The fastest pathway to immigrate to Canada is the Express Entry system. For this reason, it is also the most competitive. As of Dec. 20, 2021, there were 191,765 candidates in the Express Entry pool. When there is a large supply of skilled applicants, the cut-off point of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) could rise higher. The good news is that, once in the pool, candidates qualify for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Qualifying for these programs either boost a candidates’ CRS score by 600 points, or open them new pathways to immigrate to specific provinces.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issues the highest number of nominations among these programs. As the most populous Province in Canada, Ontario offers a wide variety of opportunities and services for newcomers. As of October 2021, about half of immigrants who came that year settled in Ontario. The following nine streams are open under the OINP:
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream
- Human Capital Priorities stream
- Skilled Trades stream
- Entrepreneur stream
- 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
The following are three of the most popular streams to help guide your path to immigration.
Human Capital Priorities Stream
Streams 5-9 listed above are open through the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates can register their interest for them, after submitting an EOI they are able apply once the government of Ontario invites them.
However, for streams 1-3 listed above are open to eligible candidates who are already in the Express Entry pool. The Province of Ontario sends eligible candidates a Notification of Interest (NOI) to their Express Entry inbox. These candidates can then submit an online application to the OINP. Under this program the Province of Ontario will give the candidate a 600 point boost.
Of the total number of NOIs issued in 2021, more than 75 per cent were for the Human Capital Priorities Stream. According to end of the year data, this stream has targeted tech professionals such as software engineers, computer programmers and database analysts, as well as professionals from the health, agriculture and manufacturing industries.
In order to be eligible, candidates must first create an Express Entry profile in the IRCC portal. Candidates must have at least one year of continuous, paid work experience in Type 0, A or B Skill in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The job in question can be full time or equivalent in part-time. It can be through different employers, but the job must be the same NOC within that year and there can’t be any gaps in between.
Candidates claiming self-employment experience have to furnish proof such as client reference letters and invoices. They must also prove they worked the equivalent of 1,560 hours within the year. These documents have to be verifiable through an independent third party. References by family or business partners are disqualified.
Candidates who have one year of Canadian work experience in a 0, A or B Skill can use work experience that is “cumulative” and not “continuous”. That is to say, the total period of work can have gaps as long as these periods add up to one year. However, work done while studying in Canada, whether paid or unpaid, is not eligible to be counted.
For Canadian jobs that require a professional license, candidates can only count work experience after that license was obtained.
Candidates must have a Canadian bachelor’s degree, master’s or PhD, or an equivalent from another country. Candidates with foreign education must get their credentials assessed by an organization approved by the IRCC, such as World Education Services (WES).
This stream requires a high Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Candidates must score CLB 7 or higher at a general test conducted by IELTS/CELPIP for English, or TEF/TCF for French.
Candidates must also demonstrate their intention to live in Ontario after the NOI is issued. At this instance, having a job in Ontario, leasing or owning property, and having professional and family ties in Ontario will be considered in favour of the candidate.
After getting an NOI, you have 45 days to apply to the OINP e-filing portal. There is an application fee of $1,500. Successful candidates are then sent a notification of the Nomination. After this 600 points are added to the candidate’s CRS score on Express Entry profile. Thereafter, the candidate has to wait for a draw by the IRCC. After receiving the nomination, candidates will be eligible for Provincial Nominee Program specific Express Entry draws, Foreign Skilled Worker Program draws and All Program draws in the Express Entry system draws.
OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
According to a 2019 report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, more than 16 per cent of Canada’s student population were international students. According to the annual report to parliament on Immigration, more than 11,500 study permit holders became Permanent Residents in 2019. The OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream gives a great advantage to international students who want to settle permanently in Canada.
In order to be eligible, candidates must have a job offer from an Ontario employer for a full-time and permanent position. This disqualifies seasonal job offers or contracts with an end-date. The job offer must be for an NOC Type 0, A or B Skill. The employer must prove that the position offered is urgently necessary for the business. Furthermore, the job must pay above the low wage level for that profession as designated by the job bank.
Candidates must have a two-year degree or diploma from an approved Canadian education institution. Alternatively, if a candidate has a one-year Canadian degree or diploma, it has to be in a program that requires a previous degree for admission.
Where the job offer is for a profession that requires a license to practice, the candidate must have obtained it prior to applying. The candidate must show an intention to live in Ontario in the same manner as described above.
Candidates must first create a profile in the OINP e-filing portal and register an expression of interest for this stream. Thereafter, they will receive an invitation to apply through the OINP e-filing portal. Once receiving an invitation, candidates must apply within 14 days. The application fee is $1,500.
OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
This program is welcome alternative to applicants in the Express Entry system who were relying on the Federal Skilled Worker program.
Eligible candidates must have a full time and permanent job offer from an Ontario employer. Again, this excludes seasonal work or contracts with end-dates. The pay must be above the median wage level for that profession. The employer must prove that the job is urgently necessary for the business.
Where the job requires licensing, the candidate must have obtained the relevant license in Ontario. For professions without a regulating license, candidates must demonstrate adequate and relevant work experience in the same NOC code as the job offer.
Similar to the international students’ stream, foreign workers must create a profile in the OINP e-filing portal and register an expression of interest. Once receiving an invitation to apply, the candidate must complete the application within 14 days. The application fee is $2,000 if the job offer is in the Greater Toronto Area, and $1,500 if it is outside.
Successful candidates are sent a nomination letter and letter of support for a work permit by email. Thereafter, the candidate must apply for Permanent Residence from the IRCC within six months.
There are many pathways to start your new life in Canada, and we can help you find the best route for your situation. Fill our free assessment or book a consultation with one of our immigration consultants for more information.
In order to be eligible, candidates must have a job offer from an Ontario employer for a full-time and permanent position. This disqualifies seasonal job offers or contracts with an end-date. The job offer must be for an NOC Type 0, A or B Skill. The employer must prove that the position offered is urgently necessary for the business. Furthermore, the job must pay above the low wage level for that profession as designated by the job bank.
Candidates must have a two-year degree or diploma from an approved Canadian education institution. Alternatively, if a candidate has a one-year Canadian degree or diploma, it has to be in a program that requires a previous degree for admission.
Where the job offer is for a profession that requires a license to practice, the candidate must have obtained it prior to applying. The candidate must show an intention to live in Ontario in the same manner as described above.
Candidates must first create a profile in the OINP e-filing portal and register an expression of interest for this stream. Thereafter, they will receive an invitation to apply through the OINP e-filing portal. Once receiving an invitation, candidates must apply within 14 days. The application fee is $1,500.
Every candidate is different
Canada needs newcomers with diverse experiences and backgrounds. To this end, the Canadian government has many immigration programs with their own requirements. Assess your unique situation and choose the pathway best suited to you.
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