April

April 28

Introducing the new expression of interest system

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) expression of interest system is now open for intake to the following streams:

• Employer Job Offer Category: Foreign Worker and International Student

The OINP expects to open the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills, Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams in the near future. Please monitor the OINP website in the coming weeks.

The expression of interest system will remain open throughout the year and you can register an expression of interest at any time.

Program materials and website pages have been updated to reflect regulatory amendments. You must carefully review the relevant website pages to ensure that you meet all stream criteria before registering an expression of interest.

For additional information about the expression of interest requirements and process, please visit the expression of interest system webpage.

Once you have registered an expression of interest, please do not contact the program.  If you are invited to apply, the program will contact you/your representative (if applicable) with instructions.

A registration does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply to the OINP. Your expression of interest registration is valid for up to 12 months, or until you receive an invitation to apply or you withdraw your registration. After 12 months your expression of interest will automatically be deleted.

You may view the amended regulations on Ontario’s e-Laws website:

• Ontario Regulation 422/17 (General)
• Ontario Regulation 421/17 (Approvals under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and Other Matters)

April 23, 2021

Please be advised that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) e-Filing system will undergo scheduled system maintenance and testing from Friday, April 23, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (EST) to Monday, April 26, 2021.

During this period, no registrations or applications will be accepted. Clients should not access the system during this time period, and submissions will be withdrawn by the OINP.

Any client whose application deadline is affected by the system maintenance is asked to contact the OINP by email at ontarionominee@ontario.ca.

April 16, 2021

Please be advised that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) e-Filing system will undergo scheduled system maintenance and testing from Friday, April 16, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (EST) to Monday, April 19, 2021.

During this period, no registrations or applications will be accepted. Clients should not access the system during this time period, and submissions will be withdrawn by the OINP.

Any client whose application deadline is affected by the system maintenance is asked to contact the OINP by email at ontarionominee@ontario.ca.

April 15, 2021

Proposed amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is proposing amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015, as part of the Spring 2021 Red Tape Reduction Bill.

The proposed amendments aim to improve the Act’s program integrity authorities and to improve efficiency of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The amendments will also revise legislative timelines, align the Act with new federal legislation and add clarity to the Act’s delegation of regulation making power.

The amendments are now posted on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry for public consultation.

We encourage you to provide feedback on these proposed changes during the consultation period which ends on May 25, 2021.

April 13, 2021

Changes to completeness check procedure for OINP applications

The OINP has introduced changes to the processing of applications submitted under the Express Entry and Expression of Interest (once launched) streams at intake. Effective April 13, 2021, the OINP will return and refund applications that are deemed incomplete.

Applicants are expected to submit a complete application that complies with program criteria at the time of application submission.

If your application is deemed incomplete, you will need to receive a new invitation to apply or notification of interest before submitting a new application.

The OINP expects this change to result in higher quality applications and improved processing times for all streams.

Tech draw: Issuance of notifications of interest by targeted occupations under Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream

On April 13, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream.

If you received a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

You may be required to submit an Educational Credential Assessment to demonstrate that you have the equivalent of a Canadian Bachelor’s degree or higher. Make sure that you provide a copy of your Educational Credential Assessment report and that you authorize the assessment organization to share the results of your Educational Credential Assessment with the OINP.

The OINP targeted candidates with a comprehensive ranking system score between 456 and 467 and work experience in the NOC codes noted in the program update below.

Tech draw: Notifications of interest will be issued for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream

On April 13, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will issue targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream.

You may be required to submit an Educational Credential Assessment to demonstrate that you have the equivalent of a Canadian Bachelor’s degree or higher. Make sure that you provide a copy of your Educational Credential Assessment report and that you authorize the assessment organization to share the results of your Educational Credential Assessment with the OINP.

