The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, also known as the OINP, is a sought-after stream for international students aspiring to settle in Canada. Many students with dreams of gaining permanent residency in Ontario pursue this stream, which offers advantages for both Ontario employers and skilled foreign workers, including international students who meet the requirements. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this program, including the application process, eligibility requirements, and benefits.
What is the OINP International Student Stream?
This program targets international students residing in or outside of Canada who have secured job offers from employers in skilled occupation categories, such as those falling under types/levels 0, A, or B in the National Occupational Classification of Canada (NOC). Examples of such occupations include:
- Skill Level 0: IT managers, marketing managers, financial managers, electrical and mechanical engineers, and HR managers.
- Skill Level A: Doctors, dentists, architects.
- Skill Level B: Chefs, electricians, plumbers.
The program aims to attract skilled graduates and undergraduates to contribute to Ontario’s economy and workforce.
Eligibility Criteria for OINP International Student Stream:
To qualify for the OINP International Student Stream, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria:
Possess the necessary credentials, training, or authorization to perform the job. Have a full-time permanent job offer in an eligible profession in the province. Demonstrate intent to reside in Ontario. Ensure the employer meets additional requirements related to business, employment, and revenue. Fulfill location criteria.
Minimum Score Requirements for OINP:
Applicants must meet minimum score requirements based on the category they apply for. For instance, invitations were issued to candidates in tech, general, and health occupations. Candidates in general occupations received invitations if they achieved a score of 78 and above, while those in health occupations received invitations with a score of 73 and above. Similar scoring criteria apply to tech occupations as well that is 75 and above.
Fee for OINP Student Stream:
The application fee for the In-Demand Skills stream under OINP is $1500 CAD which is cost of the application processing. Once approved, applicants receive notification to their IRCC account from the province regarding their selection.
Processing Time for OINP:
The current processing times range from 90 to 120 days, translating to three to four months. Processing times may vary depending on factors such as the chosen immigration stream and application relevance.
Language Proficiency Requirements for OINP:
Language proficiency must be demonstrated through IELTS General Test scores. For the Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream, a minimum CLB7 score in English or French is required in all four fields: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. IELTS and CELPIP-G are accepted for English proficiency, while TCF and TEF certifications are accepted for French proficiency.
Benefits of Applying for OINP:
OINP offers faster processing times compared to federal immigration applications. Eligibility requirements are comparatively lower, and successful nominees receive a work permit support letter, allowing them to work and live in Ontario while applying for permanent residence with the federal government.
Applying for OINP Without a Job Offer:
Candidates can apply for OINP without a job offer in Ontario. However, they must meet federal express entry criteria and language scoring requirements. Candidates with a one-year college program leading to a college graduate certificate in Ontario are eligible.
OINP Post-Application Process:
After processing, candidates will be notified by the government of Ontario. Successful applicants receive a nomination approval letter and an OINP certificate of nomination via email. With these documents, candidates can go on to the next step, apply for permanent residence with the federal government while continuing to live and work in Ontario.
Checking OINP Application Status:
Applicants can log in to the OINP filing portal to check the most up-to-date status of their application. New applications can be submitted, and existing applications will continue to be accepted under the 2024 category. Checking the status online is recommended, as contacting OINP via telephone is not advised due to the high volume of applications.
In conclusion, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program International Student Stream presents a significant opportunity for international students seeking permanent residency in Ontario. By meeting the eligibility criteria and fulfilling application requirements, candidates can embark on a journey towards a promising future in Canada’s vibrant province.