelph
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• University of Windsor
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

Ontario Human Capital Priorities Immigration Program

The Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream is a branch of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that operates through Canada’s Express Entry system. Applicants must receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the Ontario government before they can apply.

Eligibility Requirements for the Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream:

• Work Experience: Applicants must have experience under one of the following programs:
  • FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Program): At least 1 year of full-time work experience in the last 5 years in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (according to NOC).
  • CEC (Canadian Experience Class): At least 1 year of paid work experience in Canada in the last 3 years in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (according to NOC).
  • Work experience gained while studying does not count.
• Education: Must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree from Canada or an equivalent foreign degree with a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Language Proficiency: English or French skills equivalent to CLB 7 or higher. Accepted tests include IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.
• Financial Capacity: Must have sufficient funds to support living costs as required by IRCC, which may include a combination of savings and income from employment in Ontario.
• Intent to Reside: Must provide evidence showing a genuine intention to settle in Ontario.

Processing Time:

• Applications are typically processed within 60–90 days after submission.
• After nomination, applicants must submit a permanent residence application to IRCC, which may take approximately 6–8 months.

Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Immigration Program

The Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is an immigration pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Candidates must have a valid profile in Canada’s federal Express Entry system (IRCC) and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario before applying for a provincial nomination.

Once nominated, candidates can submit an application to the federal government for permanent residency, with the final decision made by IRCC.

Eligibility Requirements for the Ontario Skilled Trades Stream:

• Work Experience: At least 1 year of full-time paid work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the last 2 years in Ontario.
• Eligible Occupations: Jobs must fall under the main groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC):
  • Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades (excluding transportation-related occupations).
  • Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades.
  • Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture, and related production.
  • Group 83: Operators and related occupations in natural resources and agriculture.
  • Group 93: Operators in manufacturing, assembly, and quality control (excluding aircraft assembly and inspection).
  • Minor group 6320: Chefs (excluding cooks).
• Experience must be gained while holding legal status in Canada.
• Licensing Requirements:
  • If the trade is a compulsory trade, the candidate must have a valid license for the duration of work experience.
  • If the occupation requires a license at the time of application, a valid Ontario license is required.
• Residency: Candidates must live in Ontario with a valid work permit at the time of application.
  • If the work permit has expired, candidates may still apply if they have applied for an extension and maintain valid status (“maintained status”).
• Job Offer: Not required to apply.
• Language Requirements: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or higher in English or French.
  • Accepted language tests:
    • English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core
    • French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada
  • Language tests must be taken within 2 years of the application date.
• Financial Requirements: Candidates must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family in Canada, which can include:
  • Bank account balances or investments
  • Annual income from current employment in Ontario
  • Job offer in Ontario
• Intent to Reside in Ontario: Candidates must show intention to live in Ontario through factors such as:
  • Employment or work history in Ontario
  • Job applications or interviews in Ontario
  • Education, property ownership, or volunteer activities in Ontario
  • Family connections or social networks in Ontario

Processing Times:

• Typical processing time for OINP applications is 30–60 days.
• After receiving a provincial nomination, candidates submit a permanent residency application to IRCC. Processing times under Express Entry usually range from 6 to 8 months.

French-Speaking Skilled Worker Immigration Program

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is a category under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This program provides opportunities for foreign workers who are fluent in French and have proficient English skills to immigrate and work long-term in Ontario.

Eligibility requirements for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Program:

• Applicants can meet the work experience requirement through one of the following programs:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Minimum of 1 year of continuous work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Minimum of 1 year of paid work experience in Canada in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 within the last 3 years.
• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree from Canada, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent by a recognized Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) organization.
• Language requirements: French at least CLB 7 and English at least CLB 6.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon settling in Ontario.

Processing time:

• Ontario nomination processing typically takes 90–120 days.
• Once nominated, applicants must submit a permanent residence application to IRCC, and processing time depends on the Express Entry system.

Benefits of Immigrating to the Province of Ontario

The benefits of settling in Ontario include:

• The entire family can live, work, and study freely in Ontario.
• Access to healthcare and social security benefits for the whole family.
• Accompanying spouse is allowed to work freely with an Open Work Permit while waiting for PR approval.
• Children receive a Study Permit and can attend school for free until the age of 18.
• Ability to sponsor parents to come to Canada.
• Pathway to obtain Canadian permanent residency (PR) and apply for citizenship when eligible.

Application Process for the Ontario Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

• The application process for entrepreneur immigration to the Province of Ontario includes the following steps:
• Step 1 – Determine Eligibility: For candidates under the Express Entry system, ensure you meet the requirements of one of the federal immigration programs before applying.
• Step 2 – Create a Profile: If eligible, create a profile in the Express Entry system to be considered for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
• Step 3 – Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you receive an invitation through Express Entry, you can proceed to submit your application to OINP.
• Step 4 – Prepare Application: Gather all required documents, including personal information, language test results (English or French), and supporting documents.
• Step 5 – Submit Application: Submit your application through the OINP online system, ensuring all requirements are fully met.
• Step 6 – Wait for Processing: Your application will be reviewed by the Province of Ontario. Processing time typically ranges from 60 to 90 days.
• Step 7 – Receive Nomination: If approved, you will receive a nomination from Ontario. This nomination must be used to complete your Express Entry application for permanent residency.
• Step 8 – Submit Permanent Residency Application: After receiving the nomination, submit your permanent residency application to IRCC. Ensure you have sufficient CRS points for federal immigration

FAQ about Ontario Immigration Programs

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Ontario?

Not all streams under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) require a job offer. Employer Job Offer streams, such as Foreign Worker or International Student streams, require a valid job offer. However, streams for Master’s and PhD graduates do not have this requirement.

How long does it take to process an OINP application?

Processing times vary by stream. Most applications are processed within 60 to 90 days. Streams linked to Express Entry may be faster due to integration with the federal process, while streams requiring additional verification may take longer.

Which city has the most job opportunities in Ontario?

Which cities offer the most job opportunities in Ontario?

• Toronto: With a 94% employment rate, Toronto is ideal for immigrants due to its strong economy and numerous large corporations, offering diverse career opportunities.
• Ottawa: With a 95% employment rate, Ottawa is a hub for technology and education, making it a top choice for professionals in these fields.

This article provides key information about Ontario’s immigration programs. We hope Phan Immigration’s guidance helps you better understand the options available. For further consultation, contact our hotline at 078 208 4466 for support.