If you are looking to move to Ontario, Canada, the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) may be a great option for you. The PNP allows the province to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residence. There are several ways to apply for the PNP, but one of the most popular is through Express Entry. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of applying for the Ontario PNP through Express Entry.
What is the Ontario PNP Express Entry program?
The Ontario PNP Express Entry program is a provincial nominate program for skilled workers who want to live and work in the province of Ontario. The program is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, which is used to manage applications for three of Canada’s main economic immigration programs – the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Who is eligible for it?
To be eligible for the Ontario PNP Express Entry program, candidates must first create an online profile on the Express Entry system. If they meet the criteria of one of the three federal economic immigration programs, they will then be entered into a pool of candidates.
From this pool, candidates with the highest scores will be invited to apply for provincial nomination by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). If they are successful, they will receive an additional 600 points towards their Express Entry score, virtually guaranteeing them an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.
How to complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI) form?
If you want to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), you must complete and submit an online EOI form. You will need to create an Online Services account before you can access the form.
Before you begin, make sure you have the required information and documents:
Your valid passport
Your language test results (if you are claiming points for language ability)
Your Educational Credential Assessment report (if you are claiming points for education)
Other supporting documents (if you are claiming points for work experience or other factors)
To complete the form:
1. Go to the OINP website and select “Start Here” under the “Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program” heading.
2. Select “Create an Online Services account.”
3. Enter your personal information and create a username and password.
4. Read and accept the terms and conditions, then select “Next.”
5. Verify your email address and login to your Online Services account.
6. Select “Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program” from the menu.
7. Select “Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream” from the list of programs.
8. Read the information on the “Eligibility Requirements” page and select “Next.”
9. Complete all required fields on the form and upload any supporting documents.
10. Review your answers for accuracy, then select “Submit.”
You will receive a confirmation email once your EOI form has been successfully submitted. You can login to your Online Services account at any time to check the status of your application.
If you are not already registered in the federal Express Entry system, you will need to do so before your EOI form can be assessed. For more information on how to register for Express Entry, click here.
You will be placed in a pool of Express Entry candidates and will be ranked based on the information you provided in your EOI form. The highest-ranking candidates will be invited to apply for nomination under the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream.
How to improve your chances of being selected in the draw
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducts regular draws to issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates who may be eligible for nomination under one of the OINP streams.
You can improve your chances of being selected in the draw by ensuring that your Express Entry profile includes the following information:
1. Your current employment status (employed, unemployed, etc.).
2. Your level of education.
3. Your language proficiency in English or French.
4. Your Canadian work experience, if any.
5. Any close relatives you have living in Canada.
6. Your intention to live and work in Ontario.
If you meet the criteria for one of the OINP streams, you can submit an online application through the OINP e-Filing Portal. You will need to provide your Express Entry ID and Job Seeker Validation Code, as well as other supporting documentation.
The OINP will review your application to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the stream under which you applied. If you are found to be eligible, you will be issued an NOI and your Express Entry profile will be awarded 600 additional points.
This will guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next Express Entry draw. From there, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, which will be assessed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
