Ontario Provincial Immigration Program – Canada

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers three popular immigration options for newcomers: the Entrepreneur Stream, the Job Offer Stream, and the Skilled Worker Stream. This program provides international citizens with flexible options tailored to their qualifications. Recognized as one of the fastest and simplest pathways, the OINP streamlines application processes, creating favorable conditions for participants. Let’s explore the details of this immigration program with Immigration.

What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is an immigration mechanism managed by the Ontario government to attract skilled workers, international students, and investors to live, work, and become permanent residents in the province. Through this program, candidates who meet the criteria can receive a provincial nomination, significantly increasing their chances of settling in Canada.

The OINP is divided into two main categories:

• Skilled Worker Immigration Streams: For workers with expertise and experience that meet Ontario’s economic needs.

• Business Immigration Streams: For entrepreneurs and investors looking to develop businesses in Ontario.

The Skilled Worker Immigration Streams are managed through two systems:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) System: For candidates with a job offer from an Ontario employer or international graduates from Ontario:

• Foreign Worker Stream: For foreign workers with a full-time job offer in Ontario.

• International Student Stream: For international students who have graduated in Canada and have a valid job offer.

• In-Demand Skills Stream: For workers with skills in occupations facing shortages in the province.

• Masters Graduate Stream: For Master’s graduates from Ontario to apply for permanent residency without a job offer.

• PhD Graduate Stream: For PhD graduates from an Ontario university.

2. Ontario Express Entry System: For individuals with a profile in the federal Express Entry system and skills matching Ontario’s labor market needs:

• Human Capital Priorities Stream: For workers with high education and experience in priority fields.

• Skilled Trades Stream: For skilled tradespeople living and working in Ontario.

• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: For French-speaking candidates looking to settle in Ontario.

Each stream has specific criteria, but candidates typically need to meet requirements related to education, work experience, language proficiency, financial resources, and residency in Ontario. Key criteria for different streams include:

• Job Offer Streams: Require a full-time job offer in Ontario in eligible occupations.

• International Student Streams: Require completion of a 1–2-year program at a recognized educational institution.

• No Job Offer Streams: Require high education levels and skills that meet provincial labor demands.

• Skilled Trades Streams: Require experience in high-demand trades and residency in Ontario.

For Express Entry streams, a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, significantly boosting the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.

Ontario frequently selects candidates working in high-demand sectors such as:

• Healthcare

• Information Technology (IT) and Engineering

• Construction and Infrastructure

• Skilled Trades

Ontario Entrepreneur Stream (OINP Entrepreneurs Stream)

The OINP Entrepreneurs Stream is an immigration pathway implemented by Ontario for individuals looking to invest and operate a business in the province. It targets foreign investors with financial capacity, management experience, and a desire to build a career in Ontario.

Note: This program is currently closed and is not accepting new applications. Those interested in business immigration can explore other programs in Canada.

Program Requirements: 

Phase 1: Application and Work Permit

• At least 2 years of experience in business management or senior management within the last 10 years.

• Net Worth:

• • CAD 800,000 if investing in central Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa, etc.).

• • CAD 400,000 if investing outside central Ontario.

• Minimum Investment:

• • CAD 600,000 if the business is in central Ontario.

• • CAD 200,000 if the business is in suburban areas.

• Job Creation:

• • Create at least 2 full-time positions for Canadian citizens or permanent residents if the business is in central Ontario.

• • Create at least 1 full-time position if the business is in suburban areas.

• Other Requirements:

• • The business must be profitable and align with Ontario’s economy.

• • The business proposal must be feasible and meet provincial requirements.

Phase 2: Eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR)

• Language proficiency must be at least CLB 4 in English or French.

• Reside in Ontario for at least 75% of the time while operating the business.

• The business owner must actively participate in managing and developing the company as per the initial business plan.

Processing Time: 

• Work permit processing: Approximately 15 weeks.

• Permanent residency processing: Approximately 21 months after meeting business requirements.

Limitations: 

• Requires operating the business for up to 20 months before being eligible to apply for PR.

• The program is currently closed, and new applications are not accepted.

• Applicants are only eligible for PR if they fully meet the provincial commitments.

Note: Since the program is closed, investors can consider other entrepreneur immigration programs in Canada, such as the British Columbia PNP Entrepreneur Stream or the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Entrepreneurs. 

Skilled Worker Immigration Streams in Ontario

The OINP Skilled Worker Streams allow workers with skills and experience that match Ontario’s needs to settle in the province.

