The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is one of the best and fastest ways to get Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). Whether you’re a skilled worker, an international student, or a healthcare professional, OINP offers many options. In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about OINP in 2025—step by step.
🔍 What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
The OINP allows the Province of Ontario to nominate individuals who have the skills and experience the province needs. If Ontario nominates you, it means the province is supporting your application for PR to the federal government.
Once nominated, you can apply for Permanent Residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
✅ Who Can Apply Through OINP?
OINP offers several streams depending on your background. The main categories are:
Employer Job Offer Category
For people with a job offer from an Ontario employer:
- Foreign Worker Stream
- International Student Stream
- In-Demand Skills Stream (for jobs in sectors like agriculture, construction, trucking, etc.)
Human Capital Category
For skilled workers with education or work experience:
- Express Entry – Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Masters Graduate Stream
- PhD Graduate Stream
- Skilled Trades Stream (through Express Entry)
Entrepreneur Stream
For business owners or investors who want to start a business in Ontario.
📌 OINP Process: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to apply for PR through OINP:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Age: 18–49 (ideal age for CRS score)
- Education: Minimum high school diploma (varies by stream)
- Language: CLB 7 or higher (IELTS score 6+ for most skilled streams)
- Work Experience: 1–2 years (depends on stream)
- Job Offer (if applying under Employer Job Offer streams)
Step 2: Create a Profile
- If applying under Express Entry, create a profile in the IRCC Express Entry system.
- If applying under other streams (e.g., Masters Graduate), use the OINP e-Filing Portal.
Step 3: Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI)
- Ontario will invite candidates from the Express Entry pool if they meet provincial needs.
- Some streams like Masters Graduate and Foreign Worker use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system instead.
Step 4: Apply to OINP
- Submit your application online within the given time (usually 14 to 45 days).
- Pay the fee: between CAD $1,500 and $2,000 depending on the stream.
Step 5: Get a Provincial Nomination
- If approved, you’ll get a nomination certificate from Ontario.
- Express Entry applicants will get 600 extra CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA for PR.
Step 6: Apply for PR to IRCC
- Submit your PR application to IRCC with your nomination.
- Wait for medical checks, biometrics, and final decision.
🕒 How Long Does OINP Take?
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| OINP Application Processing | 60–90 days |
| IRCC PR Processing | 6–8 months (Express) |
| Total Time to PR | 8–12 months |
💸 What Are the Fees?
- OINP application fee: CAD $1,500 – $2,000 (non-refundable)
- IRCC PR fee: CAD $1,365 (principal applicant), additional for family members
- Other costs: IELTS, ECA (education assessment), biometrics
📌 Documents You May Need
- Passport
- Educational credentials (ECA report)
- IELTS or CELPIP test results
- Work experience letters
- Job offer letter (if applicable)
- Proof of settlement funds (bank statements)
✨ Why Choose OINP?
- One of the most active PNPs in Canada
- Regular draws every month
- Ideal for international students and healthcare workers
- Gives a clear pathway to PR
🏥 OINP for Healthcare Workers in 2025
Ontario is actively inviting nurses, PSWs, and doctors. Healthcare professionals with:
- Valid licenses or registration
- Canadian work experience or education
- CLB 7 or higher
…have a higher chance of being nominated. Stay updated on OINP healthcare-specific draws.
📢 Latest OINP Draw Example (June 2025)
| Stream | CRS Score Range | Number Invited |
|---|---|---|
| Human Capital Priorities | 469–480 | 1,000+ |
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | Not based on CRS | 500+ |
✍️ Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about moving to Ontario, the OINP is a golden opportunity. With the right documents, preparation, and patience, you can receive a nomination and eventually become a Canadian permanent resident.
Make sure to:
- Keep checking OINP updates
- Improve your language scores
- Get your credentials assessed early
Don’t wait—start your OINP journey today!
💬 Have Questions?
Leave a comment below if you need help with:
- Choosing the right OINP stream
- Preparing your documents
- Improving your chances of getting selected