You may apply to the HCP stream if you:

• receive a notification of interest on April 13, 2021
• can demonstrate that your work experience was in one of the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes listed below

If you receive a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

We will post the comprehensive ranking system range of the draw on the Express Entry Notifications of Interest page on April 13, 2021. The OINP will target candidates with work experience in the following NOC codes:

• 0213 Computer and information systems managers
• 2147 Computer engineers
• 2172 Database analysts and data administrators
• 2173 Software engineers and designers
• 2174 Computer programmer and interactive media developers
• 2175 Web designers and developers

Your application may be refused if you don’t demonstrate work experience in one of the eligible NOC codes.

April 9, 2021

Proposed regulatory amendments affecting the Entrepreneur Stream

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is proposing amendments to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s Entrepreneur Stream regulations:

• Ontario Regulation 422/17 (General)
• Ontario Regulation 421/17 (Approvals under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and Other Matters)

The proposed amendments aim to:

• Accelerate the arrival of Entrepreneur Stream applicants in Ontario to begin operating their businesses by establishing a permanent virtual interview option; and
• Modify the application monitoring frequency to reduce the burden on applicants as they work to establish and grow their business.

The amendments are now posted on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry for public consultation.

We encourage you to provide feedback on these proposed changes during the consultation period which ends on April 23, 2021.

March

March 19, 2021

2020 OINP results

Demand for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) continues to be strong despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the province’s nomination allocation from the federal government was 7,350 nominations. An additional 250 nominations were allocated to Ontario through the NOC C Pilot, which is a Federal-Provincial partnership to increase permanent resident pathways for in-demand lower-skilled workers with job offers. The OINP met its full 2020 nomination allocation of 7,600 in November.

In addition to the province’s initial allocation, the federal government was able to grant Ontario an additional 450 nomination spaces which were also fulfilled before year end. Including this year-end increase, the OINP was able to nominate 8,054 individuals in 2020, including 300 applicants through the NOC C Pilot. In addition to principal applicants, OINP nominations also included 7,249 spouses and dependents for a total of 15,303 new immigrants to Ontario as a result of this year’s nominations.

2020’s nominations were issued under the following streams:

2020 OINP nominations by stream

Stream	Number of nominations
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream	1,732
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream	608
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream	1,558
PhD Graduate Stream	251
Masters Graduate Stream	405
Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream	1,106
Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream	1,996
Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream	397
Entrepreneur Stream	1
Grand Total	8,054

In 2020, the OINP saw a high number of nominations in technology-related occupations. Approximately 20% of all nominations were to individuals citing work experience or a job offer in a high-tech occupation, including:

• software engineers and designers
• computer programmers
• interactive media developers
• IT systems analysts
• technology consultants

Top tech occupations	Number of nominations
Software engineers and designers	528
Computer programmers and interactive media developers	374
Computer and information systems managers	172
Database analysts and data administrators	162
Web designers and developers	96
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)	63
All other tech occupations	209
Grand total	1,604

We continue our commitment to address labour market needs for skilled trades. In 2020, over 20% of nominees had work experience in a skilled trade with over 1,100 nominations made under the program’s Express Entry: Skilled Trades stream.

In 2019, OINP committed to undertake a two-year pilot (2020-21) to support employers in three pilot communities to leverage the OINP to target skilled labour that is not available locally. With community engagement delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the regional pilot began intake halfway through the year in July. In total, OINP issued 67 nominations through the pilot in 2020. In 2021, OINP has allotted up to 233 spaces to regional pilot applicants, for a total of 150 per year (or 300 spaces over the two-year pilot period).

The program also surpassed its 5% target for francophone immigration, issuing 5.4% or 437 nominations to individuals with high French language proficiency. Most francophone applicants received nominations under the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream and the Human Capital Priorities stream.

In 2020, the program issued its first nomination under its Entrepreneur stream and 18 other applicants were in the last stage of the stream’s compliance monitoring process, with seven applicants living in Ontario on a work permit to establish their business. We anticipate that these 18 Entrepreneur stream candidates will invest over $22.4 million dollars and hire 92 Ontarians as a result of establishing their businesses in Ontario. We are processing another 64 applications that we received in 2020.

Nominees in 2020 came from over 130 different countries with the highest number of nominations made to applicants from India and China.

