Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): 2025 Guide

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) provides a pathway for skilled workers, graduates, and those with job offers to immigrate and gain permanent residence in Canada’s largest province.

With fast processing times, high nomination limits, and direct provincial endorsement, the OINP can significantly increase the chances of settling in Ontario in the long term.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about the OINP, including details on each stream, eligibility criteria, the application process, tips for success, program statistics, and more. Whether you are a skilled worker, tradesperson, recent graduate, or have a job offer in Ontario, read on to see if the OINP is the right program for you.

What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for the province of Ontario.

It is an economic immigration program aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry system that allows Ontario to nominate approximately 15,000 immigrants per year. (Source)

The OINP is managed through a partnership between Ontario’s provincial government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

It aims to nominate qualified immigrants who have the skills and experience targeted by Ontario employers to help drive economic growth and fill labour shortages.

How the Ontario PNP Works

Here is a brief overview of how the OINP nomination process works:

• Applicants apply under one of the OINP streams.
• Ontario assesses applicants and nominates those who meet the criteria.
• Nominees apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
• IRCC makes the final decision to approve or deny the PR application

Once nominated by Ontario, applicants benefit from faster processing and a simplified pathway to permanent residence.

OINP Objectives

The key objectives of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program are:

• Fill labour and skills shortages in targeted occupations
• Make it easier for international students and foreign workers to gain PR
• Attract investment and innovative entrepreneurs to Ontario
• Ensure newcomers can successfully settle in Ontario communities

By nominating immigrants with the right skills and experiences, the OINP aims to benefit both newcomers and the province.

Who is Eligible to Immigrate to Ontario Through the OINP?

There are three main categories of applicants eligible for Ontario PNP streams:

Express Entry Candidates

Applicants who create an Express Entry profile and qualify for one of Ontario’s Express Entry-aligned PNP streams.

Masters & PhD Graduates

International students who graduated from an eligible Ontario university master’s or PhD program.

Candidates with Job Offers

Applicants who obtain a qualifying long-term job offer from an Ontario employer.

Let’s take a closer look at the streams available under each OINP category and their specific requirements.

Detailed Requirements for Express Entry, Masters, and Employer OINP Streams

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program contains numerous streams spread across three main categories.

Each stream has additional criteria that applicants must meet to be considered eligible.

Express Entry Streams

Ontario operates three Provincial Nominee Program streams aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system:

• Human Capital Priorities Stream
• French Speaking Skilled Workers Stream
• Skilled Trades Stream

Eligible applicants in these streams must first create an Express Entry profile and then apply for provincial nomination after receiving a Notification of Interest from Ontario.

Express Entry streams offer faster processing compared to non-aligned OINP streams.

Human Capital Priorities Stream

The Human Capital Priorities stream is for skilled workers with at least 1 year of full-time work experience in Canada or abroad.

Additional requirements are:

• Canadian bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree (or equivalent foreign education credentials)
• Proficiency in either English or French at CLB level 7 or higher

Eligible work experience can be gained through either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

French Speaking Skilled Workers Stream

This stream is designed for candidates with proficiency in both English and French.

Additional requirements are:

• At least CLB level 7 in French and CLB 6 in English
• 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada or abroad
• Canadian bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree (or equivalent foreign education credentials)

Dual language ability gives candidates a strong advantage in Ontario’s bilingual job market.

Skilled Trades Stream

This stream is tailored to skilled trades workers with experience in an eligible occupation.

Candidates must have:

• 1+ years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade (NOC B)
• A valid Ontario license/certification, if required for their trade
• Legal status and valid work permit if applying from within Canada
• Language ability of CLB 5 or higher in English or French

Eligible skilled trades include construction, industrial, mechanical, maintenance, and repair.

To easily see and compare the requirements for each Express Entry stream, see the table below:

Stream	Work Experience	Education	Language Ability	Additional Requirements
Human Capital Priorities	1 year NOC 0, A, B	Canadian bachelor’s, master’s or PhD	CLB 7+ English or French	Valid Express Entry profile
French-speaking Skilled Worker	1 year NOC 0, A, B	Canadian bachelor’s, master’s or PhD	CLB 7+ French, CLB 6+ English	Valid Express Entry profile
Skilled Trades	1 year NOC B trade	Ontario license/certification if required	CLB 5+ English or French	Valid work permit if in Canada

Masters and PhD Graduate Streams

These OINP streams are designed for international students who graduated from Ontario master’s and PhD programs.

