Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a provincial-level economic immigration program in Ontario, Canada. Its primary purpose is to help Ontario increase its labor force to meet labor market demands and foster economic development. From a supply perspective, the program aims to nominate experienced and skilled applicants to contribute to the province’s economy. From a demand perspective, it assists Ontario employers in recruiting and retaining foreign workers. Applicants nominated by Ontario are eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency, often referred to as a “Maple Leaf Card.”

The OINP is mainly divided into three major categories: Human Capital, Employer Job Offers, and Business.

Ontario Employer Nomination:

Program Advantages:

  • Low requirements with no language, education, or age prerequisites.

Applicant Requirements: 

Applicants must have:

  1. Job positions classified under NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  2. Wages above the industry average.
  3. At least 2 years of relevant work experience in the past 5 years.
  4. No criminal record.

Employer Requirements: 

  1. Have been in operation in Ontario for at least 3 years.
  2. In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), have a minimum annual revenue of CAD 1 million and employ at least 5 full-time employees. 
  3. In areas outside the GTA, have a minimum annual revenue of CAD 500,000 and employ at least 3 full-time employees.
  4. Offer positions that are full-time and classified under NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3, with wages meeting the Ontario wage levels.

Application Advantages:

  1. Low language proficiency requirements.
  2. Simplified application process with no need for proof of funds.
  3. Fast processing times, typically 12 to 16 months.