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OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is one of Ontario’s key immigration pathways that allows employers to hire skilled international workers to fill labor market gaps in the province. This stream helps foreign nationals with a valid job offer from an eligible Ontario employer apply for permanent residence in Canada.
It is specifically designed for foreign workers with a job offer in a skilled occupation (classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) who want to live and work in Ontario permanently.
What is the OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream?
The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is a part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It allows Ontario employers to nominate foreign workers with necessary skills and experience for permanent residence. Applicants do not need to be in Canada at the time of application, provided they have a genuine job offer from an eligible Ontario employer.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Valid Job Offer: You must have a valid, full-time, and permanent job offer in a skilled occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Wage Level: The wage offered must meet or exceed the median wage level for that occupation in Ontario.
- Work Experience: You must have at least two years of paid, full-time (or equivalent) work experience in the same occupation as your job offer within the last five years.
- Intent to Reside: You must demonstrate an intention to live in Ontario after becoming a permanent resident.
- Legal Status (if in Canada): If you are applying from within Canada, you must have legal status at the time of application and during the processing period.
Employer Requirements
The employer offering the job must meet certain criteria to ensure the legitimacy and sustainability of the job offer:
- The business must have been in active operation for at least three years prior to submitting the application.
- For employers located inside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): must have a minimum gross annual revenue of CAD $1,000,000 and at least five full-time employees.
- For employers located outside the GTA: must have a minimum gross annual revenue of CAD $500,000 and at least three full-time employees.
- The business must have a genuine need to fill the position being offered to the foreign worker.
Job Offer Requirements
The job offer must meet specific conditions set by the OINP:
- The position must be permanent and full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week).
- The job must be located in Ontario.
- The position must be in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
- The offered wage must meet or exceed the median wage level for the same occupation in Ontario.
Application Process
The OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream follows a structured online application process. Below is the step-by-step procedure you need to follow carefully to ensure a smooth application and faster approval.
- Step 1 – Register an Expression of Interest (EOI):
Begin by creating an Expression of Interest profile through the official OINP e-Filing Portal. In your profile, you’ll need to provide details about your work experience, job offer, education, and language skills. Once submitted, your profile will be added to the OINP candidate pool. - Step 2 – Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
OINP conducts regular draws and selects the highest-ranking candidates from the EOI pool. If your score meets or exceeds the cutoff score in a draw, you’ll receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) for nomination. Invitations are typically sent by email and visible in your portal dashboard. - Step 3 – Submit a Complete Application:
After receiving your ITA, you’ll have 14 calendar days to submit a complete application for nomination. Log in to your OINP account and upload all the required documents such as your job offer, employment letter, educational credentials, and proof of work experience. Ensure that all information matches your employer’s submission and that documents are clear, valid, and translated if needed. - Step 4 – Employer Form Submission:
Your employer must also complete and submit the Employer Form through the OINP employer portal. This form verifies the authenticity of the job offer and provides key company details such as financial health, number of employees, and business operations. Both employer and employee submissions must be consistent to avoid delays. - Step 5 – OINP Assessment and Decision:
Once both the candidate and employer applications are received, the OINP begins its assessment. They may contact you or your employer for clarification or additional documents. If approved, you’ll receive a Nomination Approval Letter and a Certificate of Nomination via your OINP account. - Step 6 – Apply for Permanent Residence (PR):
With the provincial nomination, you can now apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Include your nomination certificate and all supporting documents with your PR application. IRCC will then conduct background, medical, and security checks before issuing a PR visa. - Step 7 – Move to Ontario and Start Working:
Once your PR is approved, you can move to Ontario and begin working for your employer. This is an excellent opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, settle with your family, and build a long-term career in Canada’s most dynamic province.
Pro Tip: It is strongly advised to double-check every form and supporting document before submission. Even minor mistakes can cause delays or rejection. For professional assistance, Canada Visa Point can help prepare and review your application thoroughly to ensure accuracy and completeness.
OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream – Scoring Factors
When you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) under this stream, points are assigned based on several key factors. If you receive an invitation to apply, you will need to provide documents supporting the points you are claiming. Note that these scoring factors are separate from the stream eligibility criteria and do not apply to physicians who qualify without a job offer.
Employment & Labour Market Factors
Job Offer – NOC TEER Category
- TEER 0 or 1 – 10 points
- TEER 2 or 3 – 8 points
- TEER 4 or 5 – 0 points
Job Offer – NOC Broad Occupation
- Categories 0, 2, 3 – 10 points
- Category 7 – 7 points
- Categories 1, 9 – 5 points
- Categories 4, 8 – 4 points
- Categories 5, 6 – 3 points
Job Offer – Wage
- $40/hr or more – 10 points
- $35–$39.99/hr – 8 points
- $30–$34.99/hr – 7 points
- $25–$29.99/hr – 6 points
- $20–$24.99/hr – 5 points
- Less than $20/hr – 0 points
Work Permit Status
- With valid work permit – 10 points
- Without valid work permit – 0 points
Job Tenure with Employer
- 6 months or more in the job offer position – 3 points
- Less than 6 months or not currently working in the position – 0 points
Canadian Work Experience – Earnings
- $40,000 or more per year – 3 points
- Less than $40,000 per year – 0 points
Language Proficiency
- CLB 9 or higher – 10 points
- CLB 8 – 6 points
- CLB 7 – 4 points
- CLB 6 or lower – 0 points
- Knowledge of official languages: 2 languages – 10 points, 1 language – 5 points
Regional Immigration – Job Location
- Northern Ontario – 10 points
- Other areas outside GTA (excluding Northern Ontario) – 8 points
- Inside GTA (excluding Toronto) – 3 points
- Toronto – 0 points
Regions Defined: Northern Ontario includes Muskoka, Haliburton, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Greater Sudbury, Timiskaming, Cochrane, Algoma, Thunder Bay, Rainy River, and Kenora. Other areas outside Toronto and GTA include all other Ontario regions. GTA (except Toronto) includes Durham, Halton, Peel, and York. Toronto includes the City of Toronto.
Processing Time
Typical processing times for OINP Employer Job Offer applications range between 60 to 90 days. However, timelines can vary depending on application volume and complexity.
Application Fee
The application fee depends on where your employer’s business is located:
- Inside Greater Toronto Area (GTA): CAD $1,500
- Outside Greater Toronto Area (GTA): CAD $2,000
Benefits of the OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- Direct pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).
- No Express Entry profile required.
- Opportunity to work and settle in Ontario, Canada’s economic hub.
- Employers can retain skilled international talent long-term.
- Simple and transparent online application process.
Documents Required
- Copy of your job offer letter and employment contract.
- Proof of work experience (reference letters, pay slips, etc.).
- Passport and valid status in Canada (if applicable).
- Educational documents and credential assessments.
- Employer form approved by the Ontario government.
- Proof of settlement funds and intent to reside in Ontario.
Important Notes
- Job offers must be genuine and meet OINP wage standards.
- Applications with incomplete documentation will be refused.
- Employers and applicants may be contacted for additional verification.
Conclusion
The OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is a strong pathway for skilled international professionals to secure permanent residence in Ontario. With proper preparation, documentation, and guidance, applicants can successfully transition from temporary employment to permanent residency in one of Canada’s most vibrant provinces.