Ontario

About

The Foreign Worker Stream is part of Canada’s Express Entry system, designed for skilled foreign workers who have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. This stream allows individuals to apply for permanent residence once they have met the necessary criteria, including work experience and language proficiency. Applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer in a skilled occupation that meets the National Occupational Classification (NOC) standards. The job offer should be in a position that requires at least one year of work experience and aligns with the applicant’s skills and qualifications. In addition to the job offer, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French to ensure they can integrate into the Canadian workforce. The Foreign Worker Stream plays a vital role in addressing labour shortages in sectors such as healthcare, technology, engineering, and more. Candidates who meet the Express Entry eligibility requirements can be invited to apply for permanent residence. This stream helps Canada bring in highly skilled workers to fill positions that are crucial to its economy. For eligible foreign workers, this stream provides a clear and fast track to Canadian permanent residency. It is especially valuable for individuals who have the skills needed to contribute to Canada’s diverse labour market.

Eligibility:

• Job Offer
  • Must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
• Work Experience
  • Must have at least two years of full-time paid work experience in the same occupation as your job offer.
• Employer Requirements
  • The employer must have been actively operating in Ontario for at least three years and have business premises in Ontario.
• Median Wage Level
  • The job offer must meet or exceed the median wage level for that occupation in the specific region of Ontario.
• Intent to Reside
  • Must intend to live and work in Ontario.

How to Apply

To apply for the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream under OINP, the process involves several steps. First, confirm that you meet all the eligibility criteria. Then, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the OINP e-Filing Portal. If you meet the minimum points required, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After receiving an ITA, you must submit your application within 14 calendar days. If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination, allowing you to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Documents Required

• Identity Documents
  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Birth certificates for you and your family members.
• Employment Documents
  • Reference letters detailing job titles, dates of employment, duties, and compensation.
  • Work contracts or employment agreements (optional).
  • Proof of compensation such as pay slips or bank statements.
  • Canada Revenue Agency documents, such as T4 slips or Notice of Assessment, if applicable.
• Job Offer Documents
  • Job offers letter outlining position, salary, and terms of employment.
  • Employer Form completed by your Ontario employer.
• Legal Status Documents
  • Proof of legal status in Canada (work permit, study permit, visitor record).
• Language Proficiency
  • Language test results proving at least CLB level 4 in English or French.
• Resume
  • Current resume listing education, work experience, and skills.
• Applicant Consent Form
  • Signed consent form allowing OINP to verify your information.
• Additional Documents
  • Police certificates and medical exams may be required during the federal permanent residence application process.

Application Fee

The application fee for the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is CAD 1,500. This fee is non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful, though it can be refunded if the application is incomplete or withdrawn before processing.

Processing Time

The processing time for the Foreign Worker Stream may vary depending on the complexity of your application and the volume of applications at the time. On average, it can take 90 to 120 days to process.

Advantages

The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream offers foreign workers with a job offer in Ontario a path to permanent residence. This stream addresses labour shortages in the province by allowing Ontario employers to hire skilled foreign workers. Successful applicants benefit from the ability to live and work in Ontario, contributing to the economic growth of the province. It also helps ensure that skilled workers from abroad can become permanent residents of Canada, enhancing Ontario’s diverse labour market.

About

The Skilled Trades Stream is aimed at individuals with work experience in skilled trades who want to become permanent residents of Canada. To qualify, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in an eligible skilled trade within the past five years. This experience must be in an occupation listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in either English or French to ensure effective communication in the workplace. The Skilled Trades Stream addresses the demand for tradespeople in Canada, such as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and welders. Many provinces have specific labour shortages in these areas, making this stream vital for maintaining and growing the Canadian economy. To apply, candidates must either have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. The program is beneficial for tradespeople who have the skills but may lack formal education in a specific field. It enables applicants to permanently settle in Canada and contribute to the country’s infrastructure and growth. The Skilled Trades Stream is essential in ensuring that Canada has a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of various industries.

