Why Apply for the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP)?

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, or Ontario PNP, is a great way for skilled workers, business owners, and graduates from other countries to settle in one of Canada's lively provinces. By applying, folks can get their permanent residency quicker and help boost Ontario’s economy. It’s a solid option for anyone wanting to work, live, and invest in Ontario.
 

• In 2024, Ontario has given out more than 7,000 PNP nominations.
• Ontario makes up over 40% of Canada’s GDP.
• The tech scene in Ontario is really looking for skilled workers, with 30% of Canada’s tech jobs based there.
• The Ontario PNP is focused on high-demand jobs, which boosts your chances of getting nominated.
• With a strong economy and a growing population, Ontario has great opportunities for newcomers.
   

*Want to apply for Ontario PNP? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.
 

What is the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP)?

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, also called the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), helps skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs get permanent residency in Ontario, Canada. The program lets the province nominate people who fit specific criteria to meet the labor market needs and boost the economy.
 

Here are some key points about the OINP:

• Targeted Nominations - The OINP looks for individuals with skills, education, and experience that match what Ontario’s economy needs.
• Multiple Streams - There are different immigration pathways available, including those tied to the federal Express Entry system and special options for certain jobs or sectors.
• Expression of Interest System - Many OINP options require candidates to submit their profiles. Those who qualify will get an invitation to apply.
• Permanent Residence Pathway - If selected, candidates receive a nomination certificate, which helps them apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Economic Contributions - The goal of the OINP is to attract immigrants who can help grow Ontario’s economy and fill job gaps.
• Managed by the Province - The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development runs the program.
   

Types of Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP)

Ontario has several programs to bring in skilled workers, business owners, and graduates from other countries. Here are the main ones: 
 

• Ontario Express Entry Stream
• Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream
• Ontario International Graduate Stream
• Ontario Entrepreneur Stream
• Ontario Skilled Trades Stream
   

Ontario Express Entry Stream

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Express Entry streams help skilled workers get permanent residency in Ontario using the federal Express Entry system. Basically, the OINP picks candidates from the federal pool who fit certain requirements and invites them to apply for a provincial nomination. If you get nominated, you'll earn 600 extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which boosts your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
 

Here are the key points about Ontario's Express Entry streams:|
 

• You must have an active Express Entry profile to apply.
• The OINP checks the Express Entry pool and sends Notification of Interest or NOIs to eligible candidates.
   

There are three streams in this category:
 

• Human Capital Priorities Stream: For skilled workers with the right education, work experience, and language skills.
• Skilled Trades Stream: Targets skilled trades workers with relevant experience.
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: Specifically for those who speak French.
   

Once nominated, you only have a short time (like 30 or 45 days) to accept or decline the nomination in the Express Entry system. If you accept, you will get an ITA from IRCC for permanent residency, which you will then need to apply for.
 

Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream

The Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream offers a way for skilled workers to move to Ontario through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It's aimed at attracting people who have the right education, work experience, and language skills to help the local economy. This stream works with the federal Express Entry system, so candidates need to have a profile in that pool to apply.
 

Here are some key points:

• Express Entry Alignment - You should be eligible for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class in the Express Entry system.
• No Job Offer Needed -This stream doesn’t require you to have a job offer, unlike some other immigration options.
• Targeted Selection - Ontario looks through the Express Entry pool and reaches out to candidates who match their criteria.
• 600 CRS Points - Getting a nomination through this stream gives you an extra 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which greatly boosts your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
   

Ontario Employer Job Offer Stream

The Ontario Employer Job Offer stream is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It’s designed for skilled workers from other countries who have a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Ontario. There are three main categories: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills, all aimed at helping fill gaps in the local job market.
 

To apply, you need a valid job offer in Ontario. This job must be full-time (at least 30 hours a week, or 1,560 hours a year) and have no end date. It must also be in a field that's eligible under the specific stream. The job needs to be essential for the business and mainly done in Ontario.
 

The Ontario Employer Job Offer stream is further divided into three categories. They are:
 

• Foreign Worker Stream - For skilled workers in TEER 0-3 jobs.
• International Student Stream - For recent grads from eligible Canadian schools with job offers in skilled roles.
• In-Demand Skills Stream - For those with offers in high-demand areas like construction, agriculture, or manufacturing.
   

The employer responsibilities include:
 

• Completing an Employer Form, which the applicant submits with their application.
• Showing that they tried to hire locally before going for a foreign worker.
• Meeting certain criteria connected to their business and the job offer.
   

Key Points for Ontario Employer Job Offer stream:
 

• The salary must meet or be above the median wage for the job in that area.
• Applicants and their families should not own more than 10% of the business unless it is a part of a compensation package.
• If the applicant has a valid work permit, they might not need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
   

*Looking assistance to apply for  Canada Work Visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.
 

Ontario International Graduate Stream

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has a stream for International Graduates that helps international students who finished their studies at eligible Ontario schools get permanent residency. You do not need a job offer to apply under this stream.
 

There are two ways to apply:
 

• Masters Graduate stream
• PhD Graduate stream
   

Here are some key points:
 

• No Job Offer Needed: Both the Masters and PhD streams allow you to apply without having a job lined up.
• Provincial Nomination: If you’re selected, you’ll get a provincial nomination from Ontario, which really helps boost your chances of getting permanent residency through IRCC.
• Focused on Graduates: This program is aimed at international students who’ve completed a master’s or PhD at approved universities in Ontario.
   

Ontario Entrepreneur Stream

The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream (OINP) is for people from other countries who want to start a new business or buy an existing one in Ontario, Canada. If you meet the requirements and get your business up and running, you and one business partner could get nominated for permanent residency. The goal is to bring in people who can help the economy by creating jobs and developing businesses.

