Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
OINP : Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) allows the government of Ontario to nominate individuals for immigration to Ontario. The OINP is one of the most varied and dynamic of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), with streams and categories designed to welcome skilled workers, graduates, and business immigrants.
Apart from the federal programs, such as the programs managed under the Express Entry immigration system, Ontario immigration authorities also offer unique pathways to Canada.
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OINP: An Overview
The following table shows the range of immigration streams and categories operated by the Ontario immigration authorities. Click on any item in the left column to learn more about that particular stream or category.
Ontario Express Entry | ||
Stream/Category | Job offer required? | Basic criteria |
Human Capital Priorities | No | Be in the Express Entry pool as a FSW or CEC candidate and meet a minimum CRS score requirement determined by the director [of the OINP] |
French-Speaking Skilled Worker | No | Be in the Express Entry pool as a FSW or CEC candidate with adequate-intermediate (CLB 7) or better French and developing-intermediate (CLB 6) or better English ability |
Skilled Trades | No | Be in the Express Entry pool as a CEC candidate and currently residing in Ontario, with work experience in a listed skilled trade occupation |
Graduate Streams | ||
Stream/Category | Job offer required? | Basic criteria |
Masters Graduates | No | Graduated from a Master’s program in Ontario within the last two years |
PhD Graduates | No | Graduated from a PhD program in Ontario within the last two years |
Employer Job Offer | ||
Stream/Category | Job offer required? | Basic criteria |
International Student | Yes | Graduated from a degree program at a Canadian college or university that is at least two years in length, or a diploma program at a college or university that is at least a one-year post-graduate certificate program |
Foreign Worker | Yes | Have a permanent job offer in a skilled occupation that meets the prevailing wage levels in Ontario for that occupation and region. |
In-Demand Skills | Yes | Recently worked in Ontario in a high-demand construction or agriculture occupation |
Business Streams | ||
Stream/Category | Job offer required? | Basic criteria |
Entrepreneur | No (but must create jobs) | Business owner/managerial experience, high net worth (min. $400,000), personal investment funds (min. $200,000), create two or more jobs |
Corporate | n/a | Terminated in 2019 |
Steps to a successful OINP application
If you want to ensure that your OINP application is as successful and stress-free as possible then you need to make sure that you pay attention to the following helpful steps :
This may sound like a pretty obvious point to make but the reality is that many OINP applicants fail to ensure that they meet the minimum eligibility qualifying criteria. So, to avoid this stress make sure you meet all the mandatory requirements for the OINP stream you’ve applied for.
Once you’ve chosen your stream, you must apply online, through the OINP e-Filing Portal. It takes between two to three hours to complete the application.The application cost for the employer job offer and human capital streams is either $1,500 or $2,000, and for the the business streams is $3,500 per business partner or key staff applicant.Application processing times vary, read Application Processing Times and Nominations Issued for more information.
If your application is successful and you are nominated by the Ontario government, the next step is to apply for permanent residence through IRCC. The Government of Canada makes the final decision on who becomes a permanent resident.
Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities
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The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream is a unique, dynamic way of bringing people to Canada’s most populated province.
Since being introduced in 2015, the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream has been an undeniable success. In many ways, it has become the centrepiece of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), through which Ontario welcomes newcomers from around the world.
The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream requires candidates to have an active Express Entry profile in order to be considered. Ontario periodically invites candidates from the Express Entry pool to submit an application for provincial nomination. Ontario announces the points range for each round of invitations and sometimes restricts invitations to candidates with experience in certain occupations.
Successful applicants to the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, typically followed soon by an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
A job offer is not required in order to qualify under this stream, though candidates with a job offer have been prioritized for invitation in the past.
How is it unique?
Ontario searches the Express Entry pool for candidates who meet the criteria, who may then receive a Notification of Interest (NOI, effectively an invitation) from the OINP. This makes the program passive, because not only can candidates not apply directly, they also can’t make an ‘Expression of Interest’ in eventually applying. This offers hope to eligible candidates that Ontario may issue them a NOI.
