If you are a skilled worker with a full-time job offer from an Ontario employer, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers a reliable pathway to permanent residence through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream.
This program is designed for individuals who already have a genuine, long-term employment offer from an Ontario business and are ready to make the province their permanent home.
Below is an overview of how the program works, who can apply, and what recent changes mean for both workers and employers.
What is the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream?
The Foreign Worker Stream helps foreign nationals who have a permanent, full-time job offer from an eligible Ontario employer apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.
Once nominated, you can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence for yourself and your family.
This stream is not tied to the federal Express Entry system. It is an excellent option for workers who have already built a relationship with an employer and want a steady, employer-supported route to permanent status in Canada.
As of July 2, 2025, the OINP has introduced a new employer-led process. Employers must now register and submit the job offer in the OINP Employer Portal before the candidate can create an Expression of Interest (EOI). This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that job offers meet all program requirements from the start.
You can find the official program page here: Ontario.ca – OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream.
Who Can Apply
You may qualify for this program if you meet the following requirements:
- You have a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario in a skilled occupation classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- The offered wage must meet or exceed the median wage for that occupation and region in Ontario, or comply with a collective agreement if applicable.
- You have at least two years of full-time paid work experience in the same occupation as the job offer within the last five years.
- If your occupation is regulated, you must hold the required licence or authorization to practise in Ontario.
- You must intend to live and work in Ontario on a long-term basis.
- If you are applying from within Canada, you must have valid temporary resident status (such as a work permit, study permit, or visitor record) and maintain it throughout the application process.
What Employers Must Show
The employer offering the job must also meet certain eligibility requirements:
- The business must be actively operating in Ontario for at least three years and have a physical location in the province.
- The employer must demonstrate sufficient financial health and business activity to support the position.
- If the job is within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the employer must have at least five full-time Canadian or permanent resident employees and a minimum of $1 million in gross annual revenue.
- If the job is outside the GTA, the employer must have at least three full-time Canadian or permanent resident employees and at least $500,000 in gross annual revenue.
- The employer must show that genuine efforts were made to recruit Canadians or permanent residents before offering the position to a foreign worker, unless the candidate already holds a valid work permit or the job is supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
How the Process Works
Step 1: Employer registration
The process begins with the employer. They must register and submit details of the job offer through the OINP Employer Portal. Once approved, the employer receives a Job Offer ID that the candidate will use in the next step.
Step 2: Candidate registration (Expression of Interest)
Using the Job Offer ID, the foreign worker creates an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the OINP e-Filing Portal. The profile is then placed in a selection pool, where candidates are ranked based on education, experience, and other factors.
Step 3: Invitation to Apply
If your EOI score is competitive, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You will have a short window, usually 17 days to submit a complete application for provincial nomination.
Step 4: Application review
OINP officers review your application and the employer's supporting documentation. If approved, you will receive a nomination certificate.
Step 5: Apply for permanent residence
After receiving your nomination, you can apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Why Choose This Stream
This program is ideal for foreign workers who already have an employer in Ontario and want to establish their family and career permanently in the province. It combines job security with a straightforward path to permanent residence and allows families to settle in one of Canada's most dynamic and diverse provinces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a job offer that does not meet program standards. The position must be full-time, permanent, and in a skilled occupation that meets Ontario's wage guidelines.
- Insufficient employer eligibility. The employer must meet revenue and staffing thresholds and comply with provincial labour laws.
- Mismatch in job and experience. Your past work experience must match the occupation of the job offer.
- Losing legal status in Canada. If you are applying from within the country, ensure your visitor record, study permit, or work permit remains valid.
- Expecting quick federal processing. Once nominated, the permanent residence process with IRCC typically takes 12 to 19 months.
How Crest Immigration Can Help
At Crest Immigration Services Inc., we have guided many employers and foreign workers through the OINP process with professionalism and care. We assist in confirming both employer and applicant eligibility, preparing compliant documentation, and navigating the new employer-led system.
Our team helps employers register their job offers correctly and supports applicants through every step, from Expression of Interest registration to the final nomination and federal permanent residence stage. We also provide advice on maintaining valid status and understanding your rights while your application is in process.