Ontario is Canada’s most populous province, with over 14 million residents. Its cities include Ottawa, Canada’s capital, and Toronto, the provincial capital and Canada’s largest city. Ontario is a diverse province full of unique sites and experiences. From outdoor adventures to cultural events, Ontario is a world-class destination.
If you are interested in immigrating to Ontario, you need to learn about the province’s immigration system, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
If you have the right skills, education, and experience to contribute to Ontario’s economy, you can apply to the OINP for a nomination to become a permanent resident.
Individuals from both within and outside of Canada are eligible to apply for the OINP. To qualify, an individual must fit into one of the following categories and streams:
- Employer Job Offer Category: For individuals who have an offer of a permanent job from an employer in Ontario.
- Foreign Worker stream: For individuals with a job offer for a skilled occupation at Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B under the National Occupation Classification (NOC).
- International Student stream: For recent graduates with a degree or diploma from an eligible Canadian institution and a job offer for a skilled occupation at Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B under the National Occupation Classification (NOC)
- Human Capital: This category is for individuals who have useful work experience, language skills, and education, as well as a profile in the federal Express Entry system. This category is also for graduate students.
- International Graduate stream: For recent graduates of a master’s degree or PhD program from an eligible Ontario university.
- Ontario’s Express Entry: For individuals who have an up-to-date profile in the federal Express Entry system. You must have also received a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the Government of Ontario. The 3 streams in this program are:
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream: For French-speaking individuals with the necessary work experience and education. Must also have language proficiency in French AND English.
- Human Capital Priorities stream: For individuals with the necessary work experience and education. Must have language proficiency in French OR English.
- Skilled Trades stream: For individuals with work experience in Ontario in an eligible trade occupation.
Once you know which category and stream you meet the requirements for, you must apply online through the Government of Ontario’s OINP e-Filing Portal. Please note that the application may take two hours or more to complete. Application processing times may vary.
