OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

If you're a foreign worker hoping build a life in Ontario, Canada, the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) could be your pathway to permanent residence. This program is designed for skilled workers with a job offer in Ontario, as well as eligible physicians, offering a chance to live and work in one of Canada’s most vibrant provinces.

Three OINP Employer Job Offer Streams

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream

• Employer Job Offer: International Student stream

• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream

What is the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream?

The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is a program that allows foreign workers with a job offer in a skilled occupation (classified under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification, or NOC) to apply for permanent residency in Ontario. Whether you're already in Canada or applying from abroad, this stream provides an opportunity to settle in Ontario if you meet the program’s requirements.

Key Highlights

• Open to skilled workers in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.

• Physicians may be eligible to apply without a job offer if registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

• Requires registration in the OINP’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to proceed.

• As of July 2, 2025, employers must initiate the process by submitting the job offer through the new OINP Employer Portal and providing the applicant with an employer PIN.

• Successful applicants are nominated by Ontario and must then apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Steps to Apply

1: Employer submits job offer through the new Employer Portal

As of July 2, 2025, the application process begins with the employer, not the foreign worker. The employer must first register for a My Ontario account and access the OINP Employer Portal to submit the job offer details, including NOC classification, wage, job duties, and supporting documents. The job must be essential to the employer’s ongoing operations and must not be created solely for immigration purposes.

Once the employer completes and submits this information, the system generates an employer PIN, which the foreign worker will need to register their Expression of Interest (EOI) in the next step.

2. Register an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Within 30 calendar days of your employer submitting the job offer through the Employer Portal, you must register an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Your EOI will be assessed based on several factors, including the NOC category of your job offer, wage, work permit status, language ability, and the location of the job in Ontario. You may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your EOI score. (Note: OINP does not release minimum cut-off scores for each draw. Candidates are ranked against others in the EOI pool.)

Physicians applying without a job offer should contact the OINP directly for special instructions before registering.

Important: During the transition to the new Employer Portal, all uninvited EOIs were withdrawn on June 21–22, 2025. If you previously submitted an EOI, your employer must now resubmit the job offer through the new portal so you can register again.

3. Submit Your Application

If invited,  you and your employer submit respective applications. 

• Your employer must submit the Application for Approval of an Employment Position within 14 calendar days of your Invitation to Apply.

• You, the applicant, must submit your application within 17 calendar days of the ITA, but only after your employer submits their application. You can begin preparing your application as soon as you receive your ITA, but you will not be able to submit it until the employer application has been filed.

Key Factors for Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP) Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is a critical step toward permanent residency. The OINP uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) points-based system to rank candidates, and only those with the highest scores receive an ITA. Below are the key factors that influence your chances of receiving an ITA:

1. Valid Job Offer from an Approved Employer

A genuine, full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer is the cornerstone of this stream. Find the details in the section below for Job Offer Requirements.

2. EOI Score and Ranking

After submitting an Expression of Interest, candidates are assigned a score based on factors such as:

• Job Offer Characteristics: Higher points are awarded for jobs in high-demand occupations, regions outside the Greater Toronto Area, or those with higher wages.

• Work Experience: Relevant skilled work experience, especially in the same occupation as the job offer, boosts your score.

• Education: Higher levels of education (e.g., post-secondary degrees or diplomas) contribute to a stronger EOI profile.

• Language Proficiency: Strong scores in English or French (CLB 7 or higher) can significantly increase your points.

• Canadian Work Experience: Previous work in Canada, particularly in skilled occupations, is highly valued.

3. Work Experience and Qualifications

You must have at least two years of cumulative work experience (within the last five years) in the same occupation as the job offer or a valid license for regulated occupations. The experience must be:

• Paid and verifiable through reference letters or pay stubs.

• Relevant to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of the job offer.

4. Language and Education Requirements

While the Foreign Worker Stream does not mandate specific language or education levels, higher proficiency and credentials improve your EOI score. Submitting test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees can make your profile more competitive.

5. Settlement Funds and Intent to Reside in Ontario

You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents upon arriving in Ontario. Additionally, you need to show a genuine intention to live and work in Ontario permanently, which can be supported by ties such as previous visits, family connections, or community involvement.

