What is oinp ? How Does the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Work?

When people think about obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada, Express Entry and federal draws usually come to mind first. However, Canada’s immigration system does not operate solely at the federal level.

Under the Canadian Constitution, provinces also have the authority to select immigrants based on their own economic and demographic needs. This is where Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) come into play.

What Is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

PNPs allow each Canadian province (except Quebec who has its own system) to select immigration candidates according to its specific labour market, sectoral, and population needs. Each year, the federal government (IRCC): Allocates a specific nomination quota (nomination allocation) to each province Allows provinces to select candidates who meet their own established criteria within that quota As a result: Immigration candidates are not assessed through a single, uniform federal system Selection can be made based on province-specific priorities and needs

What Is the OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program)?

Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program is known as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).The OINP allows the Province of Ontario to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on the province’s economic and labour market needs.

Within its annual nomination allocation, Ontario may nominate:

• Skilled workers

• International graduates

• Candidates with job offers in specific sectors

• In some cases, candidates selected directly from the Express Entry pool

The OINP operates through two main selection mechanisms:

1️⃣ Through Express Entry (Enhanced Streams)

Under this pathway:

• Candidates must have a valid Express Entry profile

• Ontario searches the federal Express Entry pool

• Candidates who meet Ontario’s criteria may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI)

• If the candidate accepts the NOI, Ontario may issue a nomination

📌 A provincial nomination through Express Entry provides 600 additional CRS points, significantly increasing the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

2️⃣ Outside Express Entry (Base Streams – Provincial Pool)

Under this pathway:

• Candidates apply directly through the OINP system

• An Express Entry profile may not be required

Ontario selects candidates from its own pool and issues invitations to apply.Following an invitation, candidates must submit supporting documentation to confirm that:

• The information provided in their profile is accurate

• Their background genuinely meets Ontario’s identified needs under the selected category

If the province is satisfied with the documentation, a nomination may be issued.

What Does a Nomination Mean?

A provincial nomination means:

“Ontario has determined that the candidate meets the province’s specific immigration needs.”

However, a nomination:

❌ Does not automatically grant permanent residence❌ Does not replace federal approval

After receiving a nomination, the candidate must:

• Submit a federal permanent residence application to IRCC

• Undergo medical, security, and admissibility assessments

📌 The final decision is always made by IRCC.

---

📌 Important Note

This article is provided for general informational purposes only.The OINP and other provincial nominee programs are subject to change and periodic updates. Applicants should always consult official provincial and IRCC websites for the most current information.

Each immigration application is assessed individually, and only IRCC has the authority to approve or refuse a permanent residence application.