The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the province’s economic immigration program and works in partnership with the federal Express Entry system. The OINP helps foreign workers, international students, and skilled individuals apply for permanent residency in Ontario. There are three key streams you can apply to: French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Human Capital Priorities, and Skilled Trades.

These streams help align skilled immigrants with the needs of Ontario’s job market. However, before applying, you must first receive a notification of interest (NOI) from the OINP and maintain an up-to-date profile in the federal Express Entry system. It’s important to note that simply registering in the Express Entry system does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply for permanent residency through OINP.

Ontario Express Entry Stream Qualification and Requirements

To qualify for the Ontario Express Entry streams, you must meet specific requirements under two federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: You need at least one year of continuous, paid, full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job category. The work experience must have been obtained within the last five years.
• Canadian Experience Class: For this class, you must have at least one year of cumulative, paid, full-time work experience in Canada in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, acquired within the last three years.

Both programs require you to have the necessary education and language proficiency. If your education was completed outside of Canada, you will need to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your degree is equivalent to a Canadian qualification. Your language proficiency should meet the minimum levels as required by the program.

Benefits of OINP

There are several benefits of the OINP for skilled immigrants aiming to settle in Ontario:

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Receiving a nomination from the OINP gives you a significant advantage in applying for permanent residency through the federal Express Entry system.
• Enhanced Job Prospects: Being nominated by the OINP increases your visibility with employers in Ontario, making it easier for you to secure a job that fits your skill set.
• Faster Processing: The OINP nomination can fast-track your application in the Express Entry system, speeding up the entire process of obtaining permanent residency.
• Skilled Worker Support: The OINP matches skilled workers with the specific needs of the Ontario economy, filling critical labor market gaps and offering better opportunities for successful settlement.

How to Apply for Ontario Express Entry Stream

Applying for the OINP through Express Entry is a multi-step process:

1. Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI): Before applying, you must receive a notification of interest from the OINP through your Express Entry profile.
2. Create an OINP Profile: Once invited, log into your My Ontario account and create a profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal. Ensure that you follow all instructions carefully.
3. Submit Required Documents: You will need to submit documentation to validate your qualifications. This includes proof of work experience, language test results, and an Educational Credential Assessment (if your education was completed outside Canada).
4. Submit Your Application: After preparing your profile and gathering all necessary documents, you must submit your application within 45 calendar days of receiving the notification of interest.
5. Maintain a Valid Express Entry Profile: Ensure that your Express Entry profile remains valid throughout the process. If it expires, your OINP application may be returned, and you will need to start over.

What Happens After OINP Is Approved

Once your OINP application is approved, you’ll receive a nomination certificate from the province of Ontario. This nomination significantly boosts your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

After the approval, the next step is to apply for permanent residence through the federal Express Entry system. The federal government will assess your medical exams, background checks, and eligibility to make the final decision on your permanent residency.

Although the OINP nomination is a crucial step, it does not guarantee permanent residency, as IRCC makes the final determination based on additional criteria.

OINP Fees

The application fee for the OINP varies depending on the specific stream you are applying to:

• $1,500: This fee applies to applicants in the Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate, and International Student streams.
• $1,500: For the Employer Job Offer stream, if the job is located outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
• $2,000: For the Employer Job Offer stream, if the job is located within the Greater Toronto Area (including the City of Toronto and surrounding regions).

The fee is non-refundable once processing starts, even if your application is denied. Refunds are only provided if the application is incomplete or withdrawn before processing begins. All payments can be made through Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, and Mastercard Debit.

How Long Does OINP Take to Process

The processing time for an OINP application depends on the stream to which you’re applying. Here are the estimated times for each stream:

• Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker: 90-120 days
• Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities: 60-90 days
• Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades: 120-150 days

Processing times are only estimates and can vary depending on the volume of applications received by OINP and the specific details of your case. Ensure you plan accordingly, as any delays can affect your overall immigration timeline.

Looking to make Ontario your new home? If you’re ready to take the next step toward permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), our team at SEP Immigration is here to help. With expert guidance, we’ll make sure your application process is as smooth as possible, giving you the best chance of success.