Unlock Your Path to Ontario Canada | A Step-by-Step Guide to the OINP

Through partnerships with the Government of Canada, the OINP facilitates the nomination of candidates who meet Ontario's economic needs, with final approval for permanent residency resting with the federal government. Whether you're an aspiring immigrant or an Ontario-based business seeking international talent, the OINP offers pathways to fulfill your goals.

Discover how individuals from outside Canada, such as foreign workers, international students, or business owners, can seek permanent residency in Ontario through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Alternatively, learn how Ontario businesses can tap into international talent through this program.

Overview:

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) stands as the province's key economic immigration initiative, operating in collaboration with the Government of Canada under Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Qualified individuals—ranging from foreign workers to international students—can apply for nomination through the OINP, provided they possess the requisite skills, experience, and education.

Successful nominees are those who match the skills and expertise in demand in Ontario's economy. However, it's important to note that final approval for permanent residency rests with the Government of Canada.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) employs two intake systems to manage applications. Before you can apply, you need to register in either the Expression of Interest system or the Express Entry system. This informs the OINP that you're interested in being invited to apply.

After receiving a notification of interest through the Express Entry system, there's no need to reach out to the program directly. You have 45 calendar days from the date of your Ontario notification of interest to submit your application to the OINP.

1. Identify the Invitation: Once you receive a notification of interest, you can submit an online application to the OINP if you qualify under the specific Ontario Express Entry stream that issued your notification. Use the date of your notification of interest to locate the details of the draw on the OINP Program Updates page.
2. Check Eligibility: Each stream has its own set of requirements that must be met before you can apply. Review the requirements for the following streams:
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream
• Human Capital Priorities stream
• Skilled Trades stream
3. Gather Supporting Documents: You'll need to provide supporting documents to validate the information in your application and prove your eligibility. Scan and upload all supporting documents in your online application, referring to the document checklist for the stream you're applying under. As of February 26, 2024, you must also sign, date, and upload the Applicant Consent Form after reviewing your application details in the e-filing portal. If you have an immigration representative, they cannot sign this form on your behalf. If a supporting document is not in English or French, include a copy of the original document and a notarized translation.
4. Submit Your Application: The submission process differs if you're using a representative or are one. Learn more about appointing or registering as a representative. To apply:

• Click the "Submit an Application" button below.
• Log into your My Ontario account as a returning user. If you don't have one, click "Create Account."
• Create a profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal.
• Click on the file number next to the stream for which you received a notification and start your application.
• Application Fee:

The application fee for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is $1,500, covering the processing costs.

Refunds:

Ontario will refund the fee only if:

• Your application is found to be incomplete.
• You withdraw your application before processing begins.

Unfortunately, they don't offer refunds for unsuccessful applications.

Checking Application Status:

You can monitor your application's progress through your account on the OINP e-Filing Portal.

Maintaining a Valid Express Entry Profile:

It's crucial to maintain a valid Express Entry profile throughout the application process until nomination. If your profile expires during processing, notify us immediately via our web form. Include:

• A copy of the acknowledgment letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the new Express Entry profile, including the Express Entry number and job seeker validation code.
• A copy of the letter from IRCC explaining why your old profile became ineligible.

Failure to update us with your new Express Entry profile will result in your application being returned as incomplete, and your fee refunded.

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):

If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC while your OINP application is under processing:

• Your profile is no longer available for nomination.
• You must decide to:
• Reject the ITA issued by IRCC.
• Withdraw your OINP application.

If you reject the ITA, promptly send us a request to continue processing your application via our webform. Include a screenshot confirming your decision.

Upon receiving an invitation to apply through the Expression of Interest (EOI) system, there's no need to contact the program. You have 14 calendar days from the date of your invitation to submit your application.

1. Check Eligibility: Each stream has specific requirements you must meet before applying. Review the requirements for:
• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
• Masters Graduate stream
• PhD Graduate stream
2. Prepare Supporting Documents: You must provide supporting documents to validate your application information and prove your eligibility. Scan and upload all supporting documents in your online application, referring to the document checklist for your chosen stream. As of February 26, 2024, sign, date, and upload the Applicant Consent Form after reviewing your application details in the e-filing portal. If a supporting document isn't in English or French, provide a copy of the original document and a notarized translation.

