Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program

Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program allows the province to select a limited number of immigrants. The program is mandated under the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA), and builds on the lessons learned from a pilot program, which began in 2007.  

What remains the same?

Employers can attract individuals from abroad; individuals in Canada on a work permit or international student graduates from a publicly-funded Canadian college or university.

The process is employer-driven and the job offer must:

• be permanent, full-time
• pay market wage
• not affect the settlement of any labour dispute or adversely affect employment or training opportunities of Ontarians.

Approved individuals are selected and recommended for permanent resident status to the federal government (Citizenship and Immigration Canada).   

Opportunities Ontario helps attract investments of significant importance to Ontario, investments that create jobs. It allows staff who are key to the long-term success of the investment to obtain permanent resident status.
 
What is new?

The program is now called Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program. Several improvements have been made:

• Skilled workers from any managerial, professional or skilled trade occupations are now eligible.

• International students can qualify for jobs outside their field of study.
• More investors are eligible.
• Investors must invest at least $3 million and create at least five permanent, full time jobs in Ontario.   
• Annual number of nominees will increase from 500 to approximately 1,000.
• Fees:

• Foreign Workers within GTA $2,000
• Foreign Workers outside GTA $1,500
• International Students $1,500
• Employees of Investors $3,500

 

How does the Program Work?

The employer applies to Opportunities Ontario for approval of a nominee position(s). If approved, the employer recruits a qualified individual (nominee), with the relevant qualifications for the position(s).

Individuals are selected for permanent resident status and have their application for permanent residency fast-tracked by the federal immigration department, Citizenship and Immigration Canada.