Top 10 countries of birth

Country of birth	Number of nominations
India	4,212
China	1,350
Brazil	310
South Korea	276
Nigeria	159
Pakistan	111
Morocco	106
Philippines	88
Iran	79
Vietnam	74

In 2020, the OINP nominated individuals with job offers from over 2,500 employers across every industry in Ontario. At least 48% of nominees already had a job offer in Ontario prior to nomination. More than 96% held a post-secondary degree and at least 43% had high language skills (Canadian Language Benchmark 7 or above) in at least one of Canada’s official languages.

To address the uncertainty over immigration and border restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the OINP continues to provide an immigration pathway to temporary workers already living and working in Canada

While the program’s aim is to be responsive to employer needs and to be available year-round, the OINP experienced substantial demand for its streams in 2020, far surpassing its annual nomination allocation. This led the OINP to pause intake for some of its most popular streams, including:

• Masters Graduate stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream

The following table identifies the number of days in 2020 that each stream was open to intake:

2020 stream openings

Stream	Days open
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream	3
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream	320
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream	3
PhD Graduate Stream	365
Masters Graduate Stream	1
Entrepreneur Stream	365

The OINP is committed to being responsive to Ontario employers and to Ontario’s broader labour market needs in 2020 and beyond. In 2020, we consulted with the public for input on the development of an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for its employer job offer and international graduate student streams. We anticipate we will launch the new system in Spring 2021.

March 17, 2021

Important notice: appointing a representative

Representatives are not permitted to appoint themselves. This means that a client must appoint a representative to act on their behalf using their own Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) profile in the e-Filing system.

To appoint a representative, the client must create their own OINP profile using their:

• personal email address
• personal phone number

The OINP has recently seen an increase in representatives appointing themselves, particularly immigration consultants. This is not permitted or appropriate.

Self-appointment

Self-appointment is when a representative:

• uses their own email address, or an email address they created for their client, to create a ONe-key account and a profile for their client in the OINP e-Filing system
• receives confidential login information that is meant for the applicant to use to appoint their representative
• accesses their client’s ONe-key account provided with an OINP Entrepreneur Stream Invitation to Apply.
• receives confidential login information that is meant for an applicant to take ownership of their ONe-key account when provided with an OINP Entrepreneur Stream Invitation to Apply
• appoints themselves

This appointment is not valid.

Consequences of self-appointment

When we find self-appointment in the future, we will withdraw the client’s registration and return the application. This applies to:

• associated registrations in the Expression of Interest system (once launched)
• associated registrations for an OINP Entrepreneur Stream Expression of Interest
• associated registrations and applications in the OINP e-Filing system

A client will then need to:

• Initiate the registration process again.
• Receive an invitation to apply to the program if required.
• Apply themselves or properly appoint a representative to apply on their behalf.

Why self-appointment is problematic

Self-appointment is problematic because it is not valid. It can also lead to applicants losing control of, and access to, their own OINP information.

In some cases, applicants have alleged that self-appointed representatives have refused applicants access to their own OINP information and then demanded additional payment beyond what was agreed to.

Enforcing representatives’ requirements

We can take compliance and/or enforcement action against representatives if they fail to make reasonable efforts to ensure all information they provide in an application is:

• accurate
• correct
• not misleading

This is required under subsection 5(2) of Ontario Regulation 421/17 (Approvals under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and Other Matters).

Representatives must also ensure that all appointment and contact-related information included in an application is accurate, correct and not misleading.

Failure to comply with this subsection is an offence under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 and may also lead to the imposition of administrative penalties.

Applicant reminder

Applicants, remember to review the following guidelines to ensure that you are appointing your representative correctly:

• create your ONe-key account yourself using your personal email address
• do not share your ONe-key profile details or password with your authorized legal representative. The OINP does not manage ONe-key accounts and we cannot help you if you lose access to your account
• when your authorized representative creates a profile for you in the e-Filing system, ensure they use your personal email address and phone number and ensure that they do not create an email address for you. This will ensure that you receive the registration information directly and maintain ownership
• when OINP Entrepreneur Stream registrants receive their ONe-key with their Invitation to Apply, the registrant must immediately change the temporary password prior to appointing their representative.

