Ontario OINP: The Employer Job Offer In-Demand Skills Stream

The Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) could be your ticket to permanent residence if you are in one of the in-demand occupations. Designed for foreign workers with job offers in high-demand sectors like agriculture, construction, and other select occupations, this stream offers a clear and structured path to settle in Ontario—whether you’re already in Canada or applying from abroad.

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 In-Demand Skills Stream?

The In-Demand Skills Stream is a pathway for foreign workers with job offers in specific occupations to apply for permanent residence in Ontario. It’s perfect for those with skills in industries facing labor shortages, such as construction trades, livestock work, or manufacturing roles. This program is open to applicants both inside and outside Canada, making it a versatile option for skilled workers worldwide.

Here’s a quick overview of how it works:

1. Employer Submits a Job Offer: Your employer registers their business in the OINP Employer Portal and submits details about your job offer.

2. Register Your Interest: You register an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the OINP, using the job offer ID provided by your employer.

3. Receive an Invitation to Apply: If selected, you and your employer submit applications within strict deadlines.

4. Nomination and Federal Application: If approved, Ontario nominates you, and you apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

Let’s break down the application process to make it as clear as possible:

Step 1: Employer Submits a Job Offer

Your journey begins with your employer. They must:

• Register their business in the OINP Employer Portal.

• Submit a job offer for your position, providing details like job title, duties, and wage.

• Provide you with a job offer ID, which you’ll need for the next step.

Step 2: Register an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Within 30 calendar days of your employer submitting the job offer, you must:

• Register your EOI in the OINP system.

• Provide details about your qualifications, work experience, and the job offer.

Your EOI is scored based on factors like your job’s occupational category, wage, work permit status, and location in Ontario. Higher scores increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

Step 3: Submit Applications

If you receive an invitation to apply:

• Your Employer’s Deadline: They must submit an application for approval of the employment position within 14 calendar days.

• Your Deadline: You have 17 calendar days to submit your application and pay the fee, but only after your employer submits their application.

Be sure to review the OINP’s document checklist to ensure you have all required documents, such as proof of work experience, language test results, and educational credentials. If you’re using a representative, note that only authorized representatives can submit applications—self-appointed representatives will lead to your application being withdrawn.

Step 4: Nomination and Federal Application

If your application is successful, you’ll receive:

• A nomination approval letter.

• A work permit support letter (if applicable).

• A nomination certificate.

With these, you’ll apply to IRCC for permanent residence. IRCC makes the final decision on your status.

Key Factors for Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a critical step in the OINP process, and your EOI score plays a pivotal role. To boost your chances of getting an ITA, focus on these key factors:

• Secure a High-Wage Job Offer: A job offer with a wage of $40 per hour or higher earns the maximum 10 points, significantly boosting your score. Ensure your employer offers a competitive salary that meets or exceeds the median wage for your occupation in the region.

• Work in a High-Demand Occupation: Occupations in NOC categories 0, 2, or 3 (e.g., management or professional roles, if applicable within TEER 4 or 5) score 10 points, while category 7 (e.g., trades) scores 7 points. Align your job offer with these higher-scoring categories if possible.

• Hold a Valid Work Permit: If you’re in Canada, having a valid work permit adds 10 points to your EOI score. Ensure your legal status is up-to-date before registering your EOI.

• Gain Job Tenure: Working for at least six months in the job offer position in Ontario adds 3 points. If possible, start working with your employer before applying to gain this advantage.

• Target Northern Ontario or Outside GTA: Job offers in Northern Ontario (e.g., Sudbury, Thunder Bay) score 10 points, while other areas outside the GTA score 8 points. Locations in the GTA (except Toronto) score 3 points, and Toronto scores 0. Consider job opportunities in higher-scoring regions to maximize points.

• Demonstrate Strong Earnings: Earning $40,000 or more in a year, as shown on a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, adds 3 points. This is particularly relevant if you’ve worked in Canada previously.

• Accuracy and Documentation: Ensure all information in your EOI is accurate and supported by verifiable documents. Errors or unsupported claims can lead to a lower score or rejection of your application.

By strategically focusing on these factors, you can maximize your EOI score and increase your likelihood of receiving an ITA. Our consultant can help you optimize your EOI, verify your documents, and align your application with Ontario’s priorities.

