The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is Ontario’s pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers, international graduates, and foreign workers with job offers. As Canada’s most populous province, Ontario attracts the largest share of immigrants—and for Filipinos in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, the OINP offers multiple routes to PR.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about qualifying for an OINP nomination in 2025, including the latest updates, eligibility requirements, and how JCA Law can help you navigate the process.
What is the OINP?
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program allows Ontario to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on the province’s specific labour market needs. When you receive a provincial nomination, you get:
- 600 additional CRS points if applying through Express Entry streams (virtually guaranteeing an ITA)
- Direct PR pathway if applying through base/non-Express Entry streams
Ontario operates 8 active immigration streams organized into three main categories:
| Category | Streams | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Worker | +600 CRS points |
| Employer Job Offer | Foreign Worker, International Student, In-Demand Skills | No Express Entry required |
| Graduate | Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate | No job offer required |
Major OINP Updates for 2025
Several significant changes affect OINP applicants this year:
🚨 Skilled Trades Stream Suspended (November 2025)
The OINP Skilled Trades Stream has been suspended indefinitely due to “systemic misrepresentation and fraud.” All pending applications are being returned with full fee refunds. Applicants in skilled trades should explore alternative streams like Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker.
🏢 New Employer-Led Portal (July 2025)
A major change to how Employer Job Offer streams work: employers must now initiate applications through a new OINP Employer Portal before candidates can register an Expression of Interest. This shifts from an applicant-led to an employer-led process.
Read our detailed breakdown: OINP Shifts to Employer-Led Process for Job Offer Streams
📉 50% Reduction in Federal Allocations
The federal government has reduced provincial nominee program admissions by 50% for 2025. Expect longer processing times and more competition for available spots.
🏥 Healthcare & Education Prioritized
Targeted draws continue to focus on healthcare workers, educators, and applicants in Northern/Eastern Ontario regions. The REDI (Regional Economic Development through Immigration) pilot also targets rural communities.
Express Entry Streams
These streams are linked to the federal Express Entry system. If nominated, you receive 600 CRS points.
Human Capital Priorities Stream
The most popular OINP stream for skilled workers. Ontario issues “Notifications of Interest” to Express Entry candidates who meet certain criteria.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Active Express Entry profile (FSW or CEC)
- Minimum CLB 7 in all four language abilities
- Canadian Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree—OR equivalent foreign credential assessed through an ECA
- At least 1 year of continuous skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 5 years
- Sufficient settlement funds
- Intention to live and work in Ontario
Recent CRS Score Ranges:
There is no fixed CRS minimum—Ontario sets score ranges for each draw based on labour market needs:
- General draws: Typically 450-528 CRS
- Targeted occupation draws (healthcare, trades): Can be lower (414-444)
Targeted Occupations (2025):
Ontario frequently issues targeted invitations for specific NOC codes, including:
- Healthcare: Nurses (31301, 32101), physicians (31102), personal support workers (33102, 44101)
- Education: Teachers (41220, 41221), early childhood educators (42202)
- Trades: Electricians (72200), carpenters (72310), welders (72106)
See our full breakdown: IRCC Express Entry Category-Based Draws Updates
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
For French-speaking workers with strong English abilities who want to settle outside Quebec.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Active Express Entry profile
- French: NCLC 7 or higher in all abilities
- English: CLB 6 or higher in all abilities
- Bachelor’s degree or higher (or ECA equivalent)
- 1 year skilled work experience
Learn more: Express Entry’s French Proficiency Category Guide
Employer Job Offer Streams
These streams are ideal for workers who don’t qualify for Express Entry or have lower CRS scores. They require a valid job offer from an Ontario employer.
Foreign Worker Stream
For skilled foreign workers with a permanent, full-time job offer in Ontario.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
- 2 years of work experience in the same occupation within the last 5 years
- Meet wage requirements for the position
- Employer must be in business for at least 3 years
International Student Stream
For international graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions with an Ontario job offer.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduated from an eligible Canadian institution (at least 2-year program)
- Job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
- Apply within 2 years of graduation
- Legal status in Canada at time of application
In-Demand Skills Stream
For workers in specific high-demand occupations—particularly relevant for many Filipino workers.
