Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

Want to Move to Ontario?

We have successfully helped numerous Nigerians in securing Permanent Residency in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program. If you’re looking to move to Ontario and need guidance on your OPNP application, reach out to us for expert support. Our team of lawyers is here to address any questions you may have.

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Overview of the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

A Canadian federal-provincial immigration program called the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables provinces and territories to nominate skilled employees, business owners, and investors who can satisfy their unique economic needs.

It is also known as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

One key objective of the program is to meet the needs of the Ontario labour market by attracting and retaining people who have the training and credentials needed to support the expansion of the economy of the province.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Categories

Overview

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program offers a number of eligibility categories for Nigerians and other foreigners looking to immigrate and settle in Ontario.

Recent changes to the OINP means it is based on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, where individuals submit an EOI and are then invited to apply for a nomination, which can then be used to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The OINP categories include:

Employer Job Offer Category

For Nigerian and other foreign workers who have a job offer in Ontario then the Employer Job Offer Category may be the most suitable. There are three streams under this category:

• Foreign Worker stream – This stream is for skilled workers who have a job offer in Ontario that is in the NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B.
• International Student Stream – This stream is for recent graduates of a post-secondary institution in Ontario who have a job offer in Ontario that is in the NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B.
• In-Demand Skills stream – This stream is for workers in in-demand occupations in Ontario who have a job offer in Ontario that is in the NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B.

Human Capital Priorities Category

This category is for Nigerian and other foreign workers who meet the necessary education, training, language proficiency, and skilled trade requirements. There are two streams under this category:

• Masters Graduate stream – This stream is for Nigerian workers who have a master’s degree from a recognized university in Ontario.
• PhD Graduate stream – This stream is for Nigerian workers who have a PhD degree from a recognized university in Ontario.

Additional Categories

There are two additional application streams which do not fall under the Human Capital Priorities and Employer Job Offer categories. These include:

• French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream – This stream is open to Nigerian workers who speak French and have a high level of English language proficiency.
• Entrepreneur stream – This stream is for Nigerian entrepreneurs who have a business plan that will create jobs and contribute to the economy of Ontario.

To choose the best category and stream for your application, our immigration professionals assess profiles, consider qualifications, work experience, education, and language skills. Contact IAS today +44 (0) 3316300929 to schedule a consultation with our Canadian immigration team and benefit from professional and personalised guidance.

OINP Eligibility and Requirements

Job offer – The majority of Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program streams demand a legitimate job offer from an Ontario-based business. The offered position must be full-time, long-term, and compensated at the going rate. Additionally, it must be in one of the OINP’s listed qualifying professions.

Work experience – Candidates need to have relevant experience working in a certain field or industry. Depending on the category and stream within the OINP, a different quantity of work experience may be required.

Education – Applicants may need to satisfy specific educational criteria depending on the eligibility category. This can entail holding a certificate, diploma, or degree from an approved Canadian institution.

Language proficiency – English or French language proficiency is in instances required. Results from language tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) are often a requirement.

Intent to reside in Ontario – Applicants must show that they have a sincere desire to settle in Ontario and find employment there. This can be demonstrated by elements like ties to the region, prior trips, or a job offer from a company in Ontario.

Financial resources – Applicants may be required to show proof of having enough money, depending on the category, to maintain themselves and any dependents in Ontario.

IAS offers comprehensive assistance and guidance to Nigerians throughout the entire OINP application process, including eligibility evaluation, document preparation, application review, language test preparation, interview preparation and post-application support.

Ontario PNP Two-Step Nomination Process

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program nominates candidates for Canadian permanent residence through a two-step process, OINP application and IRCC application.

OINP Application

Candidates must create an Expression of Interest profile and submit it to the OINP.

The OINP will then assess the EOI profile and invite eligible candidates to apply for a nomination. This requires candidates to provide additional information, such as their work experience, education, language skills and highlight any existing ties to Ontario.

If the nomination application is successful, the OINP will issue a nomination certificate to the candidate.

IRCC Application

Candidates must then submit a permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the nomination certificate.

The IRCC application process will require candidates to provide additional information, such as their medical history, criminal history, and financial information. This is used to assess the permanent residence application and make a decision on whether to grant permanent residence.

It is important to note that the OINP and IRCC have different eligibility requirements, so applicants should carefully review the requirements for both programs before applying. Nigerian and other foreign immigrants are granted permanent residency in Canada after the IRCC grants their application.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Processing Fees

The processing fee for the OINP varies depending on the category and stream you are applying under. The following is a general estimate of the main OINP processing fees by streams:

• Foreign Worker Stream: CAD $1,500
• International Student Stream: CAD $1,500
• PhD Graduate Stream: CAD $1,500
• Master’s Graduate Stream: CAD $1,500
• Skilled Trades Stream: CAD $1,500
• Entrepreneur Stream: CAD $3,500

For the most accurate and recent information regarding these fees, it is important to consult with a qualified Immigration Advice Service professional. Contact us on +44 (0) 3316300929 for more information.

How to Apply for the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

1. Check your eligibility – To see if you meet the requirements, review the eligibility requirements for the OINP categories and streams. Take into account things like job offers, work experience, education, language proficiency, and intent to settle in Ontario.
2. Decide on the correct category and stream – Choose the OINP category and stream that best fits your credentials, competencies, and immigration objectives. Make sure you meet the standards for the stream you choose.
3. Collect required documents – Gather all the evidence you’ll need to submit an OINP application. This normally consists of identity documents, academic credentials, career history, test results from additional languages, financial documentation, and other supporting documents that are particular to your category and stream of interest.
4. Complete the application and submit – Make sure to include all the necessary information and ensure you provide any supplementary materials. Send in your application and make the requisite payments.
5. OINP decision – The OINP will analyse your application and determine your eligibility before making a decision and informing you of the result. If chosen, you could be required to submit more paperwork or appear in person for an interview.
6. Apply for Canadian permanent residency – If your OINP application is approved and you are given a nomination certificate, submit an application to IRCC for Canadian permanent residency. Medical exams, police checks, and submission of all essential paperwork to IRCC are required in this stage.

Your application for permanent residence will be evaluated and decided by IRCC. To begin your OINP application from Nigeria with the assistance of qualified immigration professionals, get in touch with IAS right away on +44 (0) 3316300929.

How Can IAS Help?

Immigration Advice Service provides assistance to Nigerians with the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program application process.

Our immigration experts are always available to help you choose the category and stream that best suits your qualifications and immigration objectives, making sure you are in the correct stream before moving forward with the application.

IAS immigration personnel further make sure you comply with the program’s guidelines when collecting and organising the essential documents to support your OINP application, as well as present the completed paperwork correctly to increase your chances of success.

Upon receiving the nomination certificate from the OINP, we will further advise you on the subsequent stages, including submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency in Canada. We will help you put together the paperwork and forms required for this IRCC application.

IAS is committed to offering extensive support and direction all through the OINP application process, assisting you in navigating the difficulties and significantly increasing your chances of success. Get started on your OINP application by contacting IAS on +44 (0) 3316300929 or +2342013438882 or contact us online.