On August 16, 2017, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) launched a new pilot for workers in high demand occupations with job offers in Ontario.

(OINP) Employer Job Offer- In-Demand Skills Stream

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer – In-Demand Skills Stream gives foreign workers with a job offer an opportunity to permanently live and work in Ontario. The pilot program enables the province of Ontario to nominate individuals who have the required work experience to help them successfully establish and integrate into Ontario's labour market and communities. Applicants can only apply if they have received a permanent and full-time job offer from an Ontario employer, meet all eligibility criteria and have an Employer Form completed by the prospective employer.

Occupation list

The job offer must be in one of the following eligible occupations in National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skill Level C or D.

NOC 7441

Residential and commercial installers and servicers;

NOC 7521

Heavy equipment operators (except crane);

NOC 8431

General farm workers;

NOC 8432

Nursery and greenhouse workers;

NOC 8611

Harvesting labourers;

NOC 7611

Construction trades helpers and labourers;

NOC 9462

Industrial butchers, meat cutters, poultry preparers, related workers.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply as a foreign worker in the In-Demand Skills Stream Stream, you must have a job offer signed by yourself and an Ontario employer that meets the following criteria:

  1. Is a permanent and full-time job offer in an eligible occupation; and
  2. Meets the prevailing wage in Ontario for that occupation

Employer Eligibility

Employers must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Must have been in active business (corporations, limited liability partnerships and sole proprietorships) for at least 3 years.
  • Must have business premises in Ontario where the applicant will work.
  • Must be in compliance with all provincial labour laws, including but not limited to employment standards, health and safety, and labour relations legislation.

If inside of the Greater Toronto Area (includes the City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York and Peel regions) employer must have:

  1. A minimum of $1,000,000 in gross annual revenue (excluding HST/GST) for the most recent fiscal year, and
  2. Five permanent and full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents (per position per calendar year) at the location where the applicant will work.

If outside of the Greater Toronto Area, employer must have:

  1. A minimum of $500,000 in gross annual revenue (excluding HST/GST) for the most recent fiscal year, and
  2. Three permanent and full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents (per position per calendar year) at the location where the applicant will work.

If you would like further information regarding the changes to the (OINP) Employer Job Offer- In-Demand Skills Stream, please contact us directly.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.