Ontario is Canada’s most popular destination for immigrants, and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is one of the largest provincial immigration programs in the country. In 2025 alone, Ontario nominated over 18,000 candidates for permanent residence.
How Does the OINP Work?
Most OINP streams use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. You submit a profile to the OINP portal, and Ontario invites the highest-scoring candidates when streams open. For Human Capital Priorities, Ontario searches directly in the federal Express Entry pool.
OINP Streams Overview
1. Human Capital Priorities Stream
Ontario searches the Express Entry pool and invites candidates based on their CRS score, NOC code, and Ontario ties. No separate OINP application is needed — Ontario contacts eligible candidates directly.
2. Skilled Trades Stream
For skilled tradespeople with a job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible trade occupation (NOC TEER 2 or 3). Candidates must be registered in the Express Entry pool.
3. French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
For French-speaking candidates with a CLB 7+ in French and CLB 6+ in English, in an eligible skilled occupation. No Ontario job offer required.
4. Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream
For foreign workers outside Canada (or in Canada with a valid work permit) who have received a permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer.
5. Employer Job Offer – International Student Stream
For international graduates from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution with a permanent, full-time Ontario job offer.
6. Masters Graduate Stream
For graduates of an eligible Ontario university master’s program within the past two years. No job offer required.
7. PhD Graduate Stream
For graduates of an eligible Ontario university PhD program within the past two years. No job offer required.
How to Check Your OINP Eligibility
Use our free OINP Points Calculator to estimate your score across all streams. The calculator is updated for 2026 OINP requirements.