6. Application Accuracy and Completeness

Errors or incomplete information in your EOI or application can lead to delays or refusal. Ensure all documents, including the job offer letter, Employer Form, and supporting evidence (e.g., work experience letters, passports), are accurate and meet OINP guidelines.

7. Alignment with OINP Draws and Priorities

The OINP targets specific occupations or regions based on Ontario’s labor market needs. For example, priority may be given to candidates with job offers in healthcare, technology, or skilled trades. Staying informed about OINP draw trends can help you gauge your chances.

Pro Tip: Work with your employer to ensure the job offer is clear, detailed, and meets all OINP requirements. Consider consulting an immigration professional like us to optimize your EOI and application for a higher score.

By focusing on these factors, you can enhance your EOI profile and increase your likelihood of receiving an ITA, bringing you one step closer to permanent residency in Ontario.

Job Offer Requirements

Your job offer must meet specific criteria to qualify (note: these do not apply to eligible physicians applying without a job offer):

1. Full-Time and Permanent: The position must involve at least 1,560 hours per year (30 hours per week) with no end date. Seasonal or contract-based jobs are ineligible.

2. Eligible Occupation: The job must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.

3. Median Wage Level: The wage must meet or exceed the median wage for the occupation in the region of Ontario where you’ll work. Use the Job Bank website to check median wages. If already working, your wage must also be equal to or higher than your current pay.

4. Business Need: The position must be essential to the employer’s ongoing operations and must not be created primarily for the purpose of facilitating immigration.

5. Work in Ontario: The job must primarily be based in Ontario.

Note: Self-employed professionals (except eligible physicians) are not eligible under this stream but may qualify under other OINP streams, such as the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities or French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams.

Applicant Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

1. EOI and ITA: You must have a valid ITA and demonstrate the qualifications claimed in your EOI.

2. Work Experience or Licence:

   • For occupations requiring a mandatory licence in Ontario (e.g., regulated professions), you must hold a valid licence from the relevant regulatory body at the time of application.

   • For other occupations, you need at least two years of cumulative paid full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the same NOC code as your job offer, gained within the last five years. Work in Canada must have been legal.

3. Intention to Live in Ontario: Show ties to Ontario through work, study, volunteering, property ownership, or personal/professional connections.

4. Legal Status (if in Canada): You must have legal status (e.g., visitor record, study permit, or work permit) at the time of application and maintain it until nomination. Applicants with “maintained status” (awaiting IRCC renewal) are also eligible.

Special Note for Physicians

Physicians can apply without a job offer if they:

• Are registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in a category that permits patient care (Independent Practice, Academic Practice, or Postgraduate Education).

• Are eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services under the Health Insurance Act, 1990.

Employer Requirements

Your employer must also meet specific criteria (not applicable to physicians applying without a job offer):

• General Requirements:

  • Be in active business for at least three years.

  • Have business premises in Ontario.

  • Have no outstanding orders under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 or Occupational Health and Safety Act.

  • Demonstrate reasonable efforts to recruit a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (if you’re outside Canada or not working in Ontario).

• Revenue Requirements:

  • At least $1,000,000 in gross annual revenue for businesses in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

  • At least $500,000 for businesses outside the GTA.

• Full-Time Employee Requirements:

  • At least 5 full-time Canadian citizen or permanent resident employees for GTA locations.

  • At least 3 for non-GTA locations.

The OINP may request additional documentation or conduct compliance reviews to verify the legitimacy of the job offer and ensure the employer meets program requirements.

Scoring Factors for EOI

Your EOI is scored based on factors like:

• Job Offer NOC TEER Category: Up to 10 points for TEER 0 or 1.

• Job Offer Wage: Up to 10 points for $40/hour or higher.

• Work Permit Status: 10 points if you have a valid work permit.

• Job Tenure: 3 points if you’ve worked in the job offer position for 6+ months in Ontario.

• Language Ability: Up to 10 points for CLB 9 or higher, or knowing both official languages.

• Location of Job Offer: Up to 10 points for Northern Ontario, 8 for other areas outside the GTA.

Below are the detailed scoring factors used to evaluate EOIs. Note that these scoring factors do not apply to physicians applying without a job offer.

