OINP Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream
Apr 25, 2025
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) facilitates the immigration of skilled foreign workers and eligible physicians who wish to settle permanently in Ontario. The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream is designed for individuals who have secured a full‑time and permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in a skilled occupation. Notably, this stream also includes specific provisions for physicians who meet certain registration and eligibility criteria. Applicants to this stream must first register an expression of interest through the OINP’s Expression of Interest System and receive an invitation to apply before submitting an online application for nomination. Upon successful nomination by the Ontario government, applicants can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. Self‑employed professionals, excluding eligible physicians, are not eligible for this stream. However, self‑employed work experience may be considered under the OINP’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities or French‑Speaking Skilled Worker streams through the Federal Skilled Workers Program.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, applicants must meet specific requirements in several categories.
1. Expression of Interest and Invitation to Apply
Applicants must have registered an expression of interest in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System.
Applicants must have received an invitation to apply from the OINP.
The application must be submitted within the deadline specified in the invitation to apply.
Applicants must demonstrate that they possessed the qualifications claimed in their expression of interest at the time of registration and attestation.
2. Job Offer Requirements (General Applicants)
The job offer must be for a full‑time and permanent position. A permanent position is defined as an indeterminate duration of employment. Full‑time employment consists of a minimum of 30 hours of paid work per week.
The job offered must be in a skilled occupation at TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC.
The wage being offered must meet or exceed the median wage level for that occupation across all industries in Ontario. Information on median wage levels can be found on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website.
The employer making the job offer must meet specific employer eligibility criteria as outlined by the OINP.
3. Physician‑Specific Requirements (No Job Offer Required)
Physicians must be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) in a certificate category that permits patient care. These categories include Independent practice, Academic practice, or Postgraduate education.
Physicians must be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services in accordance with the Health Insurance Act, 1990.
Eligible physicians can apply to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream without a requirement for a job offer.
The standard employer requirements do not apply to eligible physicians applying under this provision.
4. Work Experience
General applicants must have accumulated a minimum of two years of cumulative paid full‑time work experience in the same NOC code as the offered position in the five years preceding the date of application registration. This experience can be gained in Canada or overseas.
Part‑time work experience that is equivalent to two years of full‑time work (30 hours per week) may also be considered.
For eligible physicians applying without a job offer, specific work experience requirements related to the offered position do not apply, but registration with the CPSO and eligibility for public funding are mandatory.
5. Intention to Reside in Ontario
Applicants must demonstrate the intention to reside permanently in Ontario.
6. Legal Status in Canada (If Applicable)
If applying from within Canada, applicants must have legal status in the country at the time of application. This includes a valid work permit, study permit, or visitor record.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
The application process for the OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream involves several key steps.
1. Determine Eligibility
Review all the eligibility criteria outlined above to ensure you meet the requirements for the stream.
If you are a physician, confirm your registration status with the CPSO and your eligibility for public funding.
2. Employer Preparation (General Applicants)
Ensure your prospective employer is eligible under the OINP guidelines.
Your employer needs to have been actively operating a business in Ontario for at least three years prior to submitting an application on your behalf.
The employer must have a physical business location in Ontario where you will work.
The employer must meet specific minimum gross annual revenue requirements based on the location of their business and the number of employees.
The employer must demonstrate a need for the position and that reasonable efforts were made to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents before offering the position to a foreign worker.
3. Register an Expression of Interest
Create a profile in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System through the OINP e‑Filing Portal.
Provide accurate and complete information about your work experience, education, language proficiency, and details of your job offer (if applicable).
Eligible physicians will also create a profile indicating their registration with the CPSO and eligibility for public funding.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply
The OINP will periodically review the pool of registered candidates and issue invitations to apply to those who meet the stream criteria and have a strong potential to contribute to Ontario’s economy.
Invitations are sent via the OINP e‑Filing Portal account.
5. Prepare and Submit Your Online Application
If you receive an invitation to apply, you will have a limited time (currently 14 calendar days) to submit your online application through the OINP e‑Filing Portal.
Complete all sections of the online application form accurately and thoroughly.
Upload all required supporting documents as specified in the OINP document checklist. These documents typically include proof of work experience, educational credentials, language test results (if applicable), a copy of the job offer (if applicable), proof of registration with the CPSO (for physicians), and other supporting documents.
Pay the non‑refundable application processing fee.
6. Application Assessment
The OINP will assess your application based on the information and documents provided.
They may request additional information or documentation if needed.
7. Nomination Decision
If your application is approved, you will receive a nomination approval letter and a nomination certificate from the OINP.
Physicians approved under the special provision will also receive a nomination.
8. Apply for Permanent Residence
After receiving your OINP nomination, you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Class.
The OINP nomination adds points to your Express Entry profile (if you have one), increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC. If you do not have an Express Entry profile, you will apply through a non‑Express Entry stream at the federal level.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Inaccurate Information: Providing false or misleading information in your expression of interest or application can lead to refusal and a ban from applying to the OINP in the future. Ensure all details are accurate and verifiable.
Incomplete Applications: Failing to complete all sections of the application form or upload all required documents will result in processing delays or refusal. Carefully review the document checklist before submission.
Job Offer Not Meeting Requirements (General Applicants): Ensure the job offer is for a full‑time, permanent position in a TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation and that the wage meets the median wage for Ontario.
Employer Ineligibility (General Applicants): Verify that your employer meets all the OINP’s eligibility criteria, including years in operation, physical location, and revenue requirements.
Work Experience Not Meeting Requirements (General Applicants): Confirm that you have the required two years of cumulative full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) work experience in the same NOC code as the offered position within the last five years.
Applying Without an Invitation: Only those who have registered an expression of interest and received an invitation to apply are eligible to submit an application under this stream.
Expired Invitation: Ensure you submit your application within the 14‑calendar‑day timeframe after receiving the invitation to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a fee to register an expression of interest? No, there is no fee to register an expression of interest in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System. However, a non‑refundable application fee is required upon submitting an application.
How long is an invitation to apply valid? An invitation to apply under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream is typically valid for 14 calendar days from the date of issuance.
Can I have more than one expression of interest registered? You can only register one expression of interest per OINP stream at any given time.
Do physicians need a job offer to apply to this stream? Eligible physicians who are registered with the CPSO in a category permitting patient care and are eligible for public funding can apply to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream without a job offer.
What if my job offer is in a TEER category 4 or 5 occupation? Job offers in TEER category 4 or 5 occupations are generally not eligible under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, except under the In‑Demand Skills stream.
Where can I find the median wage levels for occupations in Ontario? You can find information on median wage levels on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website.
What is the next step after receiving an OINP nomination? After receiving a nomination, you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Class.
Conclusion
The OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream provides a valuable pathway for skilled foreign workers and eligible physicians to achieve permanent residence in Ontario. By understanding the detailed eligibility criteria and carefully following the application process, applicants can increase their chances of a successful outcome. It is crucial to ensure all requirements are met accurately and that all necessary documentation is provided in a timely manner. For eligible physicians, the unique provision allowing application without a job offer presents a significant opportunity to contribute their expertise to Ontario’s healthcare system. Aspiring permanent residents should regularly consult the official OINP website for the most up‑to‑date information and guidelines.
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