What Happens After Being Nominated?

Once you’re nominated by the OINP, you’re one step closer to permanent residence, but there are important responsibilities to fulfill to maintain your nomination and secure your status:

• Apply for a Work Permit (if applicable): If you’re not already working for the employer, you must apply for a work permit within six months of your nomination. You need to start working in the approved position within ten months from the nomination date.

• Maintain Employment: You must remain employed in the approved position with consistent terms (employer, position title, duties, wage, hours, and work location) until you receive permanent residence. If you’re already working in the position, you must continue doing so upon nomination.

• Demonstrate Intent to Reside in Ontario: You need to show ongoing commitment to living in Ontario, such as maintaining ties through work, community involvement, or property ownership.

• Notify OINP of Changes: If there are any changes to your employment (e.g., job duties, wage, or work location) or if you don’t start working in the approved position within ten months, you must inform the OINP immediately in writing.

• Apply to IRCC: Submit your permanent residence application to IRCC, using the nomination certificate and other documents provided by the OINP. IRCC will assess your application and make the final decision on your permanent residence status.

Staying compliant with these conditions is critical to avoid jeopardizing your nomination. Our team can help you navigate these requirements, ensuring you meet all obligations and smoothly transition to permanent residence.

Job Offer Requirements

To qualify, your job offer must meet specific criteria:

• Full-Time and Permanent: The job must involve at least 1,560 hours per year (30 hours per week) with no end date. Seasonal or contract-based jobs don’t qualify.

• Eligible Occupation: The position must be in an in-demand occupation (NOC TEER 4 or 5), such as:

  • Home support workers (NOC 44101)

  • Construction trades helpers (NOC 75110)

  • Livestock labourers (NOC 85100)

  • Certain manufacturing roles (e.g., NOC 94100–95107), if outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

• Median Wage: The wage must meet or exceed the median for the occupation in the region where you’ll work. Check the Job Bank website for median wage details.

• Urgent Need: The role must be critical to your employer’s business operations.

• Ontario-Based: The work must primarily take place in Ontario.

Applicant Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet these criteria:

• Work Experience: At least 9 months of cumulative paid full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Ontario, in the same occupation as your job offer, within the last three years.

• Language Skills: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in English or French, proven by an approved test like IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, or TEF Canada.

• Education: A Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an IRCC-designated organization.

• Intention to Live in Ontario: Show ties to Ontario, such as work history, job applications, or community involvement.

• Legal Status (if in Canada): Hold a valid visitor record, study permit, or work permit, or be in maintained status.

Employer Requirements

Your employer must also meet strict criteria:

• Business Longevity: Active for at least three years.

• Revenue: At least $1,000,000 in gross annual revenue (GTA) or $500,000 (outside GTA).

• Employees: At least 5 full-time Canadian citizen/permanent resident employees (GTA) or 3 (outside GTA).

• Recruitment Efforts: If you’re outside Canada or Ontario, your employer must show they tried to hire locally first, unless you already have a valid work permit or a positive LMIA.

Why Choose the In-Demand Skills Stream?

This stream is a fantastic opportunity for workers in essential industries to secure permanent residence in Ontario. With a valid job offer and the right qualifications, you can build a stable, long-term future in a province known for its vibrant economy and diverse communities. Plus, the process is streamlined to support both you and your employer, ensuring a smooth transition to permanent residency.

What Happens After Being Nominated?

Once you’re nominated by the OINP, you’re one step closer to permanent residence, but there are important responsibilities to fulfill to maintain your nomination and secure your status:

• Apply for a Work Permit (if applicable): If you’re not already working for the employer, you must apply for a work permit within six months of your nomination. You need to start working in the approved position within ten months from the nomination date.

• Maintain Employment: You must remain employed in the approved position with consistent terms (employer, position title, duties, wage, hours, and work location) until you receive permanent residence. If you’re already working in the position, you must continue doing so upon nomination.

• Demonstrate Intent to Reside in Ontario: You need to show ongoing commitment to living in Ontario, such as maintaining ties through work, community involvement, or property ownership.