A key benefit is that applying under these streams requires no job offer.

Masters Graduate Stream

This stream is open to international graduates from an eligible Ontario master’s degree program.

The additional requirements are:

• Completed master’s program at an Ontario university in the past 2 years
• Lived legally in Ontario for at least 1 year in the past 2 years
• Language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher in English or French

PhD Graduate Stream

This stream is tailored to international graduates of a doctoral PhD program at an eligible Ontario university.

To apply, candidates must have:

• Completed an Ontario PhD program within the past 2 years
• Legally lived in Ontario for at least 1 year in the past 2 years

To easily compare the criteria for the two graduate streams, see the table below:

Stream	Education	Timeframe	Ontario Residence	Language Ability
Masters Graduate	Ontario masters degree	Graduated within past 2 years	1 year within past 2 years	CLB 7+ English or French
PhD Graduate	Ontario PhD degree	Graduated within past 2 years	1 year within past 2 years	None specified

Employer Job Offer Streams

These OINP streams require a qualifying job offer from an Ontario employer willing to support a candidate’s nomination.

Foreign Worker Stream

This stream facilitates hiring foreign workers with eligible long-term job offers in Ontario.

Additional requirements include:

• Full-time permanent job offer in a NOC 0, A or B occupation
• 2 years of related work experience if no license/authorization is required for the occupation
• Job offer wage must equal or exceed median wage levels in the region

International Student Stream

This stream assists graduates of Canadian post-secondary programs in transitioning to permanent residence.

Candidates require:

• An eligible Canadian post-secondary credential
• A full-time permanent job offer in a NOC 0, A or B occupation
• A job offer wage exceeding provincial wage standards

In-Demand Skills Stream

This stream allows applicants with 1 year of work experience to qualify for positions in high-demand occupations.

Criteria include:

• 1 year of work experience in the occupation
• A full-time permanent job offer in an in-demand occupation
• High school education and CLB 4 language proficiency
• Job offer wage exceeding provincial wage standards

To easily compare employer stream criteria, see the table below summarizing key requirements:

Stream	Job Offer	Work Experience	Education	Language	Wage
Foreign Worker	NOC 0, A, B	2 years if no license/authorization	None	None	>= median wage
International Student	NOC 0, A, B	None	Canadian post-secondary credential	None	> provincial standards
In-Demand Skills	In-demand occupation	1 year	High school	CLB 4	> provincial standards

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Under OINP Streams

Now that we’ve covered the eligibility criteria, let’s look at how to apply under each stream category.

Express Entry Application Process

1. Create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool
2. Obtain Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario
3. Apply online to Ontario within 45 days of NOI
4. Get a nomination from Ontario if approved
5. Receive 600 bonus CRS points after nomination
6. Get Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next Express Entry draw
7. Submit PR application to IRCC within 90 days

Masters & PhD Graduate Application Process

1. Create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool
2. Register profile in Ontario’s Express Entry pool
3. Get an invitation to apply from Ontario
4. Apply online within 14 days of the invitation
5. Obtain nomination from Ontario if approved
6. Apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence

Employer Job Offer Streams Application Process

1. Obtain an eligible long-term job offer from an Ontario employer
2. Employer registers and submits application to Ontario
3. Employer nominates candidate if approved
4. Candidate applies directly to IRCC for permanent residence

What Happens After You Are Nominated By Ontario?

If you are successfully nominated through any OINP stream, follow these next steps:

• Accept the nomination within 30 days to avoid having it expire
• Add 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile
• Get invited to apply for PR in the next Express Entry draw
• Submit an application to IRCC within 90 days of ITA
• Get PR approved within 6-12 months if the application is successful

Gaining a nomination from Ontario adds a key advantage during both the Express Entry and permanent residence processes.

Why Immigrate Through Ontario PNP? Benefits and Advantages

There are five main reasons to consider immigrating through the OINP compared to other Canadian immigration programs.

Faster Processing Times

OINP streams see significantly faster processing than other economic immigration programs.

