The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program was launched in 2007 to provide immigration to workers. This program aims to fulfill the skill shortages in targeted areas and ensure immigrants can settle and integrate well in the province.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee program follows two intake systems to manage applications:

1. Expression of Interest system 

2. Express Entry system 

You need to choose the right stream to let the OINP know you wish to be invited to apply.

Different streams of Ontario Immigrant Nominee programs

1. Human Capital Category:

• International Graduates Stream: It is for international students who have graduated from eligible Ontario institutions and have a job offer in a skilled occupation in Ontario.

• Masters Graduate Stream: Designed for graduates with a Master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university who intend to live and work in the province.

• Ph.D. Graduate Stream: Similar to the Masters Graduate Stream but intended for Ph.D. graduates from eligible Ontario universities.

2. Employer Job Offer Category:

• Foreign Worker Stream: For skilled workers with a job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible occupation.

• International Student Stream: For international students with a job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible occupation.

3. Business Category:

• Entrepreneur Stream: This stream is open for individuals who want to start a new business or buy an existing business in Ontario and actively manage it.

• Corporate Stream: This is for established international corporations looking to expand into Ontario or buy an existing Ontario business.

• Investors Stream: Individuals who want to invest passively in Ontario can apply for this stream.

4. Ontario’s Express Entry Streams:

• Human Capital Priorities Stream: This stream targets skilled workers with work experience in eligible occupations who meet Ontario’s provincial criteria.

• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: This stream is for French-speaking skilled workers with strong English language abilities who want to live and work permanently in Ontario.

• Skilled Trades Stream: For skilled trades workers with a valid Express Entry profile and work experience in an eligible skilled trade occupation.

5. Other Streams:

• In-Demand Skills Stream: Targets candidates with work experience in one of Ontario’s in-demand occupations identified by the province.

• Regional Immigration Pilot: A community-driven program designed to spread the benefits of immigration to smaller communities in Ontario. It includes the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream and the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream.

Eligibility criteria for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program 

• Educational qualification with at least a bachelor’s degree 

• Language proficiency would be needed 

• You need to score a CRS score of 400 or more 

• Relevant work experience would be required 

• Sufficient funds would be needed 

• Legal status

• Adequate investment

How do you apply for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program?

Application via Express Entry system

1. You will get the notification through the Express Entry system.

2. After this, you must apply the OINP within 45 calendar days of receiving the notification. While filling out the application, use the date of your notification of interest to locate the draw details on the OINP Program Updates page.

3. Meet the requirements like

• Choosing a French-speaking skilled worker stream if you know French with strong English language abilities

• Human capital priorities stream if you have the necessary skills, work experience, education, and language proficiency. 

• Skilled trades stream if you are a foreign national with Ontario work experience in an eligible skilled trade.

4. Keep the supporting document ready to prove that you have provided the right information supporting your eligibility. 

5. Upload all the documents online. 

If you have the representative doing the process for you, they will submit the form. However, if you are doing it yourself, you must log on to the official website, and create your account. Create your profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal, click on the file number for which you got the notification, and begin the application process. 

After Receiving an Invitation to Apply (EOI)

When you receive an invitation to apply through the Expression of Interest (EOI) system, you have 14 calendar days to submit your complete application.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Each application stream has specific eligibility requirements you must meet. Review the relevant stream details below:

    • Employer Job Offer Streams:

• Foreign Worker: Skilled foreign worker with a job offer in Ontario.

• International Student: Recent graduate with a job offer in Ontario.

• In-Demand Skills: Foreign worker in an in-demand occupation with a job offer in Ontario.

    • Graduate Streams:

• Master’s Graduate: Possess a master’s degree from an Ontario university.

• PhD Graduate: Possess a PhD degree from an Ontario university.

Supporting Documents:

• Prepare all supporting documents to verify your application information and eligibility.

• Scan and upload all documents within your online application. Refer to the specific document checklist for your chosen stream.

• As of February 26, 2024, You must sign, date, and upload the Applicant Consent Form with your application. Complete this form after reviewing your application details, and do not have an immigration representative sign it on your behalf.

• Non-English/French documents: Provide the original document and a notarized translation. Refer to the Document translation and notarization guide for details.

• Incomplete applications without all required documents will be returned with a fee refund.

Submitting Your Application:

     • The submission process differs for applicants with/without representatives. Learn more about appointing/registering as a representative.

     • Follow these steps to apply:

1. Click the “Apply” button below.

2. Log in to your My Ontario account (returning users).

3.Click the file number link from your My Applications page to begin your application.

4. Note: Your new application file number differs from your EOI file number. The EOI file number will appear greyed out, which is not an error. Do not withdraw your EOI file. Also, make sure that all the information you provide is accurate.