• Notify OINP of Changes: If there are any changes to your employment (e.g., job duties, wage, or work location) or if you don’t start working in the approved position within ten months, you must inform the OINP immediately in writing.

• Apply to IRCC: Submit your permanent residence application to IRCC, using the nomination certificate and other documents provided by the OINP. IRCC will assess your application and make the final decision on your permanent residence status.

Staying compliant with these conditions is critical to avoid jeopardizing your nomination. We can help you navigate these requirements, ensuring you meet all obligations and smoothly transition to permanent residence.

How is Your Expression of Interest Scored?

The OINP uses a points-based system to rank your Expression of Interest (EOI), determining your likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply. Points are assigned based on employment and regional factors, reflecting Ontario’s labor market needs. Here’s how the scoring works:

• Job Offer: NOC Broad Occupational Category (based on your job offer’s NOC code):

  • Category 0, 2, 3: 10 points

  • Category 7: 7 points

  • Category 1, 9: 5 points

  • Category 4, 8: 4 points

  • Category 5, 6: 3 points

• Job Offer: Wage (hourly wage of the job offer):

  • $40 or higher: 10 points

  • $35–$39.99: 8 points

  • $30–$34.99: 7 points

  • $25–$29.99: 6 points

  • $20–$24.99: 5 points

  • Less than $20: 0 points

• Work Permit Status:

  • Valid work permit conferring legal status: 10 points

  • No valid work permit: 0 points

• Job Tenure with Job Offer Employer:

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

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

• Canadian Work Experience: Earnings History (based on a Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency in the last five years):

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

  • Less than $40,000: 0 points

• Regionalization: Location of Job Offer:

  • Northern Ontario (e.g., Sudbury, Thunder Bay): 10 points

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

  • Inside GTA (except Toronto): 3 points

  • Toronto: 0 points

Higher scores improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. When invited, you must provide documents to support the points claimed in your EOI, such as pay stubs, work permits, or tax assessments. We can help you maximize your score by ensuring your EOI is accurately completed and supported.

Job Offer Requirements

To qualify, your job offer must meet specific criteria:

• Full-Time and Permanent: The job must involve at least 1,560 hours per year (30 hours per week) with no end date. Seasonal or contract-based jobs don’t qualify.

• Eligible Occupation: The position must be in an in-demand occupation (NOC TEER 4 or 5), such as:

  • Home support workers (NOC 44101)

  • Construction trades helpers (NOC 75110)

  • Livestock labourers (NOC 85100)

  • Certain manufacturing roles (e.g., NOC 94100–95107), if outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

• Median Wage: The wage must meet or exceed the median for the occupation in the region where you’ll work. Check the Job Bank website for median wage details.

• Urgent Need: The role must be critical to your employer’s business operations. According to O. Reg. 422/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015, if deemed necessary by the director, the employer must have made reasonable but unsuccessful efforts to fill the position with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident before offering it to you.

• Ontario-Based: The work must primarily take place in Ontario.

Applicant Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet these criteria:

• Work Experience: At least 9 months of cumulative paid full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Ontario, in the same occupation as your job offer, within the last three years.

• Language Skills: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in English or French, proven by an approved test IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, or PET for English, and TEF or TCF for French.

• Education: A Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an IRCC-designated organization.

• Intention to Live in Ontario: Show ties to Ontario, such as work history, job applications, or community involvement.

• Legal Status (if in Canada): Hold a valid visitor record, study permit, or work permit, or be in maintained status.

Employer Requirements

Your employer must also meet strict criteria:

• Business Longevity: Active for at least three years.

• Revenue: At least $1,000,000 in gross annual revenue (GTA) or $500,000 (outside GTA).

• Employees: At least 5 full-time Canadian citizen/permanent resident employees (GTA) or 3 (outside GTA).

• Recruitment Efforts: If you’re outside Canada or Ontario, your employer must show they tried to hire locally first, unless you already have a valid work permit or a positive LMIA.

This stream is a fantastic opportunity for workers in essential industries to secure permanent residence in Ontario. With a valid job offer and the right qualifications, you can build a stable, long-term future in a province known for its vibrant economy and diverse communities. Plus, the process is streamlined to support both you and your employer, ensuring a smooth transition to permanent residency. Contact us for further clarification.