While other programs process applications in 60+ months, OINP aims to process completed applications within 6-16 months after nomination.

Higher Nomination Limits

Ontario nominates approximately 8,000 immigrants annually through its PNP.

This allows more applicants to benefit compared to provinces with lower thresholds.

Provincial Endorsement of Your Skills

Nomination by Ontario confirms your skills and experience are well-matched to the province’s economic needs.

This endorsement can help streamline the overall process.

Higher Chance of Gaining PR Status

A nomination from Ontario adds a crucial 600 bonus CRS points during Express Entry ranking.

This significantly improves the chances of receiving an ITA and PR approval.

In-Canada Options

Many OINP streams allow candidates already working or studying in Ontario to qualify.

This facilitates the transition from temporary to permanent status.

Tips for Improving Your Chances of Ontario PNP Nomination

Follow these six top tips to maximize your chances of success with the OINP:

Have a High CRS Score

Aim for a CRS score of at least 450+ without provincial nomination points. This shows your profile is competitive.

Obtain a Job Offer

Employer streams offer the highest chance of nomination since they demonstrate labour market demand.

Show Significant Ties To Ontario

Prior education, work experience, visits to Ontario, job applications, networks, etc. help prove your connection to the province.

Meet or Exceed Minimum Language Requirements

Most streams require proficiency of CLB 7 or higher. Improving language boosts eligibility.

Proactively Gather Key Documents

To avoid delays, have key documents like ECAs, police certificates, and proof of funds ready in advance.

Respond Quickly If Invited To Apply

You have only 14-90 days to submit your complete application after getting an invitation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Your OINP Application

Given the competitive nature of the OINP, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes on your application that could lead to refusal.

Incorrect NOC Code on Job Offer

If applying under an Employer stream, ensure the NOC code fully matches your occupation. Even small errors could invalidate the offer.

Insufficient Settlement Funds

Carefully calculate the funds required for your family size and provide recent bank statements. Underestimating needed funds is a frequent reason for refusal.

Not Responding to NOI Within the Time Limit

You must apply to Ontario within 14-45 days of receiving a Notification of Interest depending on the stream. Missing this deadline forfeits your chance.

Inactive Express Entry Profile

Your Express Entry profile must stay active until you receive nomination from Ontario. Letting it expire will make you ineligible.

Failing to Accept Nomination

If you receive nomination from Ontario, you must accept it within 30 days or it will be revoked.

Language Test Expired

Check that your language test meets OINP requirements and has not expired before applying.

Education Credentials Not Validated

Get your foreign education credentials formally assessed through an approved agency like WES before applying.

Urgent Job Offer Not Justified

If applying under an Employer stream, the employer must demonstrate why the job offer is urgently needed for their business.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help ensure your Ontario PNP application progresses smoothly!

Exploring Other Ontario Immigration Options

In addition to the OINP, Ontario offers other programs that can provide alternative pathways to permanent immigration.

Ontario Entrepreneur Stream

This program assists entrepreneurs planning to start or buy businesses in Ontario. Applicants require:

• A business plan for an Ontario company
• Proof of minimum personal net worth
• Intent to be actively involved in daily operations

Ontario Refugee Claimant Stream

This pilot program helps eligible refugee claimants living in Ontario transition to permanent residence. Applicants must:

• Have an eligible claim in progress or an approved claim
• Have at least 1 year of work experience in Ontario
• Demonstrate English or French ability

Rural Immigration Pilot Program

This initiative in rural communities helps foreign workers and international graduates find a permanent residence. It has pathways for:

• Foreign workers in rural Ontario
• International graduates from rural colleges
• Economic development organization applicants

Is OINP the Right Path for Your Ontario Immigration?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program provides excellent opportunities for skilled workers, recent grads, and foreign workers with job offers to achieve permanent immigration.

With faster processing, high nomination volumes, and Provincial endorsement, the OINP can be a top choice compared to other Canadian PR programs.

Canada offers Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in other provinces that provide pathways to permanent residence based on local economic needs. Some of these other PNPs include:

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

FAQs related to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Article Sources

• What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)? – settlement.org
• Ontario PNP Program – roundworldimmigration.com
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program – OINP – immigtoronto.com