What are the Requirements for the Foreign Worker Stream (OINP)?
The Foreign Worker Stream (OINP) is for foreign workers with a valid job offer from an Ontario based employer and meets certain additional requirements. Both foreign workers and employers must meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for this stream.
As a foreign worker, you will be required to meet the following requirements:
Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from an employer based in Ontario for a full-time position with wages above the median wage level in Ontario. The occupation must be classified as National Occupational Classification (NOC) code Skill Level 0 (management jobs), Skill Level A (professionals) or Skill Level B (technical jobs or tradespeople).
Work Experience or License: You must meet the following 2 requirements:
- Have skilled work experience of at least 2 years obtained in the last 5 years in an occupation related to the job offer
- Have the appropriate license, certificate of authorization to practice your profession issued by a recognized body in Ontario
Intention to Reside: You must prove your intention to reside in the province through a strong connection in the form of a personal relationship, investment or efforts to participate in society.
As an employer, you must meet the following requirements to hire a foreign national:
- Have an operational business for at least 3 years
- Have a business located in the province
- Demonstrate advertising efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Comply with labor laws and employment rules and regulations of the province
- Meet the revenue requirements and the required number of full-time employees:
- If your business is located inside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), then your minimum gross revenue for the most recent fiscal year should be $1,000,000 and you must have at least 5 full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- If your business is located outside the GTA, then you must have gross revenue of $500,000 and at least 3 full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
What are the Requirements for the International Student Stream (OINP)?
This stream provides an immigration pathway for international students who wish to transition to permanent residence. Here are the requirements to qualify:
Job Offer: You will require a valid job offer from a designated employer in the province for a full-time position classified as NOC (National Occupational Classification) code Skill Level 0 (management roles), Skill Level A (professionals) or Skill Level B (technical jobs or tradespeople).
Education Level: You must complete a 2-year full-time study program or a 1-year program that requires a previously obtained degree.
License: If your occupation requires a license to practice your profession, then you must obtain 1 from a regulatory body in the province.
Intention to Reside: You must demonstrate your intention to reside in the province by proving a strong connection through personal relationships, investment or efforts to participate in Ontario.
As an employer, you must meet the following requirements to hire an international graduate through this stream:
- Offer a job for a full-time critical position with wages that meet the industry standard
- Be in good standing and compliance with the laws and regulations of the province
- If your business is located in the GTA, then your annual gross revenue must be at least $1 million and have 5 full-time employees
- If your business is located outside GTA, then your annual gross revenue must be at least $500,000 and have 3 full-time employees
- Demonstrate advertising efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
What are the Requirements for the In-Demand Skills Stream (OINP)?
This stream facilitates the immigration of foreign workers in targeted professions with a valid job offer from a designated employer in the province.
You must have relevant work experience and intention to live and work in the province.
As a foreign worker, you will be required to meet the following requirements:
Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a designated employer for a full-time position with a wage above the median level. The occupation must be in the OINP In-Demand Occupations List.
Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate language proficiency with a CLB level 4 for English or French with an approved language test result.
Education Level: You must have a Canadian high school diploma or a foreign equivalent.
Work Experience: You must have at least 1 year of full-time skilled work experience in an occupation listed as in-demand obtained in the last 3 years.
License: You must obtain the appropriate license, certificate or authorization required to practice your occupation in Ontario issued by an approved regulatory authority in Ontario.
Settlement Funds: You must meet the settlement fund requirements determined by the governing body of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Canada (IRCC).
Intention to Reside: You must provide evidence of your intention to reside in the province through a connection with the province, investment or efforts to participate in Ontario society.
As an employer, you must meet the following requirements:
- Offer a job for a full-time position with wages that correspond to the industry level
- Be in good standing and compliance with the rules and regulations of the province
- Must have at least $1 million in gross annual revenue and 5 full-time employees if your business is located in the GTA
- Must have at least $500,000 in gross annual revenue and 3 full-time employees if your business is located outside the GTA
- Demonstrate advertising efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