Ensure your application is complete and all required documents are uploaded. Incomplete applications will be returned, and your fee refunded.

3. Submit Your Application: If you're using or are a representative, the submission process varies. Learn more about appointing or registering as a representative. Follow these steps to apply:

• Click the “Submit an application” button.
• Log into your My Ontario account as a returning user.
• From your My Applications page, click on the file number link to begin your application.

Note: Your new application file number is different from your EOI file number (EOI-JOXX-XXXXXX), which will appear greyed out—this is not an error. Do not withdraw your EOI file. You must demonstrate that you meet all stream requirements at the time of your application, including qualifications claimed in your EOI registration. Misleading information may result in denial or penalties.

If You Don't Apply After Receiving an Invitation: If you receive an invitation but don't submit an application within the timeline, your EOI will be removed from the selection pool (EOIs for other streams remain). You'll receive an email notification and can register a new EOI anytime.

Cost to Apply:

• Master Graduate, PhD Graduate, and Employer Job Offer: International Student streams: $1,500.
• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and In-Demand Skills streams:
• $1,500 if the job offer is outside the Greater Toronto Area.
• $2,000 if within the Greater Toronto Area (City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel regions).

The fee covers processing costs and only Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, and Mastercard Debit are accepted. Refunds are only provided for incomplete applications or withdrawals before processing begins. Unsuccessful applications are non-refundable. Check your application status via the OINP e-Filing Portal.

Navigating the OINP e-Filing Portal

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) operates online, where all registrations and applications must be submitted through your profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal.

To apply under various streams, follow these steps:

1. Create a Profile:
• Access the OINP e-Filing Portal.
• Register an expression of interest for the stream(s) you are interested in.
• Receive an invitation to apply.

After receiving an invitation, submit your application within 14 calendar days for the following streams:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker
• Employer Job Offer: International Student
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills
• Masters Graduate
• PhD Graduate

For Ontario’s Express Entry streams, submit your application within 45 calendar days from the date of your notification of interest. These streams include:

• Human Capital Priorities
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker
• Skilled Trades

For the Entrepreneur stream, submit your application within 90 calendar days after receiving an invitation. There's no deadline for registering an Expression of Interest for this stream.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access the Portal

• Before accessing the OINP e-Filing Portal, ensure you are using the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
• Use a desktop or laptop computer; avoid mobile devices.

Step 2: Sign up for My Ontario

• New OINP Users:
• Click on "Create Account" and follow the prompts.
• Returning OINP Users:
• If you have a My Ontario Account, sign in and indicate you're a New Applicant.
• Remember your password, as it's essential for future logins.

Step 3: Register Your Expression of Interest

• Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
• Enter your information carefully; some fields can't be changed later.
• After registration, you'll receive a confirmation email.

Step 4: Fill out the Application

• Submit your application in the OINP e-Filing Portal within the deadline.
• Save your application as you go to avoid data loss.

Step 5: Pay the Fee and Submit

• Pay the application fee online via CCPay using Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, or Mastercard Debit.
• Once submitted, you can't make any changes.
• After payment, you'll receive confirmation of receipt and a payment receipt.

Additional Tips

• Upload Supporting Documents:
• Ensure all documents are clear and legible.
• Use accepted formats (.doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.).
• Keep file sizes within limits.
• Check Your Status:
• Log into your profile to track the status of your expression of interest or application.
• Look for updates in the Status column.
• Register for Invitation:
• You can apply only if invited.
• Register in either the Expression of Interest system or the Express Entry system to signal your interest in applying.

Ontario's Expression of Interest Streams operates within the OINP's system, requiring candidates to register their expression of interest and subsequently receive an invitation to apply. These streams cater to specific groups of applicants based on their qualifications and job offers in Ontario.

For those with a job offer in Ontario, there are several streams available. The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream is designed for skilled foreign workers who have received a job offer in Ontario.

Similarly, the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream is open to recent graduates who have a job offer in Ontario. Additionally, the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream targets foreign workers in high-demand occupations who have received job offers in Ontario.

Alternatively, for individuals with a Masters or PhD degree from an Ontario university, there are specialized streams. The Masters Graduate stream is for those with a master's degree from an Ontario university, while the PhD Graduate stream is tailored for candidates with a PhD degree from an Ontario university. These streams offer pathways for highly educated individuals to apply for permanent residence in Ontario based on their academic achievements and ties to the province.

Ontario's Express Entry Streams are facilitated through the federal government's Express Entry System, requiring candidates to have an Express Entry profile and receive a notification of interest from Ontario to qualify. These streams are designed to attract individuals with specific skills and experience that Ontario employers need.

For those possessing the necessary skills and experience, several streams are available. The Human Capital Priorities stream is ideal for candidates with required skilled work experience, education, and language abilities. Similarly, the Skilled Trades stream is tailored for foreign workers with Ontario work experience in eligible skilled trades.

Additionally, the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream caters to French-speaking foreign workers with strong English language abilities. These streams offer pathways for skilled individuals to apply for permanent residence in Ontario based on their qualifications and potential to contribute to the province's economy.

Receiving an invitation to apply or a notification of interest through the OINP's Expression of Interest streams involves several steps. First, you must register in the Expression of Interest system, and upon meeting the criteria, you'll receive an invitation to apply. You can also browse invitations to apply issued in 2023 for reference.

Similarly, under the federal Express Entry streams, the process begins with registering in the Express Entry system. Once registered, you need to receive a notification of interest before proceeding with your application. You can browse notification of interest issued in 2023 for further insights. Additionally, you can learn about Tech Draws under the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream, which may be relevant to your application.

Before applying to any of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) streams, it's crucial to check your eligibility as each stream has specific requirements. You must meet these requirements to be considered for nomination. Take the time to review the eligibility criteria for each stream, including the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, the Human Capital Priorities stream, and the Skilled Trades stream. Understanding these requirements will help ensure that you meet the qualifications necessary to apply for your chosen stream.

If you're ready to submit your application, feel free to reach out to us. At Brain Drain Consultants, we're always here to assist you with the best support and guidance throughout the application process. Don't hesitate to contact us whenever you're ready to take the next step in your immigration journey.

Ready to submit your application? Contact us at Brain Drain Consultants for assistance. Our team is here to provide you with the best support and guidance throughout the process. Remember, your immigration journey is important to us, so don't hesitate to reach out when you're ready to take the next step.

As for the cost, the application fee is $1,500, covering processing costs. Refunds are only available if your application is incomplete or withdrawn before processing begins; unfortunately, we don't offer refunds for unsuccessful applications. You can check your application status through your account in the OINP e-Filing Portal.

1. Check Eligibility: Each stream has specific requirements. Review the requirements for:

   • Foreign Worker stream

   • International Student stream

   • In-Demand Skills stream

   • Masters Graduate stream

   • PhD Graduate stream

2. Provide all necessary supporting documents to validate your application and prove eligibility. Scan and upload them in your online application, following the document checklist for your chosen stream. As of February 26, 2024, sign, date, and upload the Applicant Consent Form after reviewing your application details in the e-filing portal. For documents not in English or French, include a copy of the original document and a notarized translation. Ensure your application is complete and all required documents are uploaded to avoid returns and fee refunds for incomplete applications.
3. Submit Your Application: The submission process varies depending on whether you're using a representative or submitting the application yourself. Follow these steps to apply: Click the "Submit an application" button. Log into your My Ontario account as a returning user. From your My Applications page, click on the file number link to begin your application.
4. Cost to Apply: The application fee varies depending on the stream: For the Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate, and Employer Job Offer: International Student streams, the fee is $1,500. For the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and In-Demand Skills streams: $1,500 if the job offer is outside the Greater Toronto Area. $2,000 if within the Greater Toronto Area (City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel regions).

Thank you for watching this video on the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. If you found this information helpful and are considering applying, don't hesitate to reach out to Brain Drain Consultants for expert guidance and support throughout the application process. Stay tuned to A2Z Immigration Updates for more informative content on immigration and visa updates. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for the latest updatesTop of Form.Bottom of Form