Ontario, one of Canada’s most prosperous provinces, offers a unique PR pathway for skilled workers through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream is a promising route for those seeking to secure Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. If you’re looking to make Ontario your permanent home, this stream might be the perfect fit for you.
What is the Ontario Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream?
Part of the Ontario Employer Job Offer Program (OINP) is the Foreign Worker stream, which is intended to assist Ontario’s employers in hiring foreign nationals with the necessary skills. Employers can fill labour shortages through this stream by hiring foreign workers who meet the necessary credentials, experience, and skill requirements. It’s a win-win situation because these workers can apply for permanent residence in Canada in exchange.
Recent Draw
On August 13, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) made a significant announcement, issuing invitations to apply for permanent residency to candidates in the Expression of Interest (EOI) system pool. These invitations were specifically targeted at individuals who may qualify under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, providing them with an opportunity to live and work in Ontario permanently.
1. Health Occupations: Candidates in the health sector received invitations if they met the minimum score requirement of 50 points in the EOI system. Additionally, these candidates needed to have a job offer in one of the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. They are eligible to become permanent residents in Canada This targeted approach underscores Ontario’s commitment to addressing critical labour shortages in the healthcare sector, a priority area for the province.
2. Other Priority Occupations: For other priority occupations, candidates were required to score at least 54 points in the EOI system. Like those in health occupations, these candidates also needed a job offer within a specified NOC code. Ontario hopes to support the growth and development of the province’s economy by filling critical positions in a range of industries by concentrating on these priority occupations. Candidates get a chance to become permanent residents through this program.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this stream and apply for PR, there are specific criteria that both the applicant and the employer must meet:
- Job Offer Requirements:
- The job offer must be for a full-time, permanent position in Ontario.
- The job should fall under a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification [NOC] TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
- The offered wage must meet the prevailing wage for that occupation in Ontario.
- Applicant Requirements:
- The applicant must have at least two years of work experience in the same occupation as the job offer.
- Educational credentials relevant to the job offer are necessary.
- A valid licence or authorization to practise the occupation in Ontario, if applicable, must be obtained.
- The applicant must intend to reside in Ontario.
- Employer Requirements:
- The employer must be an established business in Ontario, operating for at least three years.
- Employers located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) must have at least $1,000,000 in gross annual revenue and five full-time employees, while those outside the GTA require $500,000 in gross annual revenue and three full-time employees.
- Employers must demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit a Canadian citizen or permanent resident before offering the job to a foreign worker.
Steps to Apply for PR through Ontario Employer Job Offer:
- Create a Profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal: Express your interest in the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may receive an ITA from the OINP.
- Submit an Application: After receiving an ITA, you have 14 days to submit a complete application, including all required documentation.
- Nomination: If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination, which you can use to apply for PR with IRCC.
- Apply for PR: With your provincial nomination in hand, submit your PR application to IRCC.
Why Applying for PR Through This Program is Ideal
For qualified professionals who have earned employment offers in Ontario, applying for permanent residency through the Employer Employment Offer: Foreign Worker stream is especially beneficial since it gives a direct and unambiguous road to permanent residence. This immigration program is more accessible to a wider range of applicants since it places less emphasis on competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points or strong language proficiency than other immigration programs. Instead, it emphasises the job offer and work experience. Furthermore, the certainty of a full-time, permanent work offer in a skilled field guarantees candidates not only the chance to obtain permanent residence (PR), but also the stability of employment in a prosperous province like Ontario.
The August 13, 2024 invitations highlight Ontario’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled talent through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. As Ontario continues to expand and diversify its economy, this stream offers foreign workers an ideal opportunity to secure a Permanent Residency (PR) while contributing to one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces. For those holding a job offer in Ontario, this pathway not only facilitates PR but also provides the stability and support needed to build a prosperous future in Canada. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of this opportunity and start your journey toward becoming a permanent resident.
