OINP 2026: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
An Ontario nomination can be your fastest route to permanent residence. We match you to the right OINP stream and plan your path from nomination to PR.
Comparing provinces? See all Provincial Nominee Programs
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
What it is
The OINP lets the province of Ontario nominate workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs for permanent residence. An Ontario nomination is a powerful boost to your Canadian immigration application.
How it works
You apply to the stream that fits your profile. For Human Capital streams, Ontario issues notifications of interest to candidates in the Express Entry pool. If nominated, you apply to IRCC for PR. We plan both stages with you.
Who can qualify
- Express Entry candidates with in-demand skills
- Masters and PhD graduates from Ontario universities
- Foreign workers with an Ontario job offer
- International students with an Ontario job offer
- Entrepreneurs investing in Ontario
OINP streams
Ontario runs three categories of streams. Choosing the right one for your profile is where a strong application starts.
Human Capital
Express Entry-aligned streams for skilled workers and the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream, based on human capital factors.
Masters and PhD Graduate
For graduates of eligible Ontario masters or doctoral programs, often without needing a job offer.
Employer Job Offer
Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams for candidates with an Ontario job offer.
Business (Entrepreneur)
For experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish or buy and actively run a business in Ontario.
OINP requirements
Requirements differ by stream. These are the factors that decide most OINP applications.
The right stream match
OINP streams have very different criteria. Applying under the wrong one is the most common and costly mistake.
Express Entry profile
Human Capital streams require an active Express Entry profile and, for some, a notification of interest issued by Ontario.
A qualifying job offer
Employer Job Offer streams need a permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible occupation.
Education and language
An approved language test and, for foreign education, an Educational Credential Assessment are needed to meet stream minimums.
Intention to live in Ontario
You must show a genuine intention to live and work in Ontario after you become a permanent resident.
A complete, consistent file
Small inconsistencies across your registration, forms, and proof documents are a common reason applications stall. We audit the file before submission.
How the OINP process works
Confirm your stream
We match your profile to the right OINP stream and confirm you meet its specific criteria.
Prepare your Express Entry profile
For Human Capital streams, we optimize your Express Entry profile and position you for a notification of interest.
Apply for nomination
When Ontario invites you or your stream opens, we prepare the full nomination application with all supporting documents.
Get nominated
An Ontario nomination adds 600 CRS points through the Express Entry-aligned streams, or lets you apply directly under a base stream.
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
We submit your federal PR application and track it through to a final decision.
How we can help
Before
- Unsure which OINP stream fits
- Waiting for a notification of interest
- Confused by the three OINP categories
- Job offer that may not qualify
- Guessing at requirements from forums
After
- The right OINP stream for your profile
- An optimized Express Entry profile
- The best category chosen for your case
- A qualifying, verified job offer
- A mapped path from nomination to PR
Ready to apply through the OINP?
Every case begins with a consultation to confirm your stream, position your Express Entry profile, and set a realistic timeline from nomination to permanent residence.
Start NowFrequently asked questions
What is the OINP?
The OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) is Ontario's provincial nominee program. It nominates workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who want to settle in Ontario for Canadian permanent residence.
What are the OINP streams?
The OINP has three categories: Human Capital (including Express Entry-aligned and Masters/PhD Graduate streams), Employer Job Offer (Foreign Worker, International Student, In-Demand Skills), and Business (Entrepreneur).
How does the OINP work with Express Entry?
Several Human Capital streams align with federal Express Entry. If Ontario issues a notification of interest and nominates you, you receive 600 additional CRS points, which effectively guarantees an invitation to apply.
Do you need a job offer for the OINP?
It depends on the stream. Employer Job Offer streams require an Ontario job offer. Human Capital and Masters/PhD Graduate streams do not always require one.
How long does the OINP take?
The OINP has two stages: the provincial nomination, which varies by stream, then the federal PR application. The federal stage currently takes about 6 months as of September 2026.