Ontario\u2019s provincial government has proposed a two-phased approach for introducing major changes to how it selects nominees for permanent residence.<\/p>\n
In phase one, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) would consolidate its three \u201cEmployer: Job Offer streams\u201d into a single stream.<\/p>\n
In phase two, the OINP would eliminate all its other existing streams and introduce three brand new streams:<\/p>\n
A priority healthcare stream.
\nAn entrepreneur stream.
\nAn exceptional talent stream.<\/p>\n
Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams<\/a><\/p>\n The OINP<\/a> is currently seeking feedback from stakeholders on the proposed approach.<\/p>\n The province did not specify how it would intend to handle in-progress applications under existing streams when implementing phase two.<\/p>\n Phase 1: New Employer Job Offer stream<\/p>\n The proposed new Employer Job Offer stream would include two separate pathways: one for occupations at the National Occupation Classification<\/a> (NOC) Training Education Experience and Responsibility<\/a> (TEER) 0-3 level, and another for TEER 4-5 occupations.<\/p>\n TEER 0-3 pathway<\/p>\n The TEER 0\u20133 pathway would target skilled workers and prioritize candidates already in Canada with advanced qualifications. To qualify, applicants would need to meet minimum criteria in three main areas: wage, work experience, and education.<\/p>\n Job offer wage<\/p>\n The job offer would need to meet the median wage for that occupation in Ontario<\/a>. Recent graduates of eligible Ontario institutions (within the past 2 years) may qualify with a job offer at the low-wage level.<\/p>\n Work experience<\/p>\n Applicants would need to meet one of the following criteria:<\/p>\n At least 6 months of work experience in Ontario in the job offer NOC with the same employer; Education<\/p>\n Applicants would also require a post-secondary credential, unless they have 6 months of Ontario work experience in their job offer occupation with their job offer employer.<\/p>\n Employer Job Offer \u2013 TEER 4\u20135 track<\/p>\n The TEER 4\u20135 track would support employers who rely on roles that typically require a high school diploma or on-the-job training but are facing persistent shortages\u2014such as many frontline, service, manufacturing, and support occupations.<\/p>\n Key elements of the proposed track include:<\/p>\n Eligibility across all TEER 4 and 5 NOCs:<\/p>\n All TEER 4 and 5 occupations would be eligible, with selection focused on occupations facing labour shortages.<\/p>\n Targeted draws:<\/p>\n The Ministry could run draws based on labour market needs and program priorities, focusing on specific occupations or worker profiles.<\/p>\n Minimum language requirement:<\/p>\n Applicants would need to meet a minimum language standard (for example, a specified Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level\u2014details to be set in regulation).<\/p>\n Work experience requirement:<\/p>\n Applicants would be required to have at least 9 months of work experience in the job-offer NOC with the same Ontario employer.<\/p>\n The proposal also notes two important flexibilities:<\/p>\n A potential construction pathway that for construction trades workers, allowing them to qualify with the support of their union even without having a permanent, full-time job offer; and Phase two: Three new OINP streams<\/p>\n In the second phase of the redesign, Ontario would eliminate all its other existing streams, replacing them with three new streams.<\/p>\n Priority healthcare stream<\/p>\n This stream would create a dedicated pathway for healthcare workers, with a focus on those in regulated healthcare professions.<\/p>\n Key proposed features include:<\/p>\n No job offer required:<\/p>\n Applicants with valid professional registration in a regulated healthcare profession could apply without a job offer.<\/p>\n Support for new graduates:<\/p>\n Recent graduates who are in the final stages of obtaining their license or registration with a regulatory body may also be eligible.<\/p>\n Entrepreneur stream<\/p>\n Ontario would also introduce a redesigned entrepreneur stream as a pathway for newcomers who invest in the province, create jobs and support regional economic development.<\/p>\n The proposed stream replaces the previously closed entrepreneur stream, and would target foreign nationals who either:<\/p>\n Have established and are actively operating a new business in Ontario, or Exceptional talent stream<\/p>\n The proposed exceptional talent stream is designed to capture candidates whose contributions fall outside traditional employment or job-offer pathways but are nonetheless highly valuable to Ontario.<\/p>\n It would focus on individuals in areas such as academia, innovation, science, technology, and the creative sectors who:<\/p>\n Have proven achievements and recognition in their field; and Examples of qualifying accomplishments could include<\/p>\n Significant academic publications or research contributions; The stream would evaluate candidates with a qualitative assessment of each person’s contributions and their potential impact on Ontario\u2019s economic, social and cultural life, rather than relying solely on traditional points-based criteria.<\/p>\n The creation of this stream was telegraphed in previous comments made by Ontario’s immigration minister, David Piccini<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nAt least 2 years of experience in the job offer NOC within the past 5 years ; or
\nHave a valid licence in their occupation and be in good standing with the relevant regulatory body (for regulated occupations).<\/p>\n
\nRegional and sector targeting using the Employer Job Offer stream to invite candidates by region, occupation, or other criteria to address urgent employer needs\u2014building on recent efforts to run region-specific and occupation-specific draws under the OINP.<\/p>\n
\nHave purchased and are actively operating an existing Ontario business (business succession).<\/p>\n
\nMay not qualify under other OINP streams.<\/p>\n
\nPrestigious national or international awards;
\nRecognized, groundbreaking innovations; or
\nNotable artistic or creative works with wide recognition.<\/p>\n