Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) is one of Canada’s most popular pathways to permanent residency (PR) for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs. With Express Entry CRS scores soaring above 500, the OINP offers a lifeline for candidates who may not qualify for direct federal immigration.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
► How the OINP works (base vs. enhanced streams)
► Eligibility requirements for each OINP stream
► 2024 & 2025 OINP draw trends (CRS scores, ITAs, NOIs)
► Step-by-step process to apply for nomination
► Tips to maximize your chances of success
The OINP allows Ontario to nominate skilled immigrants for Canadian PR based on the province’s labor market needs. Successful nominees receive 600 additional CRS points (if applying through an enhanced stream) or can apply directly for PR (if using a base stream).
| Stream | Job Offer Required? | Express Entry-Aligned? | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Capital Priorities (HCP) | No | Yes | CRS 400+, skilled work exp, education |
| French-Speaking Skilled Worker | No | Yes | French CLB 7+, English CLB 6+ |
| Skilled Trades | No | Yes | 1+ year Ontario trade experience |
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | Yes | No | Full-time job offer, skilled NOC |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | Yes | No | Ontario grad, job offer in skilled NOC |
| Masters & PhD Graduate | No | No | Ontario degree, CLB 7+, intent to stay |
1. Enhanced Streams (Express Entry-Linked)
Faster PR processing (~6 months)
Requires an active Express Entry profile
+600 CRS points if nominated
2..Base Streams (Direct to OINP)
Slower processing (~21 months)
No Express Entry profile needed
Wider range of eligible occupations
Total nominations issued: 21,500
Top streams:
Human Capital Priorities (HCP): 12,731 NOIs
Skilled Trades: 9,006 NOIs
Employer Job Offer (Foreign Worker): 6,695 ITAs 4
CRS ranges:
HCP Stream: 350–528 (targeted tech/health draws)
French-Speaking: 290–445
Skilled Trades: 350–435
Federal PNP allocations cut from 110,000 (2024) to 55,000 (2025)
Ontario’s 2025 nominations expected to drop by ~50%
Only 4 ITAs issued so far (Jan 2025, EMPP candidates)
Key shifts:
More targeted draws (healthcare, tech, skilled trades)
Fewer general draws (higher competition)
Entrepreneur Stream closed
Check if you qualify for Express Entry-aligned (enhanced) or base streams.
Ensure you meet education, work experience, and language requirements.
Base streams (e.g., Employer Job Offer): Submit an EOI via OINP portal.
Enhanced streams (e.g., HCP): Create/update your Express Entry profile and select Ontario.
ITA (Base Streams): Issued via OINP’s EOI system (e.g., Employer Job Offer).
NOI (Enhanced Streams): Sent to Express Entry candidates (e.g., HCP, French-Speaking).
Submit a complete application within 14–45 days (depending on stream).
Pay the OINP fee (1,500–1,500–2,500).
Enhanced streams: Accept nomination (+600 CRS points), wait for Express Entry ITA.
Base streams: Apply directly to IRCC via Non-Express Entry PR portal.
► Target High-Demand Occupations (e.g., healthcare NOC 31301, tech NOC 21311, trades NOC 72024) 8
►Boost Your CRS Score (improve IELTS, gain Canadian experience)
► Secure a Valid Job Offer (if applying under Employer Job Offer streams)
►Monitor OINP Updates (draws are now less frequent but more targeted)
With Express Entry CRS cutoffs exceeding 520, the OINP remains a viable alternative for skilled workers and graduates. While 2025 allocations are tighter, strategic applicants can still succeed by:
Targeting in-demand occupations
Optimizing their profiles
Applying as early as possible
Need Help? Consult an RCIC-certified immigration expert to assess your OINP eligibility and maximize your chances.
For the latest OINP draw updates, visit www.ontario.ca/page/2025-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates.
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Your relatives can live, study and work in Canada if they become permanent residents of Canada. You can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you’re at least 18 years old and a:
