The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a pathway for skilled workers, international graduates, and business entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency in Canada. If you are considering applying through OINP, this guide answers the most frequently asked 20 questions about the program.

1. What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?

The OINP allows Ontario to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residency based on their skills, work experience, and ability to contribute to the province’s economy. It includes various streams targeting different applicants.

2. How Do I Apply to the OINP?

1. Determine your eligibility under one of the OINP streams.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if required.
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from OINP.
4. Submit a complete application to OINP.
5. If nominated, apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

3. What is the Expression of Interest (EOI) System in OINP?

The EOI system is used for certain OINP streams. Applicants create a profile and receive a score based on factors such as education, work experience, and language proficiency. Those with higher scores receive invitations to apply.

4. Do I Need a Job Offer to Apply for the OINP?

Not all streams require a job offer. Some streams that do not require a job offer include:

• Human Capital Priorities Stream (Express Entry)
• Masters Graduate Stream
• PhD Graduate Stream

However, the Employer Job Offer streams require a valid job offer from an Ontario employer.

5. What Are the Language Requirements for the OINP?

• Express Entry-linked streams require a minimum of CLB 7 in English or French.
• Employer Job Offer and Graduate Streams have different requirements, with some not requiring language tests.

6. How Long Does the OINP Application Process Take?

• OINP nomination processing: 1–3 months (It may vary)
• Permanent residence application (IRCC): 6–12 months (It may vary)

7. Can I Apply to the OINP If I Am Already in Canada?

Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen stream.

8. What Happens After I Receive a Nomination from Ontario?

• If nominated under an Express Entry-linked stream, you receive 600 additional CRS points, boosting your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
• You must then apply for permanent residence through IRCC.

9. Is There a Fee to Apply to OINP?

Yes, application fees depend on the stream:

• Employer Job Offer and Human Capital Streams: $1,500

10. What Are the Different Streams Under the OINP?

The OINP has two main categories:

1. Human Capital Category
   • Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Skilled Trades
   • Graduate: Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate
2. Employer Job Offer Category
   • Foreign Worker, International Student, In-Demand Skills

11. How Does OINP Compare to Express Entry?

• OINP is a provincial program, while Express Entry is federal.
• An OINP nomination adds 600 CRS points, increasing chances of PR.
• Some OINP streams do not require Express Entry.

12. Can I Apply for OINP Without an Express Entry Profile?

Yes, some streams, like the Masters Graduate and Employer Job Offer streams, do not require an Express Entry profile.

13. What Are the Minimum Eligibility Requirements for OINP?

Eligibility varies by stream and may include factors like education, work experience, job offer, and language skills.

14. How Many Points Do I Need to Get an Invitation Under the OINP?

• Express Entry-linked streams usually require 400+ CRS points. (It may vary)
• EOI-based streams have their own scoring system.

15. How Often Does OINP Issue Invitations?

OINP issues invitations regularly, depending on labor market needs.

16. Where Can I Check the Latest OINP Draws and Results?

You can check the latest draws on the Ontario government website.

17. Can International Students Apply for OINP?

Yes, international students can apply under the Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate, or Employer Job Offer – International Student streams.

18. What Should I Do If My OINP Application Is Refused?

• You may request an internal review if eligible.
• You can reapply if you meet the criteria.

19. Does OINP Guarantee Permanent Residency in Canada?

No, an OINP nomination does not guarantee PR. You must still meet IRCC’s criteria.

20. Where Can I Find More Information or Assistance Regarding OINP?

For official details, visit the Ontario government website. If you need professional assistance, feel free to contact Towhid’s Immigration Solutions for expert guidance!

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Do you need help with your OINP application? Get in touch with us today! Call +1 437 365 5729

Disclaimer: None of the above statements are legal advice and are not meant to be the same for everyone. You must check the latest policy from the IRCC website before applying. Everything is stated clearly on the official website, still if you don't understand something, you can seek legal advice.

I am NOT assuring you that every information / opinion mentioned above is 100% true and updated, therefore, liability goes to you to verify if you are acting upon any of those. 

If you notice any error / mistake, please feel free to reach out to me by email: info@rcictowhid.ca And I will be more than happy to cross check and modify as/if necessary.