Eligible Occupations:
- NOC 33102: Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- NOC 65202: Meat cutters and fish cutters
- NOC 65310: Light duty cleaners
- NOC 73301: Transport truck drivers
- NOC 73400: Heavy equipment operators
- NOC 75110: Construction trades helpers and labourers
- NOC 84120: Agricultural service workers, farm labourers
- NOC 94141: Industrial butchers and meat cutters
Eligibility Requirements:
- 9 months of work experience in one of the above occupations within the last 3 years (can be in Ontario)
- Permanent full-time job offer in the same occupation
- High school diploma or equivalent
- CLB 4 or higher
Graduate Streams (No Job Offer Required)
Masters Graduate Stream
- Master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university
- Completed within the last 2 years
- CLB 7 in all abilities
- Lived in Ontario for at least 1 year during studies
- Sufficient settlement funds
PhD Graduate Stream
- PhD from an eligible Ontario university
- Completed within the last 2 years
- Lived in Ontario for at least 1 year during studies
- No minimum language or settlement fund requirements
How to Apply
Step 1: Determine Your Eligible Stream
Use Ontario’s OINP Stream Selector Tool to identify which stream(s) you may qualify for.
Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile (if applicable)
For Express Entry-linked streams, you must first have an active profile in the federal Express Entry pool.
Step 3: Register an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your EOI through the OINP’s online portal. For Employer Job Offer streams, your employer must first register the position through the Employer Portal (as of July 2025).
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Ontario ranks candidates and issues invitations based on scores and targeted criteria. If invited, you have 14 days to submit your full application.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Provide all required documents within the deadline. Processing times vary by stream.
Step 6: Receive Nomination & Apply for PR
If approved, you receive a provincial nomination certificate. Then apply for permanent residency either through Express Entry (with 600 bonus points) or directly to IRCC.
Processing Times
| Stream | OINP Processing | Federal PR Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry Streams | 30-90 days | 6 months (via EE) |
| Employer Job Offer Streams | 60-120 days | 12-18 months (paper-based) |
| Graduate Streams | 60-90 days | 12-18 months (paper-based) |
Note: Times are estimates and may be longer due to reduced 2025 federal allocations.
Why OINP Matters for Filipinos
Ontario is home to one of the largest Filipino communities in Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. Many Filipinos work in OINP-targeted sectors:
- Healthcare: Personal support workers, nurses, caregivers
- Food Processing: Meat cutters, food service workers
- Construction: Labourers, heavy equipment operators
- Education: Early childhood educators, teaching assistants
The OINP’s In-Demand Skills stream is particularly valuable for workers in these occupations who may not meet Express Entry requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to OINP without a job offer?
Yes, through the Express Entry streams (Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Worker) or Graduate streams (Masters, PhD). However, the Employer Job Offer streams require a valid job offer.
What CRS score do I need for Human Capital Priorities?
There’s no fixed minimum—Ontario sets different score ranges for each draw. Recent draws have ranged from 414-528 depending on whether they’re general or targeted.
Is the In-Demand Skills stream still open for truck drivers?
Yes, NOC 73301 (Transport truck drivers) is still eligible under In-Demand Skills. However, the federal Express Entry transport category has been removed.
How long does the entire PR process take through OINP?
Express Entry streams: 6-9 months total. Base streams: 18-24 months total (including federal processing).
Can my spouse and children be included in my OINP application?
Yes, you can include your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children in your PR application after receiving your provincial nomination.
Get Help with Your OINP Application
Navigating the OINP can be complex, especially with the recent changes to employer portal requirements and reduced federal allocations. JCA Law Office has helped hundreds of Filipino families successfully obtain provincial nominations and permanent residency.
Our OINP services include:
- Eligibility assessment for all OINP streams
- Express Entry profile optimization
- Employer guidance for job offer registration
- Document preparation and review
- Full application management
Related Articles
- OINP Shifts to Employer-Led Process for Job Offer Streams
- OINP Draws Issue 3,000+ Invitations to Key Occupations
- Express Entry Category-Based Draws Updates
- PNP Express Entry PR in Canada
- Filipino Immigrant Guide to Canada – From Visa to PR (2026)
Last updated: December 2025
Sources: Ontario.ca/OINP, 2025 OINP Updates
]]>