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Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Complete Guide to Ontario Immigration in 2026

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is one of Canada's most active Provincial Nominee Programs, helping thousands of skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs immigrate to Ontario each year. As Canada's most populous province and economic powerhouse, Ontario offers exceptional opportunities for immigrants in diverse industries from technology and finance in Toronto to manufacturing in southwestern Ontario and natural resources in the north.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Ontario PNP in 2026, including all OINP streams and categories, eligibility requirements, the Expression of Interest system, application process, processing times, and strategic pathways to maximize your chances of receiving an Ontario provincial nomination worth 600 Express Entry CRS points.

Ready to apply for Ontario immigration? Get a free assessment to determine which OINP stream best fits your qualifications and experience.

What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) allows the province of Ontario to nominate qualified individuals for Canadian permanent residence based on their skills, work experience, and ability to contribute to Ontario's economy. A provincial nomination from Ontario adds 600 points to your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, essentially guaranteeing you'll receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence in the next federal draw.

The OINP operates multiple immigration streams targeting different types of candidates: skilled workers with job offers, international students who graduated from Ontario institutions, skilled trades workers, French-speaking workers, workers in targeted occupations, and business entrepreneurs. Each stream has unique eligibility requirements and selection processes designed to meet specific Ontario labor market and economic needs.

Benefits of the Ontario PNP

  • 600 CRS Points: Ontario nominations add 600 points to your Express Entry score
  • Multiple Pathways: Various streams for different qualification profiles
  • Large Allocation: Ontario receives one of the largest provincial nominee allocations in Canada
  • Economic Opportunities: Access to Canada's largest economy with diverse industries
  • Quality of Life: World-class cities, excellent education and healthcare systems
  • Family Benefits: Bring your spouse and dependent children as part of your application

OINP Streams and Categories Overview

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is organized into three main categories, each containing multiple streams. Understanding which category and stream you're eligible for is the first step toward your Ontario provincial nomination.

Human Capital Category (Aligned with Express Entry)

This category targets skilled workers already in the federal Express Entry pool. Candidates must have an active Express Entry profile and be eligible for one of the three federal programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class). Human Capital streams include:

  • Human Capital Priorities Stream: For skilled workers with specific work experience, education, and language abilities that meet Ontario's economic priorities
  • French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: For skilled workers with strong French language abilities
  • Skilled Trades Stream: For workers in specific skilled trade occupations

Employer Job Offer Category

This category requires a valid job offer from an Ontario employer. Some streams are aligned with Express Entry (requiring an Express Entry profile) while others operate outside the federal system. Employer Job Offer streams include:

  • Foreign Worker Stream: For foreign workers with a job offer in a skilled occupation
  • International Student Stream: For international graduates from Canadian institutions with Ontario job offers
  • In-Demand Skills Stream: For workers in specific sectors with Ontario job offers (agriculture, construction, trucking, home care/support)

Business Category (Entrepreneur Stream)

This category targets entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in Ontario:

  • Entrepreneur Stream: For experienced business owners or senior managers who want to establish or purchase a business in Ontario and actively manage it

Human Capital Priorities Stream

The Human Capital Priorities Stream is one of the most popular OINP streams, targeting skilled workers in the Express Entry pool with specific work experience, education credentials, and language abilities that meet Ontario's current labor market priorities.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this stream, you must:

  • Express Entry Profile: Have an active Express Entry profile and be eligible for one of the federal programs (FSW, FST, or CEC)
  • CRS Score: Have a minimum CRS score as specified in the targeted draw (varies by draw)
  • Work Experience: Meet work experience requirements in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories specified in the draw
  • Education: Meet minimum education requirements (bachelor's degree or higher is common)
  • Language Proficiency: Meet minimum language requirements (typically CLB 7 or higher)
  • Settlement Funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and family members in Ontario
  • Ontario Residence Intent: Intend to live and work in Ontario after receiving permanent residence

How the Stream Works

Ontario conducts targeted Expressions of Interest (EOI) draws from the federal Express Entry pool. If you meet the criteria for a specific draw (which varies based on Ontario's labor market needs), you'll receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) inviting you to apply to the OINP. After receiving a NOI, you have 45 calendar days to submit a complete application to the OINP.

