In 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has experienced a significant reduction in invitations to apply (ITAs), issuing only four invitations to date, a stark contrast to the 14,760 invitations extended during the same period in 2024. This decline aligns with broader adjustments across Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), as provinces adapt to a 50% reduction in their immigration allocations for 2025.
Current Status of OINP Streams
As of now, the OINP has conducted a single draw in 2025 under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, issuing four ITAs on January 4th. This targeted draw focused on candidates participating in the federal Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP), a program designed to facilitate permanent employment opportunities for skilled refugees and displaced individuals seeking to establish themselves in Canada.
Despite the limited number of ITAs issued, the OINP continues to accept new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for several streams, including:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream: For individuals with a full-time, permanent job offer in a skilled occupation from an Ontario employer.
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream: Targeting recent graduates from eligible Ontario institutions who have received a full-time, permanent job offer in a skilled occupation.
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream: Aimed at workers with job offers in specific high-demand occupations within Ontario.
- Master’s Graduate Stream: Designed for individuals who have obtained a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university.
- PhD Graduate Stream: For those who have earned a PhD from an eligible Ontario university.
Additionally, the OINP maintains its Express Entry-aligned streams, which operate on a passive consideration basis. Candidates with active and up-to-date Express Entry profiles may receive Notifications of Interest (NOIs) from Ontario if they meet the eligibility criteria. Upon receiving an NOI, candidates can apply for provincial nomination, which, if granted, awards an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly enhancing their prospects for receiving an ITA for permanent residency from the federal government.
Eligibility Criteria for OINP Streams
Understanding the specific requirements for each OINP stream is crucial for prospective applicants. Below is an overview of the main criteria for each stream:
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- Job Offer Requirements:
- Full-time and permanent position.
- Occupation classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Wage equal to or higher than the median wage for the occupation in Ontario.
- The position must be necessary for the employer’s business operations.
- Candidate Requirements:
- Relevant work experience in the occupation.
- Possession of necessary licensing or authorization if applicable.
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
- Job Offer Requirements:
- Full-time and permanent position.
- Occupation classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Wage equal to or higher than the median wage for the occupation in Ontario.
- The position must be essential to the employer’s business.
- Candidate Requirements:
- Graduation from an eligible Ontario institution with a degree or diploma.
- Application submitted within two years of completing the education credential.
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
- Job Offer Requirements:
- Full-time and permanent position.
- Occupation listed as in-demand in Ontario.
- Wage equal to or higher than the median wage for the occupation in Ontario.
- The position must be critical to the employer’s operations.
- Candidate Requirements:
- At least nine months of cumulative paid full-time work experience in Ontario in the same in-demand occupation over the past three years.
- Minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French.
- Equivalent of a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or higher.
Master’s Graduate Stream
- Candidate Requirements:
- Master’s degree obtained from an eligible Ontario university.
- Language proficiency at CLB level 7 or higher in English or French.
- Residency in Ontario for at least one of the two years preceding the application.
- Sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and dependents.
- Application submitted within two years of degree completion.
PhD Graduate Stream
- Candidate Requirements:
- PhD degree obtained from an eligible Ontario university.
- Language proficiency at CLB level 7 or higher in English or French.
- Residency in Ontario for at least one of the two years preceding the application.
- Sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and dependents.
- Application submitted within two years of degree completion.
For all streams, candidates must demonstrate an intention to reside in Ontario upon obtaining permanent residency and must maintain valid temporary resident status in Canada during the application process if applying from within the country.
Implications of Reduced Provincial Immigration Allocations
In October 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a 50% reduction in provincial immigration allocations for 2025, decreasing from 110,000
FAQS
1. Why has the number of invitations in OINP dropped significantly in 2025?
The OINP has issued only four invitations to apply (ITAs) in 2025 so far due to a broader reduction in Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a 50% reduction in provincial immigration allocations, impacting all provinces, including Ontario.
2. Can I still apply for OINP in 2025 despite the reduced ITAs?
Yes, OINP continues to accept new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for multiple streams, including the Employer Job Offer streams, Master’s Graduate, and PhD Graduate streams. However, the selection process may be more competitive due to limited allocations.
3. How do I improve my chances of receiving an Ontario nomination?
To improve your chances:
- Ensure your Express Entry profile is active and up to date.
- Target high-demand occupations in Ontario.
- Meet the required work experience and education credentials for specific streams.
- Monitor OINP draw trends and submit applications as soon as new invitations are issued.
4. What are the benefits of an OINP nomination?
A nomination from OINP provides:
- 600 additional CRS points in Express Entry, almost guaranteeing an ITA for permanent residency.
- Faster processing times compared to some federal immigration programs.
- A streamlined pathway to settle in Ontario, Canada’s largest job market.
5. What should I do if I receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from OINP?
If you receive an NOI:
- Review the eligibility requirements for the specific OINP stream.
- Gather all necessary documents to support your application.
- Submit your provincial nomination application within the specified deadline.
- If approved, update your Express Entry profile with the nomination to boost your CRS score.