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream under the OINP is for foreign workers with a job offer from an Ontario employer in a high-skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). This program enables candidates to apply for provincial nomination and become permanent residents of Canada.

This program does not apply to doctors eligible to apply without a job offer

Eligibility Requirements: 

*For Applicants: 

• Have a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer.

• The job must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

• Meet Ontario’s minimum wage requirements for the position.

• Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the same NOC code as the job offer.

• If the job requires a license in Ontario, the applicant must hold a valid license at the time of application.

• Intend to live and work permanently in Ontario.

• If applying from within Canada, the applicant must have legal status (work permit, study permit, or visitor visa).

*For Employers: 

• Must have been in business in Ontario for at least 3 years.

• Must be based in Ontario, and the job must primarily be performed in the province.

• Meet minimum revenue requirements:

• ≥ CAD 1,000,000 if the job is in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

• ≥ CAD 500,000 if the job is outside the GTA.

• Have at least 5 full-time employees (if in the GTA) or 3 full-time employees (if outside the GTA) who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

• Demonstrate the need for recruitment and commit to fulfilling the job offer conditions.

Key Notes: 

• The job offer must remain valid on the nomination date if the applicant is already working in the position, or on the date the work permit is issued if they have not yet started.

• Employers must adhere to contract terms and begin paying the specified wage after nomination.

Processing Time: 

• Phase 1: Register in the Expression of Interest (EOI) system and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

• Phase 2: After receiving the ITA, submit the nomination application within 14 days.

• Phase 3: After nomination, apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

• Provincial nomination processing: 120–150 days from application submission.

• Permanent residency processing: Approximately 21 months.

Limitations: 

• Requires a job offer from an Ontario employer, unsuitable for those without one.

• Some occupations require a license in Ontario, which may be challenging for applicants without certification.

• Self-employment experience may not be accepted.

• Employers must meet strict revenue and staffing requirements.

• Not applicable for seasonal, short-term, or non-permanent jobs.

Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

The Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream under the OINP allows international students with a job offer in Ontario to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This program aims to attract young, highly skilled workers to contribute to Ontario’s economic development.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Have a job offer in Ontario in an occupation classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

• The job must be full-time (at least 30 hours/week, 1,560 hours/year) and permanent.

• The offered wage must meet or exceed the low-wage threshold for the region in Ontario.

• The position must be essential to the recruiting business.

• Have completed a full-time program in Canada and obtained one of the following credentials:

• • A university degree (minimum 2 years) from a recognized institution.

• • A Master’s degree or postgraduate certificate (minimum 1 year) from a recognized institution.

• • A postgraduate certificate (minimum 1 year) from an Ontario college.

• Intend to live and work permanently in Ontario.

• Apply within 2 years of completing the program.

• If in Canada, must have legal status.

• Doctors without a job offer can apply through other OINP streams.

Processing Time: 

• Provincial nomination processing: 90–120 days from application submission.

Limitations: 

• Limited to international students who have completed a program in Canada.

• Requires a valid job offer in Ontario.

• Annual intake is limited.

The International Student Stream attracts young, highly skilled workers

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

The Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream under the OINP targets workers with skills in high-demand occupations in Ontario, offering them the opportunity to receive a provincial nomination and pursue permanent residency in Canada. This stream focuses on workers with a job offer from an Ontario employer in sectors like agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Have a full-time, permanent job offer from a qualified Ontario employer in an eligible occupation.

• Have at least 9 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in the eligible occupation in Ontario within the 3 years prior to applying.

• Hold a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (with an Educational Credential Assessment if obtained outside Canada).

• If the job requires a license or certification in Ontario, the applicant must hold a valid one.

• Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French in all skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing).

• Prove sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family in Ontario.

• Demonstrate an intent to live and work permanently in Ontario.

Processing Time: 

• Processing typically takes 120–150 days, though this may vary depending on application volume.

Limitations: 

• Limited to specific high-demand occupations in Ontario, not applicable to all industries.

• Requires work experience in Ontario, which may be a barrier for those who haven’t worked in the province.

• Requires a long-term job offer from an Ontario employer, which can be challenging without local connections.

