In 2021, there are 198,000 new permanent residents welcomed by Ontario or about 49% of permanent residents are in Canada.
This is not surprising that Ontario has the largest population in Canada and also it is known as the largest city in Canada. Lots of new immigrants choose to live in Ontario because of its strong economy, already-established immigrant communities, and well-developed support system.
If you want to settle in Ontario then you have nine pathways in Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program through which you can immigrate to Canada.
About Provincial Nomination
The provincial nomination program is a key part of the immigration policy of Canada which is designed to help the province attract immigrants who are eligible to support the needs of the labor force.
If a candidate qualified for the pathway-specific requirements and gets nominated by the province, they are able to add this in their application for PR to IRCC.
Need for Provincial Nomination Program – (PNP)
Ontario launched PNP in 2007 due to its huge immigrant population. The launch of this system gives more opportunities to newcomers in Canada to establish themselves economically within the province. This program also provides the authority to select those candidates who will get success and full fill the gap in the workforce. Every province and territory (excluding Quebec and Nunavut) manages its own PNP.
Categories of Ontario PNP
There are four streams in Ontario for provincial nomination and every category has subcategories. Overall, there are a total of nine provincial immigration routes available in Ontario.
Human Capital Priority Streams
Human Capital Priority Streams have collaborated with the application system of Express Entry.
Those candidates who fulfill the eligibility requirements for one of the given programs which are controlled by the Express Entry such as FSTP – (Federal Skilled Trade Program), CEC – (Canadian Experience Class), and FSWP – (Federal Skilled Workers Program) are eligible for the provincial nomination as well in the province of Ontario via the same stream. They must have shown an intention to settle within Ontario.
French Speaking Skilled Worker Class
Candidates who are proficient in English and French both official languages are qualified for the French-Speaking Skilled Workers Class in Ontario. It operates similarly to the FSWP in terms of proof of education, work experience, and funding but to be qualified candidates must have 7 CLB in French and 6 in English.
Skilled Trade Stream
Those candidates who are qualified for the FSTP (Federal skilled Trade Program) of the Express Entry system are qualified for provincial nomination as well via the Skilled Trades Stream. It means candidates must have at least one year of work experience within their field and it must come under the NOC codes 633 Minor Groups and 72, 73, or 83 in Major Groups.
Category of Employer Job Offer
If you are qualified for the Express Entry then you are able to submit an EOI to the province in the other categories via nomination. You need an EOI when you apply directly to the provincial government for the nomination.
An EOI shows the government of Ontario that you want to be invited by the province or you wish to settle in Ontario. You have to apply for only ONIP if you choose these pathways and have received an invitation.
You have to complete an attestation form to submit an EOI on the same day when you know that you meet the eligibility requirement for the program that you have chosen and that all information in your EOI is true.
Job offers by company: Foreign Worker Stream
This pathway is made for those foreign workers who live outside of Canada and they have a valid job offer from a company in Ontario.
The job must have to come under NOC codes 0, A, or B and you have to show an appropriate license of at least two years of experience in the same occupation (where needed).
Job offers by company: International Graduates
This stream is for those candidates who are graduating from colleges or universities abroad and who have received job offers from an employer in Ontario. The job should come under NOC 0, A, or B. The educational requirements are given below:
- Candidates need a degree or a diploma that takes a minimum of two years to complete if they study on the basis of full-time.
- Candidates must have a diploma or certificate that requires a minimum of one year to complete if they study full-time which requires a full degree as an entry requirement.
Employer job offer: In-demand occupations
Skilled workers whether they are in Canada or outside of Canada if they have work experience that comes under NOC C and D are able to apply for the nomination. If candidates have enough experience in the profession that required more workers urgently in Ontario. The profession may be different depending on the requirements of employment.
Categories of Master and PhD
The rest two programs are particularly designed for the students of Masters and Ph.D. who have graduated from the universities of Ontario and want to stay in the province. To be eligible for the master’s graduate stream candidates must have to study for a minimum of one year at a qualified University of Ontario. Those who graduated with a Ph.D. program must have to complete a minimum of two years of their Ph.D. in the province.
Categories of Entrepreneur
The Entrepreneur category works a little differently. Candidates in this category must also submit an EOI, but are required to attend a mandatory interview and sign a performance agreement if invited to apply. If they are successful, they will be issued a temporary work permit to travel to Canada and then 20 months after arrival to implement a business plan and submit a final review. If the candidate has fulfilled the professional requirements, they will be asked for documents proving that they are eligible for permanent residency.
Conclusion
Ontario has an immigrant retention rate is more than 93%. Provincial Nomination Programs are very successful in promoting the establishment of economics for newcomers and it is also beneficial for the province. Ontario invited approx. 9000 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination in 2021 and it is on the way to exceeding that number in 2022.
