Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) offers a clear pathway to permanent residence (PR) for skilled workers with job offers from Ontario employers who meet the OINP Employer job offer requirements. The “Employer Job Offer” category is one of OINP’s most popular streams, specifically targeting applicants with certain skills and job offers within Ontario. The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream provides a method for foreign workers to obtain PR in Ontario. Here’s an in-depth, easy-to-understand guide on what you need to qualify and apply through this category.
What is the Employer Job Offer Category?
The OINP Employer Job Offer category is designed to attract skilled foreign workers who have received a valid job offer from an employer in Ontario. This stream has three main sub-categories:
- Foreign Worker Stream – for those with skilled work experience, generally in NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes 0, A, or B.
- International Student Stream – for recent graduates from eligible Canadian institutions. The ‘Employer Job Offer: International Student’ stream serves as a pathway for international students with job offers in skilled occupations to obtain permanent residency in Ontario.
- In-Demand Skills Stream – for positions in high-demand sectors, particularly those requiring mid-skilled labor (e.g., agriculture, construction, manufacturing).
Each of these streams has unique eligibility requirements for applicants and their employers. It is important to meet specific requirements to qualify under the ‘Employer Job Offer: International Student stream’.
Key Requirements for the Employer and Job Offer
To qualify, both the job offer and the employer must meet specific requirements:
- Full-Time and Permanent Job Offer: The job offer must be for a full-time (minimum of 1,560 hours per year) and permanent position, meaning it has no end date. It must also meet or exceed Ontario’s prevailing wage standards for the position. Part-time, seasonal, or temporary roles are not eligible. Job offers will not qualify if they impact the employment of individuals currently engaged in a labour dispute.
- Eligible Job Position: The job position must fall under the approved NOC codes for each sub-category. For example, the In-Demand Skills Stream includes various job codes in agriculture, manufacturing, and other essential sectors.
- Location: The job must be located in Ontario, with additional stipulations for positions outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) under specific streams, such as In-Demand Skills. The job location must be where the employee will report to work.
Employer Requirements
- Business Operation: Employers must actively run a business in Ontario for at least three years. Employers must have established business premises in Ontario.
- Financial Stability: The employer must show financial stability to sustain or grow the employer’s business, ensuring the ability to meet payroll obligations for the offered role. Businesses must adhere to specific revenue benchmarks based on their recently completed fiscal year.
- Workforce Size: Employers in the GTA must have at least five full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, whereas employers outside the GTA require at least three full-time employees.
- Employer Form: Employers are required to complete an “Employer Form” to confirm details about the job offer and organization.
- Licensing Requirements: If the job requires a specific license (e.g., in regulated professions like healthcare or engineering), the applicant must possess this license when applying.
Key Requirements for the Applicant
Relevant Work Experience or Education:
- Foreign Worker Stream: Applicants need at least two years of cumulative work experience in the same field as the job offer.
- International Student Stream: Candidates must hold a degree or diploma from a Canadian institution completed within the past two years. They should also meet specific criteria, such as completing more than half their studies in Canada. The OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student stream allows international students with job offers in skilled occupations to apply for permanent residence in Ontario.
- In-Demand Skills Stream: This stream requires at least nine months of cumulative work experience in Ontario within the past three years.
- Intention to Reside in Ontario: Applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to live and work in Ontario, which could be shown through connections like family, previous education, or job applications in the province.
- Language and Education: Candidates for the In-Demand Skills Stream need a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 in English or French. For international credentials, an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) may be required.
- Legal Status in Canada: If you’re applying from within Canada, you must have valid legal status as a worker, student, or visitor throughout the application process.
The Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Start by creating an Expression of Interest through the OINP e-Filing Portal. This helps Ontario rank candidates based on a point system, prioritizing those with skills aligned to the province’s economic needs.
- Invitation to Apply: After submitting an EOI, you may receive an Invitation to Apply if you meet the stream’s requirements and score high enough. An application fee is then required: CAD $1,500 for positions outside the GTA and CAD $2,000 for those within.
- Application Submission: After receiving an invitation, applicants have 14 days to submit a complete application through the OINP portal.
- Assessment and Nomination: The OINP will assess your application, and if successful, you’ll receive a nomination certificate. Applicants will also receive a nomination approval letter along with other essential documents after a successful nomination. This certificate allows you to apply for PR through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which is the final step for PR
Register an Expression of Interest
To begin your journey through the OINP Employer Job Offer Category, the first crucial step is to register an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the OINP online application system. This initial step allows you to formally express your interest in being considered for a nomination under the program.