Eligible Occupations: 

Positions available anywhere in Ontario (inside and outside the Greater Toronto Area) in NOC TEER 4 or 5:

• NOC 44101 – Home support workers, caregivers, and related occupations

• NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers (retail and wholesale)

• NOC 75110 – Construction trades helpers and laborers

• NOC 75119 – Other trades helpers and laborers

• NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators

• NOC 85100 – Livestock laborers

• NOC 85101 – Harvesting laborers

• NOC 85103 – Nursery and greenhouse laborers

• NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers, meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers

Positions outside the Greater Toronto Area (City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel) in NOC TEER 4 or 5:
Logistics and Warehousing:

• NOC 14400 – Shippers and receivers

• NOC 14402 – Production logistics workers

• NOC 75101 – Material handlers
  Transportation and Infrastructure Maintenance:

• NOC 74200 – Railway and yard maintenance workers

• NOC 74203 – Automotive, heavy truck, and equipment installers and maintainers

• NOC 74204 – Utility maintenance workers

• NOC 74205 – Public works equipment operators and related workers

• NOC 75211 – Railway and motor transport workers

• NOC 75212 – Public works and maintenance workers
  Industrial Services and Cleaning:

• NOC 65320 – Dry cleaning, laundry, and related occupations
  Aquaculture and Fisheries:

• NOC 85102 – Aquaculture and marine harvest workers

• NOC 94142 – Fish and seafood plant workers

• NOC 95107 – Fish and seafood processing workers
  Metalworking and Fabrication:

• NOC 94100 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing

• NOC 94101 – Foundry workers

• NOC 94105 – Metalworking and forging machine operators

• NOC 94106 – Machining tool operators

• NOC 94107 – Machine operators for other metal products

• NOC 95100 – Laborers in mineral and metal processing

• NOC 95101 – Laborers in metal fabrication
  Construction Materials and Mineral Production:

• NOC 94103 – Concrete, clay, and stone forming operators

• NOC 94104 – Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
  Chemical and Plastics Industry:

• NOC 94110 – Chemical plant machine operators

• NOC 94111 – Plastics processing machine operators

• NOC 94112 – Rubber processing machine operators and related workers

• NOC 95102 – Laborers in chemical product processing and utilities

• NOC 95104 – Laborers in rubber and plastic product manufacturing
  Wood and Paper Processing:

• NOC 94120 – Sawmill machine operators

• NOC 94121 – Pulp mill, papermaking, and finishing machine operators

• NOC 94123 – Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors

• NOC 94124 – Woodworking machine operators

• NOC 94211 – Assemblers and inspectors of other wood products

• NOC 95103 – Laborers in wood, pulp, and paper processing
  Mechanical and Electronics:

• NOC 94200 – Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors, and testers

• NOC 94201 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers

• NOC 94202 – Assemblers, inspectors of electrical appliances, machinery, and equipment

• NOC 94203 – Assemblers, inspectors of industrial electrical motors and transformers

• NOC 94204 – Mechanical assemblers and inspectors

• NOC 94205 – Machine operators and inspectors of electrical apparatus
  Industrial Manufacturing and Assembly:

• NOC 94102 – Glass forming and finishing machine operators, glass cutters

• NOC 94212 – Plastic product assemblers, finishers, and inspectors

• NOC 94213 – Industrial painters, coaters, and metal finishing workers

• NOC 94219 – Other product assemblers, finishers, and inspectors

• NOC 95106 – Laborers in food and beverage processing
  Food and Beverage Processing:

• NOC 94140 – Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing

• NOC 94143 – Testers and graders, food and beverage processing
  Textiles and Apparel:

• NOC 94132 – Industrial sewing machine operators
  Construction and Manufacturing Trades:

• NOC 73401 – Roofers and shinglers

• NOC 73400 – Painters and decorators

• NOC 75110 – Flooring installers

• NOC 73420 – Glass cutters and installers

• NOC 72410 – Industrial electricians

• NOC 72411 – Construction and residential electricians

• NOC 72310 – Welders

• NOC 73400 – Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) installers

• NOC 72420 – Plumbers

• NOC 73200 – Carpenters

• NOC 73402 – Bricklayers and stonemasons

• NOC 72320 – Sheet metal workers

• NOC 75101 – Construction equipment operators
  Agriculture and Food Processing:

• NOC 85101 – General farm laborers

• NOC 84120 – Crop, greenhouse, nursery, and farm laborers

• NOC 85103 – Aquaculture and marine harvest laborers

• NOC 94140 – Food processing plant workers

• NOC 85104 – Meat, fish, and related food processing workers

• NOC 84300 – Livestock laborers
  Healthcare:

• NOC 33102 – Personal support workers (PSW) and healthcare aides

• NOC 44101 – Childcare workers

The In-Demand Skills Stream focuses on agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare

If You Have a Master’s or PhD from an Ontario University

Masters Graduate Stream

The Masters Graduate Stream under the OINP is a pathway to attract international students who have completed a Master’s degree in Ontario to settle and work permanently in the province. This stream does not require a job offer, providing graduates the opportunity to receive a provincial nomination and apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the OINP system.