Targeted draws may focus on specific:

  • Occupations or industry sectors
  • CRS score ranges
  • Work experience in Ontario
  • Educational credentials (specific levels or fields of study)
  • Regional priorities within Ontario

French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream targets bilingual candidates with strong French and English language abilities. Ontario recognizes the value of French-speaking immigrants to its growing Francophone communities.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Express Entry Profile: Active profile eligible for FSW or CEC
  • French Language: Minimum CLB 7 in all four French abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
  • English Language: Minimum CLB 6 in all four English abilities
  • CRS Score: Meet the minimum score requirement for the draw (typically 300-400 points)
  • Work Experience: At least one year of continuous work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
  • Education: Minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • Settlement Funds: Sufficient financial resources for Ontario settlement

This stream is particularly valuable for candidates with strong French skills but CRS scores below typical Express Entry cutoffs, as Ontario regularly conducts French-speaking worker draws with lower CRS requirements than general Human Capital Priorities draws.

Skilled Trades Stream

The Skilled Trades Stream targets skilled tradespeople with work experience in eligible trade occupations. This Express Entry-aligned stream helps address Ontario's skilled trades labor shortages.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Express Entry Profile: Active profile eligible for Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Work Experience: At least one year of work experience in an eligible skilled trade within the past two years
  • Eligible Trade: Work experience in a trade classified under NOC major groups 72, 73, 82, 92, or minor groups 632 or 633
  • Certificate of Qualification: Hold a valid Certificate of Qualification in Ontario, OR be eligible to write a trade certification exam in Ontario
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing
  • Ontario Residence: Currently living in Ontario OR demonstrate intent to live in Ontario

Eligible trades include industrial electricians, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, construction millwrights, plumbers, carpenters, cooks, and many other skilled trade occupations critical to Ontario's economy.

Foreign Worker Stream

The Foreign Worker Stream is for skilled foreign workers who have a job offer from an Ontario employer in a skilled occupation. Unlike the Human Capital streams, this stream does not require an Express Entry profile.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Job Offer: Valid permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
  • Salary: Job offer must be at or above prevailing wage levels for the occupation in Ontario
  • Work Experience: At least two years of work experience in the same occupation as the job offer within the past five years
  • Language Proficiency: Meet minimum language requirements based on NOC TEER category (CLB 7 for TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3)
  • Education: Minimum Canadian equivalent of a college diploma or higher
  • Ontario Residence: If working in Ontario, must have legal status

Employer Requirements

The Ontario employer making the job offer must meet specific requirements:

  • Business established in Ontario for at least three years (GTA employers) or one year (outside GTA)
  • Meet minimum gross annual revenue requirements ($1 million for GTA, $500,000 outside GTA)
  • Meet minimum full-time employee requirements (5 for GTA, 3 outside GTA)
  • Provide detailed employment offer and business financial documents

International Student Stream

The International Student Stream helps international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions transition to permanent residence through Ontario provincial nomination. This stream is particularly popular among Post-Graduation Work Permit holders.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Education: Completed at least a two-year full-time diploma or degree program, OR completed a one-year full-time graduate certificate/diploma with a prior degree. Must have completed program at an eligible publicly-funded Canadian college or university
  • Graduation Timing: Graduated within the past two years from the time of application
  • Job Offer: Valid permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
  • Work Experience: None required (major advantage for recent graduates)
  • Language Proficiency: Meet minimum language requirements (CLB 7 for TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3)
  • Ontario Residence: If working in Ontario, must have legal status (such as PGWP)

The employer offering the job must meet the same requirements as the Foreign Worker Stream, including business establishment, revenue, and employee requirements.

Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate Streams

Ontario offers special streams for masters and PhD graduates from eligible Ontario universities that do NOT require job offers:

  • Masters Graduate Stream: For graduates with a master's degree from an eligible Ontario university. Must have graduated within the past two years and meet language requirements (CLB 7 English or French). No job offer required
  • PhD Graduate Stream: For graduates with a PhD from an eligible Ontario university. Must have graduated within the past two years. No job offer or language test required

These streams are highly competitive with limited annual intake. Applications are accepted only during specified intake periods announced by the OINP.

In-Demand Skills Stream

The In-Demand Skills Stream targets workers in specific sectors experiencing labor shortages: agriculture, construction, trucking, and home care/support. This stream provides pathways for workers in NOC TEER 4 and 5 occupations (lower-skilled positions).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Job Offer: Valid permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible occupation within the four sectors
  • Work Experience: At least 9 months (accumulated over the past 3 years) of full-time paid work experience in Ontario in the same occupation as the job offer
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
  • Education: Minimum Canadian equivalent of high school education
  • Ontario Residence: Must be residing in Ontario with valid work authorization

Eligible occupations include farm workers, nursery and greenhouse workers, meat cutters, industrial butchers, construction trades helpers, truck drivers, residential and commercial installers/servicers, home support workers, nurse aides, and other specific positions in the four target sectors.

