Ontario is one of the most sought-after destinations for people moving to Canada. With a vibrant economy, multicultural society, and plentiful job opportunities, Ontario has become a hot spot for skilled trade workers and students, and for entrepreneurs looking to establish new businesses. As such, it is important for potential immigrants to understand the pathways to Ontario, their requirements, and what to expect when they arrive.
What Makes Ontario Special
Apart from being home to the capital city of Canada, Ontario is the largest of any Canadian province, and contains the other major cities of Mississauga and Ottawa. With Ontario having one of the strongest economies in North America, the economy is also growing rapidly and diversifying into new areas such as information technology and financial services. Ontario also has a multicultural workforce and workforce housing, with a variety of local and international companies based in the province and providing local employment.
In addition to an extensively growing workforce, the province also improves and offers a high standard of living. Cities in Ontario have high levels of public safety and are kept clean, with a public educational system that is highly rated globally. Citizens also have health care services that are easily accessible and paid for through the public system, OHIP. The multicultural workforce and society also allow new residents to easily connect with familiar communities for relationships.
Pathways to Immigrate to Ontario
Depending on your background, occupation, and future intentions, Ontario offers a variety of immigration options. Some applicants take federal routes, while others access the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The following are the primary pathways:
- Express Entry System
Express Entry is a federal immigration and skilled worker application management program. Ontario uses this system to select candidates with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores who meet the province’s specific labour market needs. The system offers three main categories Ontario candidates compete through: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
If Ontario considers your profile to be a good fit, you may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the OINP. This permits you to request a provincial nomination, which effectively adds 600 points to your CRS score and almost guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
The OINP is Ontario’s main immigration program for those who wish to live and work in the province permanently. It has several streams tailored to different profiles:
- Employer Job Offer Stream: For foreign workers who already have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer.
- Human Capital Category: For skilled workers and international graduates with the right experience and education.
- Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate Streams: For students who completed postgraduate education in Ontario.
- Business Category: For entrepreneurs who wish to start or invest in a business in the province.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program: The Process of Application
- Temporary Work Permit
You may want to start with a temporary work permit if you want to work in Ontario before applying for permanent residence. Normally, this is based on a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, which may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment. However, there are some LMIA-exempt categories under the International Mobility Program, so the employer may be able to hire you without that document. This will strengthen your application for permanent residence through Express Entry or OINP, as you will get the Canadian experience you need.
Eligibility and Requirements
The eligibility criteria for moving to Ontario depend on the program you choose, but some general requirements apply to most routes:
- Proof of skilled work experience in your occupation.
- Educational credentials equivalent to Canadian standards (verified through Educational Credential Assessment).
- Language proficiency test results in English or French (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French).
- Proof of sufficient settlement funds.
- Police clearance certificate and medical examination.
How to Apply
Applying to immigrate to Ontario consists of several phases, which varies depending on the program you’ve chosen. Here’s an outline that will help you:
- Build an Express Entry profile on the Government of Canada website and express your intention for Ontario.
- If Ontario opts for your profile, you will receive a Notification of Interest.
- Apply to the OINP on their portal and provide the requested documents, including employment and education proof, and language test results.
- If your application is successful, expect to receive a nomination certificate. This certificate adds 600 points to your Express Entry score.
- Submit an application for your permanent residence to the federal government.
- After your visa is issued, await the final approval and make your settlement plans.
Every step of the process will require your attention and time. Poor document quality can trigger rejections and delays, and the best strategy is to ensure that every document is correct before you send it.
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Processing Times
Processing times for the Ontario immigration vary by immigration program. On average, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) applications take 60 to 90 days to process after all paperwork has been submitted. Express Entry applicants awaiting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) invitations, and then apply for permanent residency, wait an average of 6 months for permanent approval.
Processing times for temporary work permits vary from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your home country and the workload of the visa office. For the most reliable wait time estimates, the best resource is the official Government of Canada website.
Fees and Costs
Applying for immigration to Ontario involves several costs. The OINP application fee ranges between 1,500 and 3,500 Canadian dollars, depending on the stream. The federal government charges permanent residence application processing fees of about $850, plus a $515 permanent residence fee for each adult applicant.
You will also incur costs for language tests, medical exams, and educational credential assessments that may also need to be accompanied by translated documents. It is also a best practice to have disposable income to help you and your family upon arrival. The settlement fund requirement varies depending on the size of the family, but individuals are generally advised to have 13,000 Canadian dollars.
Life and Work in Ontario
In Ontario, people enjoy a great standard of living accompanied by great job opportunities. Toronto, the provincial capital, is an international business center and draws employees from all over the world. Ottawa, the capital city, offers jobs in the public sector and the tech industry. Hamilton, London, and Waterloo also provide jobs in the growing industrial and innovation sectors.
Ontario jobs come with great salaries, employee benefits, and the advancement of one’s career. Employers look for highly qualified candidates with strong communication skills and flexibility. Once you have settled, you will be able to access integration programs designed for newcomers, which include language classes, job search assistance, and help with finding accommodation.
Ontario’s public health care system provides services to citizens and residents, but there may be a waiting period, and private health insurance is recommended for newcomers. Public transportation is available in larger cities, and the education system is one of the best in the world, with great universities like the University of Toronto and Western University.
Permanent Residence and Citizenship
Once you have lived and worked in Ontario as a permanent resident for a total of three years within a five-year timeframe, you can then apply for Canadian citizenship. You will have to show that you have met the residency, language, and knowledge criteria and prove that you will continue to live in Canada. The advantages of Canadian citizenship include the right to vote, the right to obtain a Canadian passport, and the other rights and privileges that citizenship provides.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Start early: Prepare your documents and research immigration routes before applying.
- Seek accurate information: Use official websites or licensed immigration consultants to avoid scams.
- Network with others: Join online groups or community programs that connect newcomers in Ontario.
- Keep learning: Improving your English or French skills can significantly improve your job prospects.
- Plan finances carefully: Living costs vary by city, so plan your budget for at least the first six months.
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Conclusion
Ontario is known for its strong economy and is an appealing target for immigrants. The welcoming environment and the added social and economic diversities make the province a perfect spot for immigrants of all kinds. Whether they are skilled employees, families, or students, all find opportunity and stability in the province.
The province is a perfect spot for aspiring permanent residents due to its affordability, economic advancement, and social diversity. On the other hand, Ontario is a perfect location to take the first steps to citizenship in Canada. Ontario’s abundance of diverse resources ensures every immigrant seeks a brighter future, be it for an enhanced career, quality education, or a better standard of living.