Eligibility

• Job Offer
  • Must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in a skilled trade (NOC TEER 2 or 3).
• Work Experience
  • Must have at least two years of full-time paid work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years.
• Employer Requirements
  • The employer must be based in Ontario and have been operating in Ontario for at least three years.
• Qualification
  • Must have a valid certificate of qualification in your trade from Ontario or another Canadian province/territory.
• Language Proficiency
  • Must meet a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in either English or French.
• Intent to Reside
  • Must intend to live and work in Ontario.

How to Apply

To apply for the Skilled Trades Stream under OINP, you first need to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria. After that, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the OINP e-Filing Portal. If you meet the minimum points requirement, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once you receive the ITA, submit your application within 14 calendar days. If your application is successful, you will receive a provincial nomination, which allows you to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Documents

• Identity Documents
  • Valid passport or travel document.
  • Birth certificates for you and your family members.
• Employment Documents
  • Reference letters from previous employers, including job titles, duties, employment dates, and compensation.
  • Work contracts (optional) to support your employment history.
  • Proof of compensation such as pay slips or bank statements.
• Job Offer Documents
  • Job offers letter from an Ontario employer, including position, salary, and employment details.
  • Employer Form completed by the employer.
• Qualification Documents
  • Certificate of qualification in your skilled trade from Ontario or another Canadian province/territory.
• Legal Status Documents
  • Proof of legal status in Canada (work permit, study permit, or visitor record).
• Language Proficiency
  • Language test results showing at least CLB level 5 in English or French.
• Resume
  • Updated resume listing your education, work experience, and trade qualifications.
• Applicant Consent Form
  • Signed consent form allowing OINP to verify your information.
• Additional Documents
  • Police certificates and medical exams may be required during the federal permanent residence application process.

Application Fee

The application fee for the Skilled Trades Stream is CAD 1,500. This fee is non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful, but you may receive a refund if your application is withdrawn or incomplete before processing.

Processing Time

The processing time for the Skilled Trades Stream typically takes between 90 to 120 days, but this can vary based on the volume of applications and individual case complexity.

Advantage

The Skilled Trades Stream under OINP allows skilled workers in trades to apply for permanent residence in Ontario. This stream helps meet labour market demands in skilled trades by allowing Ontario employers to hire foreign workers with specific trade qualifications. It provides successful applicants with the opportunity to contribute to Ontario’s economy and address labour shortages in various skilled sectors. It is especially beneficial for workers with experience in trades such as electrical, plumbing, construction, and other skilled labour areas.

Human Capital Priority Stream

The Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream is an immigration pathway for skilled workers who wish to settle in Ontario. It is aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system and targets candidates with strong human capital attributes such as education, work experience, and language proficiency. This stream allows eligible candidates to receive a provincial nomination from Ontario, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence through Express Entry.

Eligibility:

• Express Entry Profile
  • Must be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.
• Work Experience
  • Minimum of one year of full-time, skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B).
• Education
  • A bachelor’s degree or higher, or an equivalent foreign degree. Language Proficiency: At least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French.
• Settlement Funds
  • Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
• Intent to Reside
  • Must show an intention to live in Ontario, not Quebec.
• CRS Score
  • Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score must be sufficient to be selected for nomination.

How to Apply

To apply for the Human Capital Priorities Stream, candidates must first create and submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once eligible, Ontario will send a Notification of Interest (NOI) through the Express Entry system. After receiving the NOI, applicants have 45 days to submit a complete application through the OINP e-Filing Portal. If the application is successful, Ontario will issue a provincial nomination, granting the applicant 600 additional CRS points, which significantly increases the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Documents