Representatives reminder

Representatives, take note and ensure that you are properly appointed by your client.

Learn more about how to properly appoint a representative.

March 15, 2021

Regulatory amendments to introduce an Expression of Interest system for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will introduce an Expression of Interest system for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). On March 15, 2021, we filed the following amending regulations made under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 to introduce an Expression of Interest system:

• Ontario Regulation 422/17 (General)
• Ontario Regulation 421/17 (Approvals under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and Other Matters)

The Expression of Interest system will help us:

• strategically manage intake
• increase the OINP’s labour market responsiveness
• better respond to regional labour market needs

The Expression of Interest system will apply to the following OINP streams:

• Employer Job Offer Category streams (Foreign Worker, International Student and In-Demand Skills)
• Masters Graduate stream
• Ph.D. Graduate stream

These streams are currently closed to new applicants. They will open for new applicants when the Expression of Interest system launches in the coming weeks.

The Expression of Interest system is a points-based registration system that helps us select skilled economic immigrants to meet the province’s labour market needs.

By registering, you are only expressing an interest to apply to the OINP. It is not an application to the OINP or for permanent residence. You can only apply to the OINP under an Expression of Interest-based stream if you have been invited to apply.

We consulted on the development of the Expression of Interest system in September 2020 using:

• stakeholder consultations
• a posting on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry

Stakeholder feedback was considered where possible.

More information will be posted in the coming weeks. Please monitor this page for:

• news
• announcements
• program developments

March 3 2021

Notifications of interest issued for Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream

On March 3, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream.

You may apply to the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream if you received a notification of interest on March 3, 2021. If you received a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

For the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, the OINP targeted candidates with a comprehensive ranking system score between 455 and 467.

March 2, 2021

Issuance of notifications of interest by targeted occupations under Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream

On March 2, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream.

If you received a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

The OINP targeted candidates with a comprehensive ranking system score between 463-467.

Notifications of interest will be issued for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream

On March 2, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will issue targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream.

You may apply to the HCP stream if you:

• receive a notification of interest on March 2, 2021
• can demonstrate that your work experience was in one of the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes listed below

If you receive a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

We will post the comprehensive ranking system range of the draw on the Express Entry Notifications of Interest page on March 2, 2021. The OINP will target candidates with work experience in the following NOC codes:

• 0122   Banking, credit and other investment managers
• 0124   Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
• 0125   Other business services managers
• 0601   Corporate sales managers
• 1111   Financial auditors and accountants
• 1112   Financial and investment analysts
• 1121   Human resources professionals
• 1122   Professional occupations in business management consulting
• 3012   Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
• 4163   Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants

Your application may be refused if you don’t demonstrate work experience in one of the eligible NOC codes.

February

February 24, 2021

Please be advised that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) e-Filing system will undergo scheduled system maintenance and testing from Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. (EST) to Monday, March 1, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. (EST).

During this period, no registrations or applications will be accepted. Clients should not access the system during this time period, and submissions will be withdrawn by the OINP.

Any client whose application deadline is affected by the system maintenance is asked to contact the OINP by email at ontarionominee@ontario.ca.

February 18, 2021

Please be advised that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) e-Filing system will undergo scheduled system maintenance and testing from Friday, February 19, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. (EST) to Monday, February 22, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. (EST).

During this period, no registrations or applications will be accepted. Clients should not access the system during this time period, and submissions will be withdrawn by the OINP.

Any client whose application deadline is affected by the system maintenance is asked to contact the OINP by email at ontarionominee@ontario.ca.

February 16, 2021

Tech draw: Issuance of notifications of interest by targeted occupations under Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream

On February 16, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream.

If you received a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

The OINP targeted candidates with a comprehensive ranking system score between 453 and 467 and work experience in the NOC codes noted in the program update below.

