Ontario PNP aims to attract and retain skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and individuals with specific expertise that aligns with the province’s economic priorities. By doing so, Ontario aims to address labour market gaps and contribute to its economic growth. The program seeks to diversify the province’s workforce and support industries critical to Ontario.
As one of Canada’s most populous provinces, Ontario has developed its PNP to meet the specific economic and demographic needs unique to the region. In this article, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Ontario PNP, such as its streams, and the application process.
Table of Contents
- Key Streams of the Ontario PNP
- Documents Needed for the Ontario PNP Visa
- Application Process of Ontario PNP Program (OINP)
- Cost of Applying to the Ontario PNP
- What is the Processing Time for the Ontario PNP?
- Ontario PNP Program (OINP) FAQs
Key Streams of the Ontario PNP
Within the Ontario PNP, there are several distinct streams for the different categories of immigrants. In this section, we will delve into the key streams of the Ontario PNP.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) employs an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to administer applications across several streams:
If you have a job offer in Ontario
1. Stream for Foreign Worker with an Employer Job Offer– Apply to the Employer Job Offer Stream for Skilled Foreign Workers if you’re a proficient foreign worker with a job opportunity in Ontario.
2. Stream for International Students with an Employer Job Offer– Apply to the Employer Job Offer Stream for International Students if you’re a recent graduate holding a job offer in Ontario.
3. Stream for In-Demand Skills with an Employer Job Offer– Apply to the Employer Job Offer Stream for In-Demand Skills if you’re a foreign worker specializing in an in-demand occupation and have a job offer in Ontario.
If you have a Masters or PhD degree from an Ontario university
1. Master’s Graduate Stream– Apply to the Master’s Graduate Stream if you hold a master’s degree from an Ontario university.
2. PhD Graduate Stream– Apply to the PhD Graduate Stream if you have a PhD degree from an Ontario university.
If you are a foreign entrepreneur
1. Entrepreneur Stream- As a foreign entrepreneur with an innovative business concept, you can apply to the Entrepreneur Stream. This stream offers you the opportunity to immigrate to Ontario and launch a new business or expand an existing one within the province.
Express Entry
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) aligns with the federal Express Entry System to process applications across the following streams:
1. Human Capital Priorities Stream: Apply to the Human Capital Priorities Stream if you have the necessary skilled work experience, education, and language proficiency.
2. Skilled Trades Stream: Apply to the Skilled Trades Stream if you’re a foreign worker with relevant Ontario work experience in an eligible skilled trade.
3. French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: Apply to the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream if you’re a French-speaking foreign worker with proficient English language skills.
To be eligible for these streams, you must have received an invitation from the OINP and maintain an updated profile within the federal Express Entry system, including your latest work experience, language proficiency tests, and educational qualifications.
Applying to these streams is by invitation only. Creating a profile within the Express Entry System doesn’t imply application to the OINP or for permanent residency.
Documents Needed for the Ontario PNP Visa
The documents needed for applying to the Ontario PNP differ depending on the immigration program you apply for. But, some basic documents are:
- Identity proof
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Settlement plan
- Investment funds (if needed)
- Job offer (if needed)
- Language skill results
- Medical examination reports
- Police Clearance certificate
- ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)
- Proof of previous work experience (if needed)
- Dependent Children Information Certificate (in case your dependent child is immigrating too)
- Marriage certificate (in case your spouse is accompanying you)
Application Process of Ontario PNP Program (OINP)
There are different pathways to applying for the Ontario PNP Program. These are:
Pathway 1- Through EOI or Direct Submission
Step 1. Explore Eligibility Criteria: Begin by reviewing the eligibility criteria for various immigration programs.
Step 2. Select Immigration Stream: Choose the immigration stream that best aligns with your qualifications and objectives.
Step 3. EOI Submission: You can send an EOI to the OINP or directly submit it.
Step 4. Assessment Process (For EOI Submissions): It consists of the following steps:
- Your application enters a pool.
- OINP assesses your profile.
- Highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via email.
Step 5. Online Application: Upon receiving an ITA, applicants have 90 days to complete the online application.
Step 6. Document Submission: Submit the required documents as part of the application process.
Step 7. In-person Interview: Attend an in-person interview with OINP officials.
Step 8. Performance Agreement: After the interview, sign the Performance Agreement.
