Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

How can foreign workers, international students, and business owners from abroad pursue permanent residency in Ontario, or how Ontario-based businesses can attract international talent.

New Requirement: Applicant Consent Form

Starting February 26, 2024, all new applications submitted for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) must include the Applicant Consent Form.

What is the OINP?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is Ontario’s dedicated economic immigration initiative. This program operates in partnership with the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The OINP enables foreign workers, international students, and qualified individuals with the appropriate skills, education, and work experience to apply for a provincial nomination.

Through this program, Ontario identifies and nominates candidates who meet the province’s economic and labour market needs. Final decisions on granting permanent residence are made by the Government of Canada.

Steps of applying for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

1. Selecting the Right Stream

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) uses two systems to manage applications: the Expression of Interest system and the Express Entry system. To apply for the program, you must register in one of these systems to indicate your interest in receiving an invitation to apply. The OINP includes nine different streams you may qualify for.

Stream Selector Tool

To determine your eligibility, you can fill out the eligibility form and you will receive guidance based on your credentials. Our Immigration experts will give you tailored advice to ensure you understand the eligibility criteria and choose the right stream.

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Ontario’s Expression of Interest Streams

If you wish to apply through the Expression of Interest system, you must first register and receive an invitation to apply.

Streams for Applicants with a Job Offer in Ontario

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
  Skilled foreign workers with a valid job offer in Ontario.
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
  For recent graduates with a job offer in Ontario.
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
  For foreign workers in high-demand occupations who have a job offer in Ontario.

Streams for Applicants with Advanced Degrees from Ontario Universities

• Masters Graduate Stream
  For individuals with a master’s degree from an Ontario university.
• PhD Graduate Stream
  For individuals with a PhD from an Ontario university.

Ontario’s Express Entry Streams

These streams operate through the federal Express Entry System. To apply, you must create an Express Entry profile and receive an interest notification from Ontario.
Here is how to create an express entry profile -> link to the Express entry article on the website

Streams for Skilled Workers

• Human Capital Priorities Stream
  For individuals with skilled work experience, education, and strong language proficiency.
• Skilled Trades Stream
  For foreign workers with experience in eligible skilled trades in Ontario.
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
  For French-speaking workers with strong English language skills.

Other Streams

• Entrepreneur Stream
  For entrepreneurs from outside Canada who wish to start a new business or purchase an existing one in Ontario.

How to Receive an Invitation to Apply or a Notification of Interest

Expression of Interest Streams

To qualify, you must first register in the Expression of Interest system and wait for an invitation to apply.

Express Entry Streams

You must create a profile in the federal Express Entry System and receive a notification of interest from Ontario before submitting your application.

2. How to Apply

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) manages applications through two intake systems: the Expression of Interest (EOI) system and the Express Entry system. Before submitting your application, you must register in one of these systems to express your interest in applying for the program.

After Receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) through Express Entry

If you receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) through the Express Entry system, there’s no need to contact the program directly. You must submit your application to the OINP within 45 calendar days from the date your NOI is issued.

Steps to Apply:

1. Identify the Draw You Were Invited Under
   Once you receive your NOI, confirm which Ontario Express Entry stream it applies to. Use the date of your NOI to find details of the specific draw on the OINP Program Updates page.
2. Confirm Your Eligibility for the Draw
   Before applying, ensure you meet all the requirements outlined for the draw in which your NOI was issued.
3. Check the Requirements for the Stream
   Each OINP stream has specific eligibility criteria that you must fulfill. Review the details for your stream below:
   
   • French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
     For French-speaking skilled workers with strong English language skills.
   • Human Capital Priorities Stream
     For applicants with the required skilled work experience, education, and language proficiency.
   • Skilled Trades Stream
     For foreign nationals with work experience in Ontario in eligible skilled trades.

1. Prepare Your Supporting Documents
   Supporting documents are essential to verify the information in your application and confirm your eligibility. Ensure you scan and upload all required documents in your online application. Refer to the document checklists specific to the stream under which you’re applying.

Here are the documents checklists:

Document checklists

• Entrepreneur Stream
• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
• Employer Job Offer Streams: Employer
• Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
• Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
• Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
• Masters Graduate Stream
• PhD Graduate Stream

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Important Document Guidelines

• Signing Forms
  Please note that you are required to sign all forms personally. Representatives or others may not sign these forms on your behalf.
• Documents in Languages Other than French or English
  If any supporting document is in a language other than French or English, you must provide:

• A copy of the original document, and
• A notarized translation of the document.
• Complete Applications Only
  Ensure that your application is complete and includes all required documents. Incomplete applications or those missing essential documents will be returned, and your application fee will be refunded.

