Ontario
Overview
Discover Ontario
Ontario, the heart of Canada, stands as the premier choice for global immigrants. Boasting a diverse population, this province is home to the nation’s capital, Ottawa, and its largest city, Toronto. With nearly 40% of Canadians residing here, Ontario is undeniably a mosaic of cultures. Over half of Toronto’s populace hails from outside Canada, illustrating the province’s rich multicultural tapestry. The province’s allure lies not just in its vibrant cities and communities but also in its thriving job market, high-income opportunities, and its commitment to welcoming immigrants. Annually, one-third of all newcomers to Canada choose Ontario as their new home.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Established in 2007, the OINP is Ontario’s initiative to address skill shortages, bolster investments, and ensure smooth integration of newcomers. This provincial nominee program plays a pivotal role in helping prospective immigrants, possessing the requisite skills and experience, gain a nomination from Ontario. Upon securing a nomination, aspirants can then proceed to apply for Canadian permanent residency through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). From a modest cap of 1,000 nominations at its inception, the OINP has grown exponentially. As of now, Ontario extends nominations to around 8,000 deserving individuals annually.
Understanding the OINP Streams
The OINP comprises various streams – Base and Enhanced. The Enhanced streams align with Canada’s Express Entry system, wherein candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those nominated through an Enhanced stream garner an additional 600 CRS points, virtually assuring them of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Conversely, Base streams aren’t tethered to the Express Entry system. Nominees from these streams must apply directly to IRCC.
Ontario Immigration Categories
Human Capital Category
Ontario Express Entry:
- Human Capital Priorities: This category includes the Federal Skilled Worker
Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). - Skilled Trades: For individuals with relevant Ontario work experience in an
eligible trade occupation. - French-Speaking Skilled Worker: This program operates, like Human Capital
Priorities, through FSWP and CEC. Applicants for French-Speaking Skilled Worker
must have strong skills in both French and English.
Masters & PHD Stream
The subsequent programs do not synchronize with Express Entry. Candidates are required to establish a profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Masters Graduate Stream: Designed for those who have earned their Master’s degrees from an Ontario University.
PhD Graduate Stream: Catered to those who have attained their Ph.D. degrees from an Ontario University.
Employer Job Offer Category
- Foreign Worker Stream: for skilled workers;
- International Students Stream: for recent graduates of Ontario post-secondary
institutions; - In-demand Skills Stream: for intermediate skilled workers in certain sectors, such as agriculture, construction, trucking and personal support workers.
Business Category
The Business Category caters to individuals looking to either launch a new business or acquire an established one in Ontario. Presently, the Entrepreneur Stream is the sole pathway within this category.
Ontario Regional Immigration Pilot
Ontario remains committed to revitalizing its rural and smaller communities. The Regional Immigration Pilot, a segment of the Employer Job Offer Category, aims to draw immigrants to these regions, addressing labor shortages and spurring economic growth. With 150 nomination slots available for 2021, this pilot targets individuals with job offers from designated pilot communities:
- Chatham-Kent
- Cities of Belleville and Quinte West
- City of Cornwall
Embarking on Your Ontario Journey
Ontario’s welcoming spirit, coupled with the OINP’s structured pathways, offers a golden opportunity for those dreaming of a future in Canada. Whether you’re a skilled worker, a budding entrepreneur, or a recent graduate, Ontario awaits with open arms. Join the OINP today and begin your Canadian journey in this land of endless possibilities.
