Canada Immigration to Ontario: A Rewarding Opportunity for Foreign Workers

by Visa Consultant Immigration Expert

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program nominates foreign workers, businesspersons, international students, and entrepreneurs with the required skills and experience for permanent residence in Canada. In 2018, 47.6% of newcomers in Ontario were economic immigrants – which includes foreign workers who migrated with the intention to pursue lucrative job opportunities in the province. This popular Canada immigration the pathway is designed to fulfil labor market shortages and boost economic growth in Ontario, and is operated by the Ontario government in partnership with the federal immigration authority – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Ontario – the most populated Canadian province – is a multicultural economic hub that offers a range of career options to immigrants, as well as a rich natural landscape. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) selects and invites candidates to apply for a nomination under three distinct categories:

· Employer Job Offer Category

· Human Capital Category

· Business Category

Under each category, dedicated streams or sub-categories offer targeted solutions for how to immigrate to Canada. Foreign skilled workers – who do not possess a job offer from an Ontario employer or do not have prior work experience in the province – can pursue the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream under the Human Capital Category. To qualify for this stream, an aspirant must:

· Create an online Express Entry profile through the IRCC website.

· Have at least one year of continuous OR cumulative paid work experience in their primary occupation (under National Occupational Classification Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B) – obtained within OR outside Canada.

· Have a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree completed in Canada, or an equivalent qualification completed outside Canada.

· Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment to determine the Canadian equivalency of educational qualifications completed outside Canada.

· Score Canadian Language Benchmark 7 or higher in an approved English or French language proficiency test.

· Showcase sufficient funds to support themselves and dependent family members while settling in Ontario.

· Demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in Ontario after becoming a permanent resident.

· Meet the Canada PR requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canada Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry System.

The application process under the HCP stream is swift and comprehensive.

Step 1: Notification of Interest

Eligible candidates must submit an Express Entry profile under the FSWP or CEC. The OINP searches through the Express Entry pool and identifies suitable candidates, who are issued a Notification of Interest from Ontario through the IRCC account.

Step 2: Apply for Nomination

Within 45 days of receiving the NOI, candidates must apply for nomination through the OINP e-filing portal, provide supporting documents and pay the application fee ($1,500 CAD for the primary applicant). Those who are nominated will receive an Approval Letter and OINP Certificate of Nomination via mail, and may be able to access the benefits of immigration in Canada.

Step 3: Invitation to Apply

If the nomination is accepted within 30 days of receipt, 600 points will be added to the Comprehensive Ranking System score. The nominee will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC during the next round of invitations.

Step 4: Visa Application

Within 60 days of receiving the ITA, the candidate must submit a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC; including relevant forms, documents, and fees ($1,040 CAD for the primary applicant). The IRCC typically processes these applications within six months. If approved, the applicant will receive a Confirmation of PR and Canada PR visa.

By fulfilling eligibility conditions and following due process, Canada immigration aspirants can commence a new life in the vibrant province of Ontario.