5. Submitting Your Application

• Access Your My Ontario Account
  
  • Log in to your My Ontario account as a returning user.
  • If you don’t have an account, select “Create Account.”
• Complete Your Profile
  
  • Create a profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal.
  • Begin your application by clicking the file number beside the stream for which you received a notification.

Application Fees

• Cost: The application fee is $1,500, covering the processing of your application.
• Accepted Payment Methods:
  
  • Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, and Mastercard Debit.

Refund Policy

• Eligible for Refund:
  
  • If your application is incomplete.
  • If you withdraw your application before processing begins.
• Not Eligible for Refund:
  
  • If your application is unsuccessful.
• Check Application Status:
  Track the progress of your application via the OINP e-Filing Portal.

6. Keeping Your Express Entry Profile Active

• Validity Requirement
  
  • Your Express Entry profile must remain valid from the time you apply until you are nominated.
  • If your profile expires during application processing:
    
    1. Notify OINP promptly through their webform.
    2. Provide:
       
       • A copy of the letter from IRCC acknowledging your new Express Entry profile with the updated number and job seeker validation code.
       • A letter from IRCC explaining why your previous profile was ineligible.
  • Failure to notify OINP will result in your application being marked incomplete, and your fee will be refunded.
• If You Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
  
  • If IRCC issues an ITA for permanent residence while OINP is processing your application, OINP can no longer nominate you.
  • You must decide whether to:

• • 1. Reject the ITA

• • 1. • Inform OINP immediately via their webform.
       • Include a screenshot confirming the rejection.

• • 1. Withdraw Your OINP Application

By maintaining transparency and taking timely action, you ensure a smooth application process.

3. After Receiving an Invitation to Apply Through the Expression of Interest (EOI) System

If you receive an invitation to apply through the EOI system, there’s no need to contact the program. Ensure you submit your application within 14 calendar days of receiving the invitation.

1. Verify Your Eligibility

Each stream has specific requirements that must be met prior to applying. Below are the streams and their eligibility criteria:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
  For skilled foreign workers with a valid job offer in Ontario.
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
  For recent graduates who have a valid job offer in Ontario.
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
  For foreign workers in in-demand occupations with a valid job offer in Ontario.
• Masters Graduate Stream
  For individuals with a master’s degree from an Ontario university.
• PhD Graduate Stream
  For individuals with a PhD from an Ontario university.

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2. Prepare Your Supporting Documents

• Provide documents that verify the information in your application and prove eligibility.
• Scan and upload all required documents via the online application portal. Refer to the specific stream’s document checklist.
• Applicant Consent Form
  
  • As of February 26, 2024, applicants must sign, date, and upload the Applicant Consent Form.
  • Immigration representatives cannot sign this form on your behalf.
• Translations
  
  • Non-French or English documents must include:
    
    • A copy of the original document.
    • A notarized translation.
• Important Reminder
  
  • Incomplete applications (missing required documents) will be returned, and the application fee will be refunded.

3. Submit Your Application

• How to Apply:
  
  • Log into your My Ontario Account as a returning user.
  • From the My Applications page, click the file number link to start your application.
• Note:
  
  • Your new application file number will differ from your EOI file number (EOI-JOXX-XXXXXX), which will be greyed out.
  • Do not withdraw your EOI file if it’s like an error.
• Application Accuracy:
  
  • Ensure all information provided during EOI registration is accurate.
  • Any inaccurate or misleading information may lead to application denial, penalties, or prosecution.

If You Do Not Apply After Receiving an Invitation

• Failure to submit an application within the required timeline will result in the removal of your EOI from the specific stream’s selection pool.
• You will receive an email notification regarding the removal.
• You may register a new expression of interest at any time.

Application Costs

• Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate, and International Student Streams:
  
  • Application fee: $1,500.
• Foreign Worker and In-Demand Skills Streams:
  
  • $1,500 for job offers outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
  • $2,000 for job offers within the GTA (City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel regions).
• Payment Methods:
  
  • Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, and Mastercard Debit.

Refunds

• Eligible Refunds:
  
  • If the application is incomplete.
  • If you withdraw your application before processing begins.
• Non-Refundable:
  
  • If the application is unsuccessful.
• Track your application status via the OINP e-Filing Portal.

Incomplete Applications

• Applications deemed incomplete will be withdrawn, and processing fees refunded.
• Note:
  
  • Incomplete applications are not assessed against eligibility criteria and are ineligible for an internal review.

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Frequently Asked Questions