Employment / Labour Market Factors

1. Job Offer: NOC TEER Category
   Points are awarded based on the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) category of the job offer’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code:

   • NOC TEER 0 or 1: 10 points

   • NOC TEER 2 or 3: 8 points

   • NOC TEER 4: 0 points

   • NOC TEER 5: 0 points

2. Job Offer: NOC Broad Occupational Category
   Points are assigned based on the broad occupational category of the job offer’s NOC code:

   • Occupational Category 0 (Management occupations): 10 points

   • Occupational Category 2 (Natural and applied sciences and related occupations): 10 points

   • Occupational Category 3 (Health occupations): 10 points

   • Occupational Category 7 (Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations): 7 points

   • Occupational Category 1 (Business, finance, and administration occupations): 5 points

   • Occupational Category 9 (Occupations in manufacturing and utilities): 5 points

   • Occupational Category 4 (Occupations in education, law, and social, community, and government services): 4 points

   • Occupational Category 8 (Natural resources, agriculture, and related production occupations): 4 points

   • Occupational Category 5 (Occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport): 3 points

   • Occupational Category 6 (Sales and service occupations): 3 points

3. Job Offer: Wage
   Points are awarded based on the hourly wage of the job offer:

   • $40 per hour or higher: 10 points

   • $35 to $39.99 per hour: 8 points

   • $30 to $34.99 per hour: 7 points

   • $25 to $29.99 per hour: 6 points

   • $20 to $24.99 per hour: 5 points

   • Less than $20 per hour: 0 points

4. Work Permit Status
   Points are given based on whether you hold a valid work permit that confers legal status in Canada:

   • With valid work permit: 10 points

   • Without valid work permit: 0 points

5. Job Tenure with Job Offer Employer
   Points are awarded if you are already working for the employer in the job offer position in Ontario:

   • 6 months or more working in the job offer position: 3 points

   • Less than 6 months working in the job offer position or not currently working in the position: 0 points

6. Canadian Work Experience: Earnings History
   Points are based on earnings history in Canada, as evidenced by a Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) within the last five years:

   • $40,000 or more earnings in a year: 3 points

   • Less than $40,000 earnings in a year: 0 points

Language Factors

1. Official Language Ability
   Points are awarded based on your proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French), measured by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level:

   • CLB 9 or higher: 10 points

   • CLB 8: 6 points

   • CLB 7: 4 points

   • CLB 6 or lower: 0 points

2. Knowledge of Official Languages
   Additional points are given based on whether you have proficiency in one or both official languages:

   • 2 Official Languages (English and French): 10 points

   • 1 Official Language (English or French): 5 points

Regionalization Factors

1. Regional Immigration: Location of Job Offer
   Points are awarded based on the location of the job offer in Ontario, with higher points for regions with greater need for skilled workers:

   • Northern Ontario: 10 points

     • Includes Census Divisions: Muskoka, Haliburton, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury, Timiskaming, Cochrane, Algoma, Thunder Bay, Rainy River, Kenora

   • Other areas outside GTA (except Northern Ontario): 8 points

     • Includes all Ontario regions except Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area, and Northern Ontario

   • Inside GTA (except Toronto): 3 points

     • Includes regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel, and York

   • Toronto: 0 points

     • Includes the City of Toronto

Important Notes

• Physicians: The scoring factors do not apply to physicians applying without a job offer, as their eligibility is based on registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and eligibility for publicly funded health services.

What Happens if You’re Nominated?

If approved, you’ll receive:

• A nomination approval letter.

• A work permit support letter (if applicable).

• A nomination certificate.

You must then apply to IRCC for a work permit (if needed) and permanent residence. If nominated, you’re required to:

• Maintain your intention to live in Ontario.

• Be employed in the approved position by the nomination date (or within 10 months if not already working).

• Notify the OINP if you don’t start working within 10 months.

• Continue working in the approved position with consistent terms until you receive permanent residence.

The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers and physicians to build a future in Ontario. By securing a qualifying job offer and meeting the program’s requirements, you can take a significant step toward permanent residency. Be sure to carefully review the OINP guidelines and consult with the OINP for any specific questions, especially if you’re a physician applying without a job offer.

For more information, book a consultation with us to guide you through the process!

Last updated: July 9, 2025 – includes changes related to the new Employer Portal.