• Have completed a Master’s degree program at an eligible Ontario university.

• The program must be at least 1 year of full-time study.

• Demonstrate language proficiency at CLB 7 or higher in English or French (accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF, TCF).

• Have legally resided in Ontario for at least 12 months within the 2 years prior to applying.

• Prove financial capacity to cover living expenses for yourself and your family (e.g., bank statements, employment income, or a job offer).

• Demonstrate an intent to live and work permanently in Ontario.

• Be legally residing in Ontario or outside Canada at the time of application.

• Apply within 2 years of receiving the Master’s degree.

Processing Time: 

• Average processing time: 30–60 days.

Limitations: 

• Not applicable for those living in provinces other than Ontario.

• Not applicable for those with scholarships requiring a return to their home country.

Eligible Ontario Universities Offering Master’s Programs: 

Colleges: 

• Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Centennial College

• Collège Boréal

• Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

• Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Fleming College of Applied Arts and Technology

• George Brown College

• Georgian College

• Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

• La Cité collégiale

• Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Michener Institute of Education at UHN

• Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Royal Military College of Canada

• Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology

• Sheridan College of Applied Arts and Technology

• St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology

• St. Lawrence College of Applied Arts and Technology

Universities: 

• Algoma University

• Brock University

• Carleton University

• Lakehead University

• Laurentian University

• McMaster University

• Nipissing University

• Ontario College of Art and Design University

• Queen’s University

• Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

• Trent University

• Université de l’Ontario français

• University of Guelph

• Université de Hearst

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

• University of Ottawa

• University of Sudbury

• University of Toronto

• University of Waterloo

• University of Windsor

• Western University

• Wilfrid Laurier University

• York University

Indigenous Institutes: 

• Six Nations Polytechnic

PhD Graduate Stream

The PhD Graduate Stream under the OINP helps international students who have completed a PhD at an Ontario university apply for permanent residency in Canada. Applicants must register in the OINP’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system and receive an invitation before applying for provincial nomination. If nominated, they can then apply to IRCC for permanent residency.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Register in the OINP’s EOI system and receive an invitation to apply.

• All information in the EOI must be accurate and verifiable with valid documentation.

• Have completed a PhD program at an eligible Ontario university.

• At least 2 years of the PhD program must have been completed while legally residing and studying in Ontario.

• Applicants with scholarships, grants, or funding requiring a return to their home country can only apply after fulfilling that obligation.

• Have legally resided in Ontario for at least 12 months within the 2 years prior to applying.

• Prove sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family (e.g., bank balance, income from employment in Ontario, or a job offer).

• Demonstrate an intent to live and work in Ontario after obtaining PR, through factors such as:

• • Work experience in Ontario

• • Job applications or interviews in Ontario

• • Property ownership or rental in Ontario

• • Family or social ties in Ontario

• If awaiting renewal of legal status (“maintained status”), applicants can still apply.

• Apply within 2 years of completing the PhD program (a letter from the university confirming the degree conferral date can be used if the degree hasn’t been received).

Processing Time: 

• OINP processing: 60–90 days.

• Permanent residency processing with IRCC: Approximately 21 months.

Limitations: 

• Not applicable for those with scholarships requiring a return to their home country.

• Applicants who haven’t completed their PhD cannot apply.

• Requires EOI registration and an invitation before submitting a formal application.

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

Human Capital Priorities Stream

The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream under the OINP operates through Canada’s Express Entry system. Applicants must receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario before applying.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Work Experience (one of the following):

• • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): At least 1 year of continuous full-time work experience in the last 5 years in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (NOC).

• • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): At least 1 year of paid work experience in Canada in the last 3 years in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (NOC).

• Work experience gained while studying is not counted.

• Have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree from Canada or an equivalent degree from abroad (with a valid Educational Credential Assessment).

• Language proficiency: CLB 7 or higher in English or French (accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, TCF Canada).

• Sufficient funds to support yourself and your family as per IRCC requirements (can include savings and income from an Ontario job).

• Demonstrate an intent to settle in Ontario.

Processing Time: 

• Processing: 60–90 days.

• Permanent residency with IRCC: 6–8 months after nomination.

Limitations: 

• Applications are only accepted from those who receive an NOI.

• Annual nomination quotas are limited.

• Some occupations require a license to count experience.

Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

The Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream under the OINP targets skilled tradespeople with a valid Express Entry profile who receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario. After nomination, applicants can apply for permanent residency with the federal government, with the final decision made by IRCC.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• At least 1 year of full-time paid work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Ontario within the last 2 years.

• The job must fall under the following NOC groups:

• • Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades (excluding transportation-related trades).

• • Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades.

• • Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture, and related production.

• • Group 83: Operators and occupations in natural resources and agriculture.

• • Group 93: Equipment manufacturing, assembly, and control operators (excluding aircraft assembly and inspection).

• • Subgroup 6320: Chefs (excluding cooks).

• Experience must be gained while legally residing in Canada.

• If the trade is compulsory, the applicant must hold a valid license during the work period.

• If the job requires a license, the applicant must hold a valid Ontario license at the time of application.

• Must be living in Ontario with a valid work permit at the time of application (applicants can apply if awaiting renewal under “maintained status”).

• No job offer is required at the time of application.

• Language proficiency: CLB 5 or higher in English or French (accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, TCF Canada; tests must be taken within 2 years of application).

• Prove sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family (e.g., bank balance, income from an Ontario job, or a job offer).

• Demonstrate an intent to live in Ontario through factors such as:

• • Current or past employment in Ontario

• • Job applications or interviews in Ontario

• • Studying, owning/renting property, or volunteering in Ontario

• • Family or social ties in Ontario

Processing Time: 

• OINP processing: 30–60 days.

• Permanent residency with IRCC: 6–8 months after nomination.

Limitations: 

• Limited to applicants with work experience in Ontario in eligible occupations.

• Self-employment or experience gained while studying full-time in Canada is not accepted.

• Not applicable for those intending to live outside Ontario.

• Requires a valid license for regulated trades in Ontario.

French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream under the OINP provides an opportunity for French-speaking foreign workers with good English skills to apply for permanent residency and settle long-term in Ontario.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Work Experience (one of the following):

• • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): At least 1 year of continuous work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (NOC).

• • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): At least 1 year of paid work experience in Canada in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 within the last 3 years.

• Have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree from Canada or an equivalent degree assessed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

• Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in French and CLB 6 in English.

• Prove sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family.

Processing Time: 

• OINP processing: 90–120 days.

• Permanent residency with IRCC: Varies based on the Express Entry system.

Limitations: 

• Applications are only accepted when Ontario issues an NOI.

• Nomination quotas are limited, so applicants should monitor announcements from Ontario.

Benefits of Settling in Ontario

Benefits of settling in Ontario:

• Abundant Job Opportunities: Ontario has a thriving economy with high demand for workers in technology, finance, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Cities like Toronto, Mississauga, and Hamilton offer numerous career advancement opportunities for skilled workers.

• High Quality of Life: Immigrants benefit from free healthcare, public education from kindergarten to grade 12, and a modern public transportation system for convenient travel.

• Path to Canadian Citizenship: After residing in Canada for 3 years within a 5-year period, you can apply for Canadian citizenship, gaining visa-free travel to over 189 countries and protection from the Canadian government while abroad.

Application Process for the Entrepreneur Stream in Ontario

The application process for the Entrepreneur Stream in Ontario includes the following steps:

Note: This section is incomplete in the original text. Since the Entrepreneur Stream is currently closed (as mentioned earlier), the process is not detailed. However, a typical process for such programs includes: 

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the OINP.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if selected.
3. Submit a full application with a business plan and required documents.
4. Obtain a temporary work permit to start the business.
5. Operate the business for a specified period (e.g., 20 months) while meeting job creation and investment requirements.
6. Apply for provincial nomination after fulfilling business obligations.
7. Apply for permanent residency with IRCC upon nomination.

FAQ About the Ontario Immigration Program

Is a Job Offer Required to Settle in Ontario?

Not all OINP streams require a job offer. Streams under the Employer Job Offer category, such as the Foreign Worker and International Student Streams, require a valid job offer. However, the Masters and PhD Graduate Streams do not require a job offer.

How Long Does OINP Application Processing Take?

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

Which City in Ontario Offers the Most Job Opportunities?

• Toronto: Considered an ideal destination for immigrants seeking career opportunities, Toronto has a 94% employment rate and attracts major corporations due to its robust economy, offering diverse job opportunities for international workers.
• Ottawa: A hub for high-tech and education industries, Ottawa boasts a 95% employment rate, providing ample opportunities for professionals in these fields, making it a top choice for career development in Ontario.

This article provides essential information about the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. We hope Phan Immigration’s insights help you better understand the program. For further assistance, contact us at hotline 078 208 4466