When registering your EOI, you will need to provide detailed information about yourself, including your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details. Additionally, you must specify which stream under the OINP Employer Job Offer Category you are interested in applying for.
Accuracy is paramount when filling out your EOI, as the information you provide will be used to assess your eligibility for the program. You will also need to upload supporting documents, such as your resume and language test results, to bolster your application.
Once your EOI is registered, you will enter a pool of candidates. From this pool, you may be selected to receive an invitation to apply for a nomination under the OINP Employer Job Offer Category. This step is essential in moving forward with your application process.
If You Received an Invitation to Apply
Receiving an invitation to apply for a nomination under the OINP Employer Job Offer Category is an exciting milestone. Upon receiving this invitation, you must submit a complete application within 14 calendar days. This application will require additional information and supporting documents, such as your job offer letter, proof of qualifications, and language test results.
When submitting your application, you will need to pay an application fee. The fee is CAD $1,500 if the job offer is outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and CAD $2,000 if the job offer is within the GTA. Payment can be made using a credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard).
It’s crucial to ensure that all information provided in your application is accurate and complete, as this will be used to assess your eligibility for the program. Additionally, you will need to undergo a medical examination and obtain a police certificate as part of the application process.
Supporting Documents
When applying for a nomination under the OINP Employer Job Offer Category, you will need to provide several supporting documents to substantiate your application. These documents may include:
- A job offer letter from your employer
- Proof of qualifications, such as your diploma or degree
- Language test results, such as IELTS or CELPIP
- Proof of work experience, such as a letter from your previous employer
- Proof of education, such as transcripts or diplomas
Ensuring that these documents are accurate and complete is essential, as they will be used to assess your eligibility for the program.
Work Permit Support Letter
If you are nominated under the OINP Employer Job Offer Category, you may be eligible to receive a work permit support letter. This letter, issued by the OINP, confirms your nomination for permanent residence under the program.
The work permit support letter can be used to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This work permit will allow you to work in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed, providing you with the opportunity to continue your career in Ontario.
Streams Under the OINP Employer Job Offer Category
The OINP Employer Job Offer Category includes several streams, each designed to attract skilled workers to Ontario and support the province’s economic growth. These streams include:
- Foreign Worker Stream
- In-Demand Skills Stream
- International Student Stream
Each stream has its own eligibility criteria and selection process, tailored to meet the specific needs of Ontario’s labor market.
Offer Foreign Worker Stream
The Offer Foreign Worker Stream is a key component of the OINP Employer Job Offer Category, aimed at attracting foreign workers to Ontario to support the province’s economic growth.
To be eligible for this stream, you must have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer and meet the stream’s specific eligibility criteria. This includes having a minimum language proficiency level of CLB 4, a minimum education level equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma, and at least one year of work experience in the past three years in the occupation listed on the job offer.
Additionally, the job offer must be in a skilled occupation listed under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) levels 0, A, or B. Ensuring that you meet these eligibility criteria is essential for your application to be considered under the Offer Foreign Worker Stream.
Tips for a Successful Application with a Work Permit Support Letter
- Ensure Job Offer Validity: Check that the job offer is permanent, meets Ontario’s wage standards, and aligns with the correct NOC code. Note that the eligibility for a job offer is impacted if it affects the employment of a person involved in a labor dispute.
- Double-Check Documents: Ensure that all documentation, particularly translations and certifications, meet OINP requirements.
- Stay Updated on NOC Changes: Since the NOC system updates periodically, make sure that your job offer aligns with the current codes applicable to your stream.
- Prepare Financially: Factor in the application fees and potential costs associated with certifications, document preparation, and, if needed, English or French language testing.
Can I apply for OINP on my own?
While you can technically apply for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) on your own, it’s highly recommended to work with an immigration attorney to navigate the process smoothly. An attorney can provide critical insights into eligibility requirements, documentation, and potential pitfalls, ensuring that your application is accurate and complete, which increases your chances of success. Additionally, before beginning the process, it’s essential to inform your employer and obtain their consent. Having your employer’s support not only strengthens your application but also ensures transparency and alignment with any potential employment or relocation considerations they may have.
How can Syndesus Help
Navigating the OINP Employer Job Offer category can be complex, but Syndesus is here to simplify the process for you. Syndesus can assist with understanding employment regulations in specific regions such as ‘Toronto Durham Halton York’. With our experience in cross-border employment and immigration solutions, we can assist with everything from understanding the requirements to connecting you with the right resources. If you’re looking to continue your career in Canada while meeting all regulatory requirements, reach out to Syndesus for a free consultation to explore how we can support your journey to permanent residence.