Tech draw: Notifications of interest will be issued for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream

On February 16, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will issue targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream.

You may apply to the HCP stream if you:

• receive a notification of interest on February 16, 2021
• can demonstrate that your work experience was in one of the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes listed below

If you receive a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

We will post the comprehensive ranking system range of the draw on the Express Entry Notifications of Interest page on February 16, 2021. The OINP will target candidates with work experience in the following NOC codes:

• 0213 Computer and information systems managers
• 2147 Computer engineers
• 2172 Database analysts and data administrators
• 2173 Software engineers and designers
• 2174 Computer programmer and interactive media developers
• 2175 Web designers and developers

Your application may be refused if you don’t demonstrate work experience in one of the eligible NOC codes.

February 2, 2021

Issuance of notifications of interest by targeted occupations under Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream

On February 2, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream.

If you received a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

The OINP targeted candidates with a comprehensive ranking system score between 466 and 467, and work experience in the NOC codes noted in the program update below.

Notifications of interest will be issued for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream

On February 2, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will issue targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream.

You may apply to the HCP stream if you:

• receive a notification of interest on February 2, 2021
• can demonstrate that your work experience was in one of the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes listed below

If you receive a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

We will post the comprehensive ranking system range of the draw on the Express Entry Notifications of Interest page on February 2, 2021. The OINP will target candidates with work experience in the following NOC codes:

• 0122 – Banking, credit and other investment managers
• 0124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
• 0125 – Other business services managers
• 0601 – Corporate sales managers
• 1111 – Financial auditors and accountants
• 1112 – Financial and investment analysts
• 1121 – Human resources professionals
• 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting
• 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
• 4163 – Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants

Your application may be refused if you don’t demonstrate work experience in one of the eligible NOC codes.

January

January 18

Regional Immigration Pilot update

The Regional Immigration Pilot is continuing to accept intake forms. An additional 150 nominations will be available under the pilot for 2021.

Learn how to submit an intake form.

When submitting the intake form, you must complete the form in its entirety. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

To ask a question or provide feedback, email us at ontarionominee@ontario.ca or call us from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

•   Tel: 416-327-0374
• Toll-free: 1-866-214-6820(toll-free within North America only)
• TTY: 416-325-0866
• Toll-free TTY: 1-866-853-2137

January 13

Notifications of interest issued for Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker and Skilled Trades streams

On January 13, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued targeted notifications of interest to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker and Skilled Trades streams.

You may apply to the French-Speaking Skilled Worker or Skilled Trades stream if you received a notification of interest  on January 13, 2021. If you received a notification of interest, you don’t need to contact the program.

For the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, the OINP targeted candidates with a comprehensive ranking system score between 456 and 467.

For the Skilled Trades stream, the OINP targeted candidates with a comprehensive ranking system score between 434 and 460.

January 4

Changes to internal review process for all streams

On January 1, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) made changes to the internal review process for all OINP streams in order to implement the new mandatory Request for Internal Review form. Where an application is not approved the following updates apply:

If you are not nominated

If your application is unsuccessful, we will let you know by email. If you think we made an error in our decision that led to your application being refused, you may ask for an internal review.

To request an internal review:

1. Download and complete the Notice of Request for Internal Review form. Ensure that you carefully read the instructions on the form.
2. In a separate document, clearly identify an error or errors in the director’s decision or order that, if not made, would have resulted in the decision or order being decided differently (see subsection 10(1)(a) of Ontario Regulation 421/17 (Approvals))
3. Send the completed Notice of Request for Internal Review form and all supporting documents by email to internalreview-revisioninterne@ontario.ca. You must email us within:
   • 30 calendar days of receiving your notice of refusal if you live in Canada
   • 60 calendar days of receiving your notice of refusal if you live outside of Canada

Don’t include any new information that you did not include in your original application unless that information was not reasonably available to you at the time the decision or order was made.

New information that you did not include in your application because of an oversight will not be considered.

Internal review requests must be sent by email. We will not accept requests by mail, fax or in-person.