Here are some key points about the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream:

• Business Establishment or Purchase: You can either start a new business or buy a current one in Ontario.
• Provincial Nomination: If you’re successful, Ontario's program will nominate you for permanent residency after you meet certain conditions.
• Business Partner: You can include one eligible partner in your application.
• Performance Agreement: Initially, you'll get a temporary work permit and must meet the terms of a Performance Agreement before being considered for permanent residency.
• Permanent Residency: You can get permanent residency if your business is successful and meets the expected performance.
• Points-Based System: Invitations to apply are given based on a points system.
   

Ontario Skilled Trades Stream

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has a Skilled Trades Stream that helps skilled workers in trades apply for permanent residency in Ontario. If you have experience in certain trades, this program lets you get a nomination from the province, which can really improve your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through the federal Express Entry system.
 

Here are the main points about the Skilled Trades Stream:
 

• Works with Express Entry - You need a valid Express Entry profile to apply through this stream.
• Provincial Nomination Boost - Getting a nomination from Ontario gives you an extra 600 CRS points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which means you are likely to receive an ITA.
• Eligibility Requirements – You will need work experience in an eligible trade, and for some regulated trades, you might need a certificate or license from Ontario.
• No Job Offer Needed - You do not require a job offer to qualify, although it can help.
• Meet Ontario's needs - This program focuses on filling specific job gaps in sectors like construction, industrial, and transportation in Ontario.
   

Benefits of the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP)

The Ontario PNP has a bunch of benefits for people wanting to settle in Canada. One of the biggest advantages is that it speeds up the process for getting permanent residency, so you won't be stuck waiting for ages. If you're nominated through this program, you get to go to the front of the line for immigration.
 

Here are some of the main benefits: 

• Faster Processing: Applications through Ontario’s PNP get moved along quicker than other ways.
• Permanent Residency: This program can help you get Canada PR or permanent residency in Canada directly.
• Job Opportunities: Ontario has lots of jobs in fields like tech, finance, and healthcare.
• Access to Services: You can expect good healthcare, education, and social services in Ontario.
• Family Inclusion: Your family can join you in Ontario, making the transition easier for everyone.
   

Eligibility Criteria for the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP)

To qualify for the Ontario PNP, it really depends on the specific stream you are applying for. But here are some common requirements given below.
 

• Job Offer: Most streams need you to have a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Ontario.
• Work Experience: You usually need at least one year of relevant work experience.
• Language Skills: Most streams ask you to show that you can speak English or French well.
• Education: Typically, you'll need a post-secondary degree, diploma, or some sort of relevant certification.
• Age: Generally, candidates should be between 18 and 45 years old, but this can change based on the stream.
   

Ontario PNP Requirements

The documents required to apply for the Ontario PNP are given below.
 

• Valid Passport - Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
• Job Offer - A full-time job offer must be secured from an employer in Ontario.
• Language Test - Get results from an approved language test like the IELTS.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) - This is for those who studied outside of Canada.
• Proof of Funds - Show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Ontario.
   

Ontario PNP Application Process for UAE Residents

The steps to apply for the Ontario PNP are given below.

Step 1: Choose a suitable stream. Figure out which Ontario PNP stream you qualify for based on your skills, job offer, and education.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile (if needed). If you’re going for an Express Entry-linked stream, set up an online profile.

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If required, show your interest in moving to Ontario by sending in an EOI.

Step 4: Get a Nomination. If you're chosen, you'll receive a nomination from the province to help you apply for permanent residency.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residency. Finally, send your application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
 

Ontario PNP Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for Ontario PNP is given below.

Visa Type	Estimated Processing Time
Express Entry Stream	6-9 months
Employer Job Offer Stream	9-12 months
Skilled Trades Stream	6-8 months
Entrepreneur Stream	12-15 months

 

Ontario PNP Fees

The application fees for Ontario PNP depend on the chosen stream. The fees are given below.

Visa Type	Fee (CAD)
Skilled Worker Stream	1,500
Employer Job Offer Stream	2,000
Entrepreneur Stream	3,500
Express Entry Linked Stream	1,500

 

Can a Dependant Join Me Under the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program?

Yes, dependants can join the primary applicant in Canada through the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and any dependent kids. If you get nominated, they'll also get permanent residency.
 

Can I Transition to Permanent Residency After an Ontario PNP Visa?

Yes, you can apply for Canada PR after being nominated under the Ontario PNP. Once you receive a provincial nomination, you can submit your application to the federal government, which typically processes it faster than other pathways.
 

Recent Ontario PNP Draws

Ontario has regular draws for the PNP program. They happen every few weeks and usually focus on skilled workers in jobs that are in demand. In early 2024, Ontario held draws aimed at IT workers, healthcare staff, and engineers.
 

The recent draws for Ontario PNP are given below.

Date Issued	Stream	Number of Invitations Issued	Score Range
June 6, 2025	Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker	32	36 and above
June 6, 2025	Employer Job Offer: International Student	34	54 and above
June 6, 2025	Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills	6	32 and above
June 3, 2025	Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker	391	36 and above
June 3, 2025	Employer Job Offer: International Student	334	85 and above
June 3, 2025	Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills	89	32 and above
June 3, 2025	Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker	411	N/A
June 3, 2025	Employer Job Offer: International Student	493	54 and above
June 3, 2025	Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills	69	N/A
June 3, 2025	Employer Job Offer: International Student	1,350	68 and above
January 15, 2025	Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker	4	N/A
June 3, 2025	Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills	214	34 and above

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis offers services to help you with the Ontario PNP application process. Our team will:

• Check if you are eligible through Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator
• Help you fill out the application
• Get your documents ready
• Provide support for job searches
• Y-Axis coaching services for language tests

Our services assist you in reaching your Canadian immigration goals.