Ontario has issued NOIs to eligible candidates on an intermittent basis. However, the province has also on occasion tweaked its own eligibility criteria in order to select certain candidates.
Most notably, in July 2019, Ontario announced that it was introducing tech-specific draws to the Human Capital Priorities stream. These draws target tech workers with experience in one of the following occupations:
Occupations eligible for Ontario’s Tech Draws | |
---|---|
Occupation Title | NOC Code |
Software engineers and designers | NOC 2173 |
Computer programmers and interactive media developers | NOC 2174 |
Computer engineers | NOC 2147 |
Web designers and developers | NOC 2175 |
Database analysts and data administrators | NOC 2172 |
Computer and information systems managers | NOC 0213 |
In addition to these tech-specific draws, there have been other instances when Ontario has prioritized candidates with experience in certain priority occupations.
How can Express Entry candidates benefit?
Ontario can only search what is already in the pool, so it is important to have an up-to-date Express Entry profile. The potential pay-off is huge — successful applicants to the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream receive 600 additional CRS points, with an ITA for permanent residence more or less guaranteed in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream eligibility criteria
In order to be eligible under Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream, individuals must meet certain criteria.
Express Entry profile criteria
Candidates must:
have a valid profile in the Express Entry pool;
be eligible under either the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC); and
indicate an interest in immigrating to either Ontario or “All Provinces and Territories” in the Express Entry profile.
Additional criteria
Work Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of either one year of work experience within the past five years according to the criteria under the FSWC OR one year of work experience within the past three years according to the criteria under the CEC.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Language:
A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French.
Settlement Funds:
A minimum level of savings or income.
Intent:
An intention to live in Ontario.
CRS score:
Must have obtained a minimum CRS score under the Express Entry system as determined by Ontario for each round of invitations.
Legal Status in Canada (if applicable):
Must have legal status in Canada (i.e., study permit, work permit, visitor record) if currently residing in Canada.
Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream: How it works
It is entirely feasible for an individual to complete the entire process of immigrating to Canada under the Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream within a 12-month period, if not even more quickly than that.
Below is a run-through of the process, from beginning to end.
- Meet the criteria of the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class (note that candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Class only are not eligible under this stream).
- Create an Express Entry profile.
- Meet the criteria for the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream.
- Receive a NOI from the OINP (note that not all eligible candidates may be issued a NOI).
- After receiving a NOI, you have 45 calendar days to apply to OINP.
- To apply, you must submit your application through the OINP e-Filing Portal and ensure that you include all the required supporting documents.
- Pay the OINP fee of $1,500.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a letter from OINP through your Express Entry account notifying you of your nomination. You have 30 calendar days to accept the nomination from Ontario in the Express Entry system.
- Receive 600 additional CRS points and an ITA for permanent residence at a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.
- Submit an application for permanent residence within 60 days of receiving the invitation to apply (ITA).
- Become a permanent resident of Canada.
The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream is one of three Express Entry-linked OINP streams. The other two are the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream and the Skilled Trades stream.
You can also view the complete application guide here.
Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
Ontario, Canada’s most populated province, has expanded its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to include a stream for skilled trades workers with work experience in an eligible trade occupation who wish to immigrate to Ontario.
This stream is aligned with Canada’s Express Entry immigration selection system. Successful applicants receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, followed by an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. In addition, it is worth noting that a job offer is not required in order to qualify under this stream.
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Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Criteria
Applicants to this stream must:
Have a valid profile in the Express Entry pool;
Be eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC);*
Indicate an interest in immigrating to either Ontario or “All Provinces and Territories” in the Express Entry profile; AND
Have received a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario through the Express Entry online account.
In addition, the following criteria must be met:
A minimum of 12 months of full-time (or the equivalent in part-time) work experience in Ontario within two years from the date on which the NOI from Ontario was issued. Work experience must be in a skilled trade occupation listed in Minor Group 633 or Major Group 72, 73, or 82 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system (see below).
A trade license or certification from the Ontario College of Trades if working/have worked in an occupation in Ontario that requires a license or certification.
Currently residing in Ontario on a valid work permit.
A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French.
An intention to live in Ontario.