Entrepreneur Stream

The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream provides a pathway for experienced business owners and senior managers to establish or purchase a business in Ontario. This stream operates through an Expression of Interest system separate from Express Entry.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Net Worth: Minimum personal net worth of $800,000 CAD (Greater Toronto Area) or $400,000 CAD (outside GTA)
  • Investment: Minimum investment of $600,000 CAD (GTA) or $200,000 CAD (outside GTA) in the proposed business
  • Ownership: Own at least one-third equity in the business (or minimum $1 million investment for less than one-third ownership)
  • Business Experience: At least 24 months of business ownership/management experience in the past 60 months
  • Job Creation: Create at least 2 full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (GTA) or 1 full-time job (outside GTA)
  • Active Management: Actively participate in day-to-day management of the Ontario business

Two-Stage Process

The Entrepreneur Stream operates through a two-stage process:

  • Stage 1: Submit Expression of Interest and receive invitation to apply. If approved, receive work permit support letter to come to Ontario and establish/purchase business
  • Stage 2: After meeting all performance agreement conditions (typically 20 months), apply for provincial nomination for permanent residence

The OINP Application Process

The application process varies depending on which stream you're applying through. Here's the general process for most OINP streams:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Review the requirements for each OINP stream and determine which stream(s) you may be eligible for. For Express Entry-aligned streams, ensure you have an active Express Entry profile. Use VisaVio's free assessment to evaluate your eligibility.

Step 2: Create Express Entry Profile (if required)

For Human Capital category streams, create your Express Entry profile and indicate Ontario as your province of destination. Wait to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario.

Step 3: Receive Notification of Interest or Submit EOI

For Express Entry-aligned streams, wait for Ontario to issue you a NOI. For non-Express Entry streams like Foreign Worker or International Student streams, you submit an Expression of Interest directly to the OINP when intake is open.

Step 4: Submit OINP Application

After receiving a NOI or invitation to apply, submit your complete OINP application within the specified timeframe (typically 45 calendar days for Express Entry streams, 14 days for others). Include all required documents:

  • Completed application forms
  • Language test results
  • Educational credentials and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • Employment reference letters and work experience documents
  • Job offer letter (if required for your stream)
  • Proof of funds
  • Settlement plan for Ontario
  • All supporting documents specific to your stream

Step 5: Application Processing

OINP will review your application for completeness and eligibility. Processing times vary by stream but typically range from 60 to 120 days. You may be asked to provide additional documents during processing.

Step 6: Receive Nomination

If approved, you'll receive a provincial nomination certificate from Ontario. For Express Entry-aligned streams, accept the nomination in your IRCC Express Entry account (this adds 600 CRS points). For non-Express Entry streams, use your nomination to apply for permanent residence through IRCC.

Step 7: Apply for Permanent Residence

With your Ontario nomination, apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing times for federal permanent residence applications are typically 6 months for Express Entry and 15-19 months for non-Express Entry streams.

Processing Times and Fees

OINP Processing Times

Processing times for OINP applications vary by stream:

  • Express Entry-Aligned Streams: 60-90 days
  • Employer Job Offer Streams: 90-120 days
  • Entrepreneur Stream: 60-90 days for initial assessment, 20+ months to meet performance agreement

After receiving your provincial nomination, federal permanent residence processing adds 6 months (Express Entry) or 15-19 months (non-Express Entry paper-based applications).

OINP Application Fees

  • Most OINP Streams: $1,500 CAD per application
  • Entrepreneur Stream: $3,500 CAD

These fees are in addition to federal permanent residence application fees charged by IRCC.

Common Reasons for OINP Application Refusal

1. Ineligibility for Chosen Stream

Failing to meet the specific requirements of your chosen stream results in refusal. Carefully review all eligibility criteria and only apply if you fully meet the requirements.

2. Insufficient or Incorrect Documentation

Missing documents, incorrect formats, or documents that don't clearly demonstrate eligibility lead to refusal. Ensure all employment reference letters include required information (job title, duties, dates, hours, salary) and all documents are properly translated if not in English or French.

3. Inability to Demonstrate Ontario Intent

Ontario wants nominees who genuinely intend to live and work in the province. Provide a detailed settlement plan explaining why you want to settle in Ontario, research about Ontario's economy and communities, and demonstrate ties to the province (such as family, previous residence, or job connections).

4. Job Offer Issues

For streams requiring job offers, the offer must be genuine, permanent, full-time, and from an eligible employer meeting all Ontario business requirements. Jobs that are temporary, part-time, or from employers who don't meet revenue/employee requirements won't qualify.