Step 9. Letter of Confirmation: The province of Ontario issues a Letter of Confirmation.
Step 10. Temporary Work Permit: Upon sending the letter to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you receive a temporary work permit.
Step 11. Provincial Nomination Application: If you meet the terms, apply for a provincial nomination.
Step 12. Nomination Confirmation: Await the provincial nomination confirmation.
Step 13. OINP Certificate of Nomination: If successful, receive the OINP Certificate of Nomination.
Step 14. Permanent Residence Application: Apply for permanent residence within six months.
Step 15. Assessment Process (For direct submissions): Upon applying directly, receive an email confirmation.
Step 16. Criteria Evaluation: If you meet the criteria, obtain:
- Provincial nomination certificate
- Work permit support letter
- Nomination approval letter
Step 17. Permanent Residence Application: Apply for permanent residence within six months.
Pathway 2: Through Express Entry
Step 1. Explore Eligibility Criteria: Begin by reviewing the eligibility criteria for the Express Entry system.
Step 2. Create MyCIC Profile: Create a profile on the MyCIC account within the Express Entry system.
Step 3. Note Validation Code and Profile Number: Take note of the job seeker validation code and the Express Entry profile number.
Step 4. Qualify for OINP Express Entry Programs: To be eligible for OINP Express Entry programs, ensure qualification under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
Step 5. Enter Express Entry Pool: Your application enters the Express Entry pool.
Step 6. Province Searches for Candidates: The province searches for potential candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Step 7. Notification of Interest (NOI): If you meet the criteria, you will receive a Notification of Interest (NOI).
Step 8. Application Submission to OINP: Submit your application to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) within 45 days.
Step 9. Email Confirmation: After submission, receive an email confirmation.
Step 10. Selection Results: If selected, you will receive:
- Nomination certificate
- Work permit support letter
- Nomination approval letter
Step 11. Provincial Nomination Integration: Ontario PNP integrates provincial nomination details into the Express Entry system.
Step 12. Accept Provincial Nomination: Accept the provincial nomination within 30 days.
Step 13. CRS Score Increase: Upon acceptance, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will increase by 600 points.
Step 14. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Receive the Invitation to Apply during the Express Entry draw.
Step 15. Permanent Residency Application: Submit the permanent residency application within 60 days.
By following these steps diligently, candidates can maximize their chances of successful immigration and permanent residency in Canada.
Cost of Applying to the Ontario PNP
The Ontario PNP cost depends on the immigration program. The fee structure is given in the table below:
| Immigration Program | Application Fees |
| Ontario’s Express Entry | CAD 1500 |
| Expression of Interest | No cost to apply |
What is the Processing Time for the Ontario PNP?
The application processing time for the Ontario PNP differs. It varies depending on the immigration streams. The detailed processing time is given in this table:
| OINP stream | Average processing time |
| 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 |
| Masters Graduate | 30 – 60 days |
| PhD Graduate | 30 – 60 days |
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 120 – 150 days |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 90 – 120 days |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills | 120 – 150 days |
| Entrepreneur | Expression of Interest (EOI) Assessment: Less than 30 days Applications: Depends on the application’s complexity |
The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program is an essential component of Canada’s immigration system. By offering various streams catering to skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses, Ontario provides a clear pathway to permanent residence for individuals contributing to the province’s economic growth and development.
Ontario PNP Program (OINP) FAQs
Q. Can I get selected for Ontario PNP without a job offer?
A. Yes, some OINP streams do not require a job offer to be eligible.
Q. Do I need LMIA for Ontario PNP?
A. You do not need to have an LMIA for Ontario PNP.
Q. How long does it take to get an Ontario PNP?
A. Processing for OINP differs according to the stream. It might take 30-120 days on average.
Q. What documents do I need for OINP?
A. You need basic documents like identity proof, a valid passport, proof of funds, and a settlement plan as well as stream-specific documents.
Q. What are the OINP express entry streams?
A. The express entry streams are Human Capital Priorities, Skilled Trades and French-speaking skilled Worker Streams.
Also read-
- OINP International Student Stream: Eligibility & More
- Spouse Open Work Permit Canada: Work Alongside Your Spouse
- PR Canada: Benefits, Eligibility, Application Steps & More
- Self-Employed Program: A Step-by-Step Guide to Permanent Residency
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: A Pathway to Canadian Residency
