Ontario, Canada offers multiple pathways for skilled foreign workers to immigrate and settle in the province. Among the prominent streams are the employer-driven programs under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), designed to address labor market needs and promote economic growth. In this article, we will compare three key streams:
1-Ontario Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
The Ontario Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream (➨page) is designed for foreign workers with a job offer in a skilled occupation at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The stream operates under an expression of interest system, requiring applicants to register an EOI and receive an invitation to apply. The minimum requirements include a bona fide full-time job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible occupation. The employer must have been in active business for three (3) years, meet revenue criteria, and have a specified number of employees. Applicants need at least two (2) years of paid full-time work experience in the same occupation, legal status in Canada, and must meet certain language proficiency criteria. The scoring system considers factors such as job offer details, Canadian work experience, language ability, and the location of the job offer.
- Targets foreign workers with a job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC.
- Operates under an expression of interest system.
- Requires a bona fide full-time job offer from an Ontario employer.
- Employer must be in business for at least three (3) years with specific revenue and employee criteria.
- Requires at least two (2) years of paid full-time work experience in the same occupation.
- Language proficiency criteria required for the job must be met.
- Scoring system considers job offer details, Canadian work experience, language ability, and job location.
2- Ontario Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
The Ontario Job Offer – In-Demand Skills Stream (➨page) targets foreign workers with job offers in specific in-demand occupations at TEER 4 and 5 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations include roles in agriculture, construction, trucking, and personal support work. Similar to the Foreign Worker Stream, it operates under an expression of interest system, requiring registration and invitation. The job offer must be full-time and permanent, meeting specific NOC and location criteria. Employer eligibility criteria are consistent across the streams. Unlike the Foreign Worker Stream, this stream requires nine (9) months of cumulative work experience in the same in-demand occupation within the last three years. Language proficiency at a minimum CLB 4 is required. Points are awarded based on job offer details, Canadian work experience, and the location of the job offer.
- Targets foreign workers in specific in-demand occupations at TEER 4 and 5 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). like agriculture, construction, etc.
- Operates under an expression of interest system.
- Requires a bona fide full-time job offer from an Ontario employer.
- Employer eligibility criteria are consistent with the Foreign Worker Stream.
- Requires nine (9) months of cumulative work experience in the same in-demand occupation within the last three (3) years.
- Language proficiency at CLB 4 is mandatory.
- Points are awarded for job offer details, Canadian work experience, and job location.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
3- Ontario Job Offer: International Student Stream
The Ontario Job Offer – International Student Stream (➨page) is tailored for international students with a job offer in a skilled occupation at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC. This stream, too, operates under an expression of interest system. The minimum requirements include a bona fide full-time job offer meeting specific criteria, and the employer must satisfy the same eligibility conditions as the other streams. Education becomes a critical factor, requiring applicants to have completed a degree, diploma, or certificate from an eligible Canadian institution. Language proficiency, as measured by a recognized test, is mandatory, and points are awarded based on scores. Unlike the other two streams, the International Student Stream considers both the location of the job offer and the location of the applicant's study in Ontario when awarding points.
- Targets international students with a with a job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC.
- Operates under an expression of interest system.
- Requires a bona fide full-time job offer from an Ontario employer.
- Employer eligibility criteria align with other streams.
- Emphasizes education, requiring a degree, diploma, or certificate from an eligible Canadian institution.
- Language proficiency criteria required for the job must be met.
- Points awarded for job offer details, Canadian work experience, education level, language ability, and both job offer and study location.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
Comparison
While all three streams share some commonalities, such as the expression of interest system and certain employer requirements, they cater to distinct groups of applicants. The Foreign Worker Stream emphasizes significant work experience, the In-Demand Skills Stream targets specific occupations, and the International Student Stream integrates education and considers the location of study. Each stream has unique eligibility criteria, making it essential for applicants to carefully assess their own qualifications and circumstances to determine the most suitable pathway. The maximum points available also vary, with the International Student Stream offering the highest potential score, followed by the Foreign Worker Stream and the In-Demand Skills Stream. As such, prospective immigrants to Ontario must thoroughly review the details of each stream to align their profiles with the most fitting program.
- While all streams use an expression of interest system, they cater to different applicant groups.
- Eligibility criteria for employers share commonalities across the streams.
- Work experience requirements vary, with the Foreign Worker Stream needing the most.
- Education becomes crucial in the International Student Stream.
- Language proficiency is mandatory for all streams but with differing requirements.
- Points systems differ across streams, with the International Student Stream offering the highest potential score.
- Applicants should carefully assess their qualifications to determine the most suitable pathway.
| Program: | Foreign Worker Stream | In-Demand Skills Stream | International Student Stream |
| Target | Applicants with offer of employments from an employer in Ontario | Applicants with offer of employments from an employer in Ontario | International Students in Ontario with an offer of employment in Ontario |
| TEER category of the job being offered | TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 | TEER 4 and 5 | TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| Work Experience | At least 2 years experience in the same offered job | At least 9 month experience in the same offered in-demand job | Not required |
| Expression of Interest | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Employer eligibility criteria | GTA: $1M annual revenue and 5 employees | GTA: $1M annual revenue and 5 employees | GTA: $1M annual revenue and 5 employees |
| Outside GTA: $500K annual revenue and 3 employees | Outside GTA: $500K annual revenue and 3 employees | Outside GTA: $500K annual revenue and 3 employees | |
| Points awarded for | Job offer details, Canadian work experience, language ability, and job location | Job offer details, Canadian work experience, and job location | Job offer details, Canadian work experience, education level, language ability, and both job offer and study location |
| Language Proficiency | As required for the job | CLB 4 | As required for the job |
Connect With Us Today
Explore the numerous opportunities within Ontario's immigration streams (➨page). Check the eligibility criteria for each program and connect with us to navigate the path to Canadian immigration success through Ontario. Transform your aspirations into reality with our expert guidance. Start your journey today!
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