• Express Entry Documents
  • Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code.
  • Language Test Results: Language test results showing a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 in English or French (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Proof that your education is equivalent to a Canadian degree or diploma if you completed your education outside of Canada.
  • Work Experience Documents: Reference letters from employers verifying your full-time, skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B).
  • Passport Copy: A copy of your valid passport or travel document.
• OINP Application Documents
  • Proof of Funds: Bank statements, employment letters, or other documents that show you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Ontario.
  • Proof of Intent to Reside in Ontario: Any document or evidence indicating your intention to settle in Ontario, such as a job offer from an Ontario employer or ties to the province.
  • Education Documents: Original transcripts and diplomas or degrees from your educational institutions, including documents showing the equivalency of your foreign credentials if applicable.
  • Identity Documents: Copy of your birth certificate, national ID, or other government-issued identification to verify your identity.
• Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable):
  • Proof of Canadian Work Experience (if applying under the Canadian Experience Class): Work permits, job contracts, or pay stubs to verify your work history in Canada.
  • Spouse/Partner Documents (if applicable): Birth certificate, marriage certificate, and language test results for your spouse or common-law partner, if they are part of your application.
  • Dependent Children Documents: Birth certificates and proof of custody or legal guardianship for any dependent children included in your application.

Processing Time

• The processing time for applications under the Human Capital Priorities Stream is typically 60 to 90 days from the date a complete application is received by the OINP.

Fees

• The processing fee for the Human Capital Priorities Stream application is CAD $1,500.

Advantages

The provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, greatly improving the likelihood of receiving an ITA for permanent residence. Applicants do not need a job offer to qualify, offering flexibility for those seeking employment in Ontario. The stream targets candidates with high-demand skills in Ontario, providing better employment opportunities in the province. The process is streamlined under the Express Entry system, making it faster and more efficient compared to other immigration pathways. This stream is an excellent option for skilled workers with strong qualifications who want to build a future in Ontario, contributing to its diverse and growing economy.

About

The In-Demand Skill Stream targets semi-skilled workers in occupations that are in high demand in Canada. This stream focuses on sectors like construction, agriculture, transportation, and personal support, where labour shortages exist across the country. Applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer in one of these in-demand occupations. The program is designed to fill positions that are difficult to staff with local workers, ensuring that these essential industries continue to operate efficiently. To be eligible, applicants must meet language proficiency requirements and demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job. This stream benefits both workers and employers, as it helps businesses secure talent while providing workers with a clear pathway to permanent residence. It also contributes to addressing Canada’s labour shortages, especially in sectors that are crucial to the economy. For many semi-skilled workers, this stream offers an opportunity to establish themselves in Canada and pursue a better quality of life. The In-Demand Skill Stream helps boost the Canadian economy by attracting workers who can immediately contribute to vital industries. It is an important tool for supporting growth in essential sectors such as agriculture and construction.

Eligibility

• Job Offer
  • Must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in an in-demand occupation (NOC TEER 3 or 4).
• Work Experience
  • Must have at least nine months of full-time paid work experience in Ontario within the last three years in the occupation related to the job offer.
• Employer Requirements
  • The employer must have been operating in Ontario for at least three years and must have a valid business in the province.
• Wage Level
  • The job offer must meet or exceed the median wage for that occupation in Ontario.
• Intent to Reside
  • Must intend to live and work in Ontario.
• Legal Status
  • Must maintain legal status in Canada (i.e., work permit, study permit, or visitor status).

How to Apply

To apply for the In-Demand Skills Stream under OINP, first confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. Once you’ve done that, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the OINP e-Filing Portal. If you are among the highest-ranking candidates, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After receiving the ITA, you must submit your complete application within 14 calendar days. If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination, which allows you to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Documents Required

• Identity Documents
  • Valid passport or travel document.
  • Birth certificates for you and any dependent family members.
• Employment Documents
  • Reference letters from previous employers detailing job titles, duties, employment dates, and salary.
  • Work contracts (optional) to verify your employment history.
  • Proof of compensation, such as pay slips or bank statements.
  • Employer Form completed by your employer.
• Legal Status Documents
  • Proof of legal status in Canada, such as a work permit, study permit, or visitor record.
• Language Proficiency
  • Language test results showing at least CLB level 4 in English or French.
• Resume
  • Updated resume listing your education, work experience, and relevant skills.
• Applicant Consent Form
• Additional Documents
  • Police certificates and medical exams may Signed consent form allowing the OINP to verify your information.
  • be required during the federal permanent residence application process.

