OINP introduces Expression of Interest System for some Provincial Nominee Programs

OINP introduces Expression of Interest System for some Provincial Nominee Programs

Ontario is set to revamp its provincial nominee program with the introduction of an Expression of Interest System. Announced today, The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development filed amendments to regulations under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 to introduce the Expression of Interest system.

This new Expression of Interest system is a points-based registration system that will help the OINP select skilled economic immigrants to meet the province’s labour market needs.

The Expression of Interest system will apply to the following OINP streams:

• Employer Job Offer Category streams (Foreign Worker, International Student and In-Demand Skills)
• Masters Graduate stream
• Ph.D. Graduate stream

These streams are currently closed to new applications and will open for applications once the Expression of Interest system launches in the coming weeks.

By registering, candidates are only expressing an interest to apply to the OINP. It is not an application to the OINP or for permanent residence. Candidates can only apply to the OINP under an Expression of Interest-based stream if they have been invited to apply.

According to the OINP, the Expression of Interest system will help them to:

• strategically manage intake
• increase the OINP’s labour market responsiveness
• better respond to regional labour market needs

Implications of the OINP Moving to an EOI System

So now that Ontario has made the decision to move some of its programs to an EOI system

(similar to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, PEI etc.) what does this mean for candidates?

• There will be continuous intake of applications within the EOI system. The current process was to open and close these programs throughout the year and applicants would have to wait for the program to open up in order to submit their applications. With this new system, candidates can complete their profiles as needed and the province will make draws from the pool of candidates.
• Similar to other EOI systems, there will likely be an established cut-off score. This means that candidates will need to meet the minimum point score in order to be eligible, where previously candidates would become eligible by virtue of having a permanent job offer in the province. With this system there will be candidates who would qualify under the old system but may not have enough points in the new EOI system which means that would not be selected in the draws or may not be able to enter based on their score.
• Only the highest-ranking candidates will be issued invitations to apply and the cut-off will be established by the composition of the pool of candidates in the EOI system
• Program efficiency
• General or targeted invitation to apply may be issued based on different categories.

According to the Ministry points will be awarded based on the following attributes:

1. The person’s level and field of education and where they completed their studies.
2. The person’s proficiency in English or French.
3. Whether the person intends to settle outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
4. The person’s skill and work experience level, earnings history, and any other factor relevant to their employment prospects in the Ontario labour and employment market.
5. Immediate labour market needs in the province or region of the province.

The streams under Express Entry are not included in this new EOI system.

To find out how this change may impact you or to see whether you qualify for this or other immigration programs to Canada schedule a consultation to speak with the Immigration Consultant.

The Team at Northern Connections Canada