Understanding the Different Streams Under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers several pathways for individuals who wish to immigrate to Ontario and settle in the province. By nominating candidates for permanent residence, the OINP helps Ontario meet its labor market and economic needs. Whether you're a skilled worker, an international student, or an entrepreneur, there’s likely a stream that fits your skills and aspirations.

Below is information on the streams under the OINP.

1. Human Capital Category

The Human Capital Category is designed for skilled workers who have the qualifications and work experience needed to contribute to Ontario’s economy. The streams under this category are aligned with the Express Entry system, making it easier for candidates to transition to permanent residency.

Key Streams Under the Human Capital Category:

• Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities Stream
• This stream targets skilled workers who are eligible for Canada’s Express Entry pool. If you meet the criteria, including having a strong Express Entry profile with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, Ontario may invite you to apply for a provincial nomination. If you receive the nomination, it will give you additional points in the CRS, boosting your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
• Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
• This stream is for French-speaking skilled workers who are eligible for Express Entry. Ontario aims to attract bilingual individuals who can contribute to the province’s French-speaking community and labor market. If you meet the French-language requirements and the Express Entry eligibility criteria, you may be invited to apply.
• Skilled Trades Stream
• For individuals with work experience in specific skilled trades, this stream targets workers who have a valid job offer in Ontario or have worked in Ontario for at least one year in a skilled trade. This stream does not require an Express Entry profile, and it’s a great option for skilled tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.

2. Employer Job Offer Category

The Employer Job Offer Category is designed for individuals who already have a job offer from an Ontario employer. This category is ideal for foreign workers and international students who have secured employment in Ontario and wish to obtain permanent residence.

Key Streams Under the Employer Job Offer Category:

• Foreign Worker Stream
• This stream is for foreign workers with a valid job offer from an Ontario employer. The job offer must meet certain criteria, such as being full-time, permanent, and in a high-skill occupation (NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B). You must also have the relevant work experience to meet the job requirements.
• In-Demand Skills Stream
• This stream targets foreign workers who have a job offer in one of Ontario’s in-demand occupations, particularly those in low-skilled or semi-skilled positions (NOC Skill Level C or D). These occupations often include positions in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
• International Student with a Job Offer Stream
• This stream is for international students who have graduated from an Ontario post-secondary institution and have received a job offer from an Ontario employer. The job offer must be full-time, permanent, and related to the applicant’s field of study.

3. Business Category

The Business Category is aimed at entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or investing in a business in Ontario. This category helps attract individuals with the financial resources and business experience to make a significant economic contribution to the province.

Key Streams Under the Business Category:

• Entrepreneur Stream
• This stream is designed for individuals who want to establish or buy a business in Ontario. To be eligible, applicants must have a significant amount of business experience and personal net worth, along with the intent to manage and operate the business. There are specific investment requirements, and the business must create jobs for Ontarians.
• Corporate Stream
• This stream is for foreign corporations or businesses that wish to establish a subsidiary or branch office in Ontario. It is designed for larger businesses looking to invest in the province. The corporate entity must meet several criteria, including demonstrating the ability to contribute to Ontario’s economy and create jobs.

4. International Student Category

The International Student Category is specifically for international students who have studied at an eligible institution in Ontario and wish to remain in the province permanently. The province encourages young talent who have completed their education in Ontario to stay and contribute to the local economy.

Key Streams Under the International Student Category:

• Masters Graduate Stream
• This stream is for international students who have completed a Master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university. If you’ve completed a graduate program in Ontario, this stream offers an excellent opportunity to transition to permanent residence without the need for a job offer.
• PhD Graduate Stream
• This stream is similar to the Masters Graduate Stream, but it is for students who have completed a PhD program at an eligible Ontario university. It provides an excellent pathway for highly skilled individuals who have studied in Ontario and wish to contribute their expertise to the province’s workforce.

5. Ontario’s Express Entry-Linked Streams

In addition to the streams mentioned above, Ontario also has specific Express Entry-linked streams to attract skilled workers who are eligible for the federal Express Entry system.

• Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities Stream
• This stream, which we previously mentioned, is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers with high CRS scores in Express Entry. If Ontario nominates you, it gives you additional points in the CRS, enhancing your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
• Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
• A similar Express Entry-linked stream but specifically targeting French-speaking skilled workers who meet the eligibility requirements for Express Entry.

To summarize, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program offers a variety of pathways to permanent residence for individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and experiences. It is important to carefully review the criteria for each stream to determine which one aligns best with your qualifications and goals. As the application process can be complex, assistance can be provided by consulting with a licensed immigration consultant and referencing the OINP website below: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp#section-0