Processing Time

Processing time for the In-Demand Skills Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications and the complexity of each case. Generally, the processing time for the In-Demand Skills Stream is approximately 60 to 90 days from the submission of a complete application to a decision being made by the OINP.

Application Fee

The application fee for the In-Demand Skills Stream is CAD 1,500. This fee is non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful, although you may be eligible for a refund if your application is incomplete or withdrawn before processing begins.

Advantages

The In-Demand Skills Stream helps foreign workers with in-demand skills fill labour shortages in Ontario. It provides workers the opportunity to apply for permanent residence, thus allowing them to contribute to Ontario's workforce in key sectors such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and more. This stream benefits both workers and employers, as it helps Ontario businesses secure skilled labour while offering workers the chance to settle in one of Canada’s most vibrant provinces.

About

The Masters Graduate Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) provides an opportunity for individuals who have completed a master’s degree at an eligible Ontario university to apply for permanent residence. To be eligible, applicants must have graduated with a master’s degree from a recognized institution in Ontario and meet the necessary language requirements in either English or French. This stream is ideal for highly skilled individuals who have the educational background to contribute to Ontario’s growing knowledge economy. Applicants must also demonstrate their intention to reside in Ontario and not in the province of Quebec, as Quebec has its own immigration system. Graduates from Ontario’s universities are highly valued by local employers, making this stream an excellent option for those who want to build a career in the province. Applicants must prove they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families once they arrive in Canada. The Masters Graduate Stream streamlines the immigration process for individuals with Canadian qualifications, enabling them to transition more easily to permanent residency. This pathway allows international graduates to contribute to Ontario’s innovative sectors, such as research, technology, and healthcare. By attracting highly educated individuals, Ontario’s Masters Graduate Stream plays a critical role in fostering innovation and maintaining the province’s competitive edge in the global economy. This program supports Ontario’s efforts to retain top talent and grow its skilled workforce by offering a clear and accessible route to permanent residence.

Eligibility

• Education
  • Must have completed a Master’s degree from an eligible university in Ontario.
• Graduation Timeline
  • Must have graduated in the past two years from an eligible program and must have completed the degree in Ontario.
• Legal Status
  • Must be currently living in Ontario with legal status (i.e., study permit, work permit, or visitor status).
• Language Proficiency
  • Must meet a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in either English or French.
• Job Offer
  • A job offer is not required to apply for this stream.
• Intent to Reside
  • Must intend to live and work in Ontario.

How to Apply

The PhD Graduate Stream offers international students who have completed a PhD from an eligible Ontario university the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in Canada. This stream is advantageous because it does not require a job offer and allows graduates to contribute to Ontario’s workforce and economy. It provides highly skilled individuals who have studied in Ontario with the chance to settle in the province and help strengthen its diverse labour market.

Documents Required:

• Identity Documents
  • Valid passport or travel document.
  • Birth certificates for you and your family members.
• Educational Documents
  • Master's degree certificate from a recognized Ontario university.
  • Transcripts from the university where you completed your Master’s program.
• Legal Status Documents
  • Proof of legal status in Canada (study permit, work permit, or visitor record).
• Language Proficiency
  • Language test results demonstrating at least CLB level 7 in English or French.
• Proof of Ontario Residence
  • Proof of residence in Ontario (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements, etc.).
• Resume
  • Current resume listing your education and work experience.
• Applicant Consent Form
  • Signed consent form allowing the OINP to verify your information.
• Additional Documents
  • Police certificates and medical exams may be required during the federal permanent residence application process.