5. Expired Express Entry Profile

For Express Entry-aligned streams, if your Express Entry profile expires before OINP makes a decision, your OINP application will be refused. Maintain your Express Entry profile and extend it if necessary while your OINP application is processing.

Frequently Asked Questions About OINP

What is the difference between OINP and Express Entry?

Express Entry is the federal immigration system managing three federal programs. OINP is a provincial program that can nominate candidates either from the Express Entry pool or through non-Express Entry streams. An OINP nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score if you're in the pool, or allows you to apply for permanent residence outside Express Entry for non-aligned streams. Many candidates use both systems together for the best results.

Can I apply to OINP without a job offer?

Yes, several OINP streams do not require job offers: Human Capital Priorities Stream, French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, Skilled Trades Stream, Masters Graduate Stream, and PhD Graduate Stream. However, other streams like Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams do require valid job offers from Ontario employers.

How do I increase my chances of receiving an OINP Notification of Interest?

To improve your chances: create a strong Express Entry profile with high CRS score; indicate Ontario as your preferred destination; have work experience in occupations that are in-demand in Ontario; obtain high language test scores (especially French proficiency for French-speaking stream); consider gaining Canadian work experience through temporary work permits; and regularly update your Express Entry profile to reflect new qualifications.

What happens if my OINP application is refused?

If your OINP application is refused, you'll receive a detailed refusal letter explaining the reasons. Depending on the grounds for refusal, you may be able to reapply, potentially addressing the issues that led to refusal. There is no appeal process for OINP refusals. Contact VisaVio immediately if you receive a refusal to discuss your options.

Can I apply to multiple OINP streams simultaneously?

No, you can only have one active OINP application at a time. Choose the stream that best matches your qualifications and has the highest likelihood of success. If you receive a Notification of Interest for one stream but believe another stream is more suitable, you should carefully evaluate which path offers better prospects before submitting an application.

Do I need to live in Ontario while my application is processing?

This depends on your stream. For Express Entry-aligned Human Capital streams, you don't need to be in Ontario during processing. For Employer Job Offer streams, if you're already working in Ontario, you should maintain legal status. After receiving your provincial nomination and permanent residence, you must demonstrate your intent to settle in Ontario, though you don't need to move immediately. Once you become a permanent resident, you have the right to live anywhere in Canada, though your nomination was based on intent to settle in Ontario.

Can my family come with me through OINP?

Yes, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your permanent residence application. They don't need to meet OINP requirements separately—they're included based on your nomination. Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit while your application processes, and dependent children can attend school.

What is the Masters Graduate Stream and how does it work?

The Masters Graduate Stream is for graduates with a master's degree from an eligible Ontario university. The stream does not require a job offer, making it attractive for recent graduates. However, it has limited annual intake and typically fills within hours of opening. You must have graduated within the past two years, meet language requirements (CLB 7), and have resided in Ontario for at least one year during your two-year study period. Successful applicants must demonstrate intent to live in Ontario. Due to high competition, preparation before the intake period opens is crucial.

How does the OINP Entrepreneur Stream work?

The Entrepreneur Stream is a two-stage process. First, you submit an Expression of Interest and, if selected and approved, receive a work permit support letter to come to Ontario and establish/buy your business. During this entrepreneurial period (typically 20 months), you must meet performance agreement conditions including investment amount, job creation, and active management. After successfully meeting all conditions, you can apply for provincial nomination and permanent residence. This stream requires significant financial investment ($200,000-$600,000) and business experience.

Should I hire an immigration consultant for my OINP application?

While OINP applications can be completed independently, many applicants benefit from professional guidance, especially for complex situations involving job offer documentation, business requirements for Entrepreneur Stream, or ensuring maximum competitiveness in limited-intake streams. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Azadeh Haidari-Garmash can help prepare a compelling settlement plan, ensure all documentation meets requirements, and maximize your chances of approval. Contact us for a consultation about your specific OINP pathway.

Ready to Apply for Ontario Provincial Nomination?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program offers multiple pathways to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs. With strategic planning, comprehensive documentation, and proper understanding of the stream that best fits your qualifications, you can successfully obtain an Ontario provincial nomination and build your future in Canada's largest province.

Get Expert OINP Assistance from VisaVio

VisaVio Immigration Consultants specializes in all Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program streams. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has helped hundreds of skilled workers and international graduates successfully obtain Ontario provincial nominations and transition to Canadian permanent residence.

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Additional Ontario and PNP Resources

Explore more provincial nominee and immigration information:

About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC and OINP guidelines.

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