A minimum level of savings or income
Settlement funds requirement for your family size
Number of family members | Required funds (in CAD) |
---|---|
1 (single applicant) | $13,310 |
2 | $16,570 |
3 | $20,371 |
4 | $24,733 |
5 | $28,052 |
6 | $31,638 |
7 | $35,224 |
For each additional family member, add | $3,586 |
*Candidates not eligible under the CEC (i.e. candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Class and/or Federal Skilled Trades Class only) are not eligible under the Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream.
Some other things to note:
There is an OINP application fee of $1,500.
Potential applicants must have received a NOI from Ontario through their Express Entry account before they can apply to the OINP under the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream. The NOI is valid for 45 calendar days, which means that applicants must submit the application to the OINP within 45 days of receiving the NOI.
Eligible occupations for the Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream:
The following occupation groups include a range of eligible occupations for the Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream.
Simply click on any group to view the list. The four-digit code accompanying each occupation is the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for that occupation.
- 6331 — Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
- 6332 — Bakers
720 — Contractors and supervisors, industrial, electrical and construction trades and related workers
- 7201 — Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
- 7202 — Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- 7203 — Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- 7204 — Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
- 7205 — Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
723 Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades
- 7231 — Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- 7232 — Tool and die makers
- 7233 — Sheet metal workers
- 7234 — Boilermakers
- 7235 — Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- 7236 — Ironworkers
- 7237 — Welders and related machine operators
724 Electrical trades and electrical power line and telecommunications workers
- 7241 — Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 7242 — Industrial electricians
- 7243 — Power system electricians
- 7244 — Electrical power line and cable workers
- 7245 — Telecommunications line and cable workers
- 7246 — Telecommunications installation and repair workers
- 7247 — Cable television service and maintenance technicians
725 Plumbers, pipefitters and gas fitters
- 7251 — Plumbers
- 7252 — Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
- 7253 — Gas fitters
727 Carpenters and cabinetmakers
- 7271 — Carpenters
- 7272 — Cabinetmakers
728 Masonry and plastering trades
- 7281 — Bricklayers
- 7282 — Concrete finishers
- 7283 — Tilesetters
- 7284 — Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
729 Other construction trades
- 7291 — Roofers and shinglers
- 7292 — Glaziers
- 7293 — Insulators
- 7294 — Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
- 7295 — Floor covering installers
730 Contractors and supervisors, maintenance trades and heavy equipment and transport operators
- 7301 — Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- 7302 — Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
- 7303 — Supervisors, printing and related occupations
- 7304 — Supervisors, railway transport operations
- 7305 — Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
731 Machinery and transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicle)
- 7311 — Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- 7312 — Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- 7313 — Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- 7314 — Railway carmen/women
- 7315 — Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- 7316 — Machine fitters
- 7318 — Elevator constructors and mechanics
732 Automotive service technicians
- 7321 — Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
- 7322 — Motor vehicle body repairers
733 Other mechanics and related repairers
- 7331 — Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
- 7332 — Appliance servicers and repairers
- 7333 — Electrical mechanics
- 7334 — Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
- 7335 — Other small engine and small equipment repairers
736 Train crew operating occupations
- 7361 — Railway and yard locomotive engineers
- 7362 — Railway conductors and brakemen/women
737 Crane operators, drillers and blasters
- 7371 — Crane operators
- 7372 — Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
- 7373 — Water well drillers
738 Printing press operators and other trades and related occupations not elsewhere classified
- 7381 — Printing press operators
- 7384 — Other trades and related occupations, not elsewhere classified
821 Supervisors, logging and forestry
- 8211 — Supervisors, logging and forestry
822 Contractors and supervisors, mining, oil and gas
- 8221 — Supervisors, mining and quarrying
- 8222 — Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
823 Underground miners, oil and gas drillers and related occupations
- 8231 — Underground production and development miners
- 8232 — Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
824 Logging machinery operators
- 8241 — Logging machinery operators
825 Contractors and supervisors, agriculture, horticulture and related operations and services
- 8252 — Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- 8255 — Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
826 Fishing vessel masters and fishermen/women
- 8261 — Fishing masters and officers
- 8262 — Fishermen/women