What Ontario PNP pathways to permanent residence are currently open?

If you've been keeping up with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) for a bit, you may recognize that things have changed considerably in recent times. There has been a significant shift in the way Ontario chooses candidates to become permanent residents and if you intend to apply, it is important to understand how this will impact you. 

Let's keep it as simple as possible.

Ontario Has Moved to One Single System

Ontario used to have multiple immigration programs over the years for different types of immigrants (skilled, international graduates, etc.) and for certain occupations (job offers). That's how it was before, but now it's different. 

Ontario is rolling out its older programs into a single, more streamlined system, and makes them more manageable and understandable for both employers and applicants.

The categories are now based on job skill levels.

The new structure groups candidates together in the wider classes, based on the skill level in the job, rather than having to go through several streams with a variety of rules. The emphasis now is on finding out what kind of work you do and how it relates to the labour market requirements in Ontario, rather than determining which of the various streams in the past your background corresponds to. It is an easier method to filter applicants and simplifies the whole process.

Older Applications Have Been Closed Out

With this change, all applications and profiles that were under the previous programs have been closed. Profiles that did not lead to an invitation in the old system would not be transferred automatically. This has understandably left some people in the middle of the process in limbo, but it is a step in the right direction to a more consistent and cleaner structure in Ontario.

A new Application Portal is expected to be available soon.

Ontario has said it will be opening a new application portal soon, which will enable fresh applications under the new application process. Prospective applicants are in a waiting period until that portal is live. This is an appropriate time to have documentation, language test results and information about your education done, and you're ready to pack up if applications re-open soon.

The employers need to register before sponsoring.

The biggest shift is with the employers. If a business is interested in sponsoring a candidate, they now have to go through a formal registration process before sponsoring any application. This provides an additional layer of security for the system, and allows candidates to verify if they are registered as soon as possible, before an offer of employment, Canada PR and not at the last minute.

What This Means If You're Planning to Apply

There is so much that is changing, it's more important than ever to be up to date. 

• Many hopeful applicants are keeping a close watch on the latest Ontario PNP draw activity and attempting to work out what is coming in the next OINP draw predictions to make their applications a smart move. 

• The points and criteria may change with a new system and having a proper CRS score calculator Canada can allow you to have a better understanding of your position in the broader Express Entry and provincial nomination system.

• With so much on the move these days, many applicants prefer not to go it alone. It is wise to contact the CICC registered consultants in Delhi, as they are in a position to know all the updates in the policy and they will help you to make your transition without the guesswork. 

• Once the new portal opens, they will be able to assist you in determining which category might be appropriate for your profile, and prepare your documents ahead of time.

Last Words

One of the largest changes to the immigration pathway in Ontario is transitioning from several streams of older immigration to a one stream of skill-based immigration. This transition period can be a bit confusing, but in the long run, it's easier to manage. 

At this time, the smartest thing to do is to stay informed, get your paperwork ready, validate your employers' registration (if applