Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program: Employer Job Offer streams

Last Updated on July 10, 2020

The Ontario Employer Job Offer category replaces the previous Employer Pre-Screened category with the key difference being that the candidate, not the employer, leads the application process.

Interested individuals may apply under this category only if they have the support of an Ontario employer who has extended to them a full-time indeterminate job offer, under three streams: foreign workers, international students and In-demand skills.

Ontario also operates the Regional Immigration Pilot under the Employer Job Offer category. The pilot is designed to bring in-demand skilled labour to the province’s smaller communities.

Eligibility Requirements

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

To qualify under this stream, applicants must have:

• A permanent and full-time job offer under NOC 0, A or B that meets the median wage levels for Ontario, and in a position that is necessary to the business;
  • For those already working in the position, the proposed wage must be equal or greater than the current wage being paid
• Two cumulative years of relevant work experience in the previous five years before the date of application;
• Relevant mandatory licensing in Ontario, if the position so requires;
• Live abroad, or be working, studying or visiting Canada on a valid permit;
• Intention to settle in Ontario.

Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

To qualify under this stream, applicants must have:

• A permanent and full-time job offer under NOC 0, A or B that meets low wage levels for Ontario, and in a position that is necessary to the business;
  • For those already working in the position, the proposed wage must be equal or greater than the current wage being paid
• Either
  • Graduated or met requirements of a full-time minimum two-year degree from a publicly-funded Canadian college or university; OR
  • Graduated or met requirements of a full-time minimum one-year post-graduate diploma program from a publicly-funded Canadian college or university.
• Completed at least half the studies in Canada;
• Apply within two years from the date you completed the above course
• Legal status in Ontario
• Intention to settle in Ontario.

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

This stream targets candidates with specific skilled in-demand in Ontario. To qualify, applicants must have:

• A permanent and full-time job offer under certain occupations in the agriculture or construction sector and meets the median wage in Ontario for the occupation (see table below), and in a position that is necessary to the business. 
  • For those already working in the position, the proposed wage must be equal or greater than the current wage being paid.
• 9 months of cumulative work experience in the last three years in one of the eligible occupations. Experience must be paid and full time or the equivalent amount in part-time work in Ontario. 
  • Seasonal work does not count.
• Equivalent of Canadian high school education or higher.
• Valid certificate or license at the time of application for any claimed work experience that requires it.
• Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French in all language competencies.
• Live abroad, or be working, studying or visiting Canada on a valid permit;
• Intention to settle in Ontario.

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream: 10 Occupations Eligible In Any Location

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream: 13 Occupations Eligible Outside GTA Only

Regional Immigration Pilot

Ontario’s Regional Immigration Pilot is designed to use the OINP to bring skilled labour not available locally to smaller Ontario communities.

 Participating Communities

• Chatham-Kent.
• Cornwall.
• Quinte West/Belleville.

Candidate Requirements

• Full-time and permanent job offer from an employer in one of the participating communities.
• Meet the criteria for one of the Employer Job Offer category streams (see below).

Number of Nominations

Approximately 150 Employer Job Offer nominations have been set aside for the pilot.

Under the Employer Job Offer streams, the business must also meet several requirements:

• An active business for the past three years;
• Business premises in Ontario;
• In compliance with all the employment, health and safety legislation;
• If located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): minimum of $1,000,000 in gross annual revenue and five full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
• If located outside GTA: minimum of $500,000 in gross annual revenue and three full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• For the Foreign Worker Stream only: Demonstrate recruitment efforts if the applicant is living outside Canada or is working in Canada but outside Ontario
  • If the applicant is currently working in Ontario, this requirement is waived

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the requirements must complete an online application and submit all relevant forms and supporting documentation. 

An application fee of $2000 (if the job offered is located in the GTA) or of $1500 (if the job offered is located outside the GTA) is due at this moment.

If the application is approved, the candidate will receive a Letter of Nomination and must apply for permanent residence with IRCC within the following six months.