Ontario - Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) FAQ

1. What is Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nomination Program?

Opportunities Ontario is a Provincial Nomination Program that enables the province of Ontario to nominate potential immigrants to settle and work in the Province of Ontario. There are two main categories under the new system: The General Category and the International Student Category.

2. What is the Opportunities Ontario General Category?

The General Category is for Ontario employers and for investors who wish to hire foreign workers in a skilled occupation (occupations classified as skill type ‘A’, ‘0’, or ‘B’ in the National Occupation Classification). In order to be eligible, the foreign workers must have at least two years of full-time experience in their respective skilled occupations.

3. Who qualifies as an Investor under this category?

Eligible investors intend to invest CDN $3-million or more and create at least five permanent, full-time jobs in the province.

4. What is the Opportunities Ontario International Student Category?

This category allows Ontario employers to hire foreign students who have completed a program of study of at least two years or more at publicly-funded post-secondary educational institution in Canada. The student must have completed at least half their studies in Canada, and must either be in the final semester of their program or have graduated within the last two years. In addition, the student must have studied full-time.

5. Does my job offer have to be in my field of study under this category?

No. However, it must be in a managerial, professional or skilled occupation (classified as skill type ‘A’, ‘0’, or ‘B’ in the National Occupation Classification).

6. How does the process work?

The program is employer-driven, which means that the employer or investor and the job offer must first be approved by Opportunities Ontario before the foreign worker can apply for Provincial Nomination. Once the applicant receives a Provincial Nomination Certificate from Ontario, the application must be submitted at the federal level for approval of criminal and medical checks.

7. Does obtaining a Provincial Nomination Certificate mean I have obtained a Canadian Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa?

No. Once you receive your Provincial Nomination Certificate, you must submit your file to immigration authorities in order to have your application for Permanent Residence processed. Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for processing your security and medical checks and issuing your Canadian Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa. However, as your qualifications will have already been assessed at the provincial level, you will not need to have them assessed at the federal level.

For more information about Ontario - Provincial Nomination Program please call us 03-6361761.