Application Fee

The Master's Graduate Stream provides international students who have completed a Master’s degree at an eligible university in Ontario with an opportunity to apply for permanent residence. This stream is advantageous because it does not require a job offer, and it offers highly skilled graduates the opportunity to contribute to Ontario’s economy. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have studied in Ontario and wish to stay and establish themselves in the province.

Processing Time

The processing time for the Master's Graduate Stream typically takes 60 to 90 days, depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of each case.

Advantage

The Master's Graduate Stream provides international students who have completed a Master’s degree at an eligible university in Ontario with an opportunity to apply for permanent residence. This stream is advantageous because it does not require a job offer, and it offers highly skilled graduates the opportunity to contribute to Ontario’s economy. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have studied in Ontario and wish to stay and establish themselves in the province.

About

The PhD Graduate Stream is designed for individuals who have completed a doctoral degree at a recognized Canadian university and wish to become permanent residents. This stream allows doctoral graduates to apply for permanent residence without the need for a job offer, as long as they meet certain criteria, such as language proficiency. Having a PhD from a Canadian institution significantly increases an individual’s chances of being accepted for permanent residency, as these graduates often possess valuable skills and knowledge that are highly sought after. The PhD Graduate Stream is an excellent option for individuals who have advanced expertise in their field and want to contribute to Canada’s research and development sectors. Graduates must demonstrate their intent to live outside the province of Quebec and must meet the financial requirements set by the program. This stream is particularly beneficial for individuals in academic, scientific, and technological fields who wish to continue their research or work in Canada. By attracting highly educated individuals, the PhD Graduate Stream contributes to Canada’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy. Applicants who meet the program requirements can apply for permanent residence, allowing them to build their careers and make a lasting impact in Canada. The PhD Graduate Stream plays a key role in retaining top talent who can drive innovation and contribute to Canada’s future growth. It is an essential tool for supporting Canada’s knowledge-based economy and fostering academic excellence.

Eligibility

• Education
  • Must have completed a PhD degree from an eligible university in Ontario.
• Graduation Timeline
  • Must have graduated in the past two years from an eligible PhD program and have completed the degree in Ontario.
• Legal Status
  • Must be living in Ontario with legal status (i.e., work permit, study permit, or visitor status).
• Language Proficiency
  • No minimum language requirement is needed to apply for this stream.
• Job Offer
  • A job offer is not required to apply for this stream.
• Intent to Reside
  • Must intend to live and work in Ontario.

How to Apply

To apply for the PhD Graduate Stream under OINP, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Once you confirm your eligibility, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the OINP e-Filing Portal. If you are among the highest-ranking candidates, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After receiving the ITA, you must submit your application within 14 calendar days. If your application is successful, you will receive a provincial nomination, which will allow you to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Documents

• Identity Documents
  • Valid passport or travel document. Birth certificates for you and any dependent family members.
• Educational Documents
  • PhD degree certificate from a recognized Ontario university.
  • Official transcripts from the university where you completed your PhD program
• Legal Status Documents
  • Proof of legal status in Canada (study permit, work permit, or visitor record).
• Proof of Ontario Residence
  • Proof of residence in Ontario (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements, etc.).
• Resume
  • Updated resume detailing your education and work experience.
• Applicant Consent Form
  • Signed consent form allowing the OINP to verify your information.
• Additional Documents
  • Police certificates and medical exams may be required during the federal permanent residence application process.

Fee

The application fee for the PhD Graduate Stream is CAD 1,500. This fee is non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful. However, you may be eligible for a refund if your application is incomplete or withdrawn before the processing begins.

Processing Time

The processing time for the PhD Graduate Stream typically takes 60 to 90 days, depending on the volume of applications and individual case complexity.

Advantages

The PhD Graduate Stream offers international students who have completed a PhD from an eligible Ontario university the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in Canada. This stream is advantageous because it does not require a job offer and allows graduates to contribute to Ontario’s workforce and economy. It provides highly skilled individuals who have studied in Ontario with the chance to settle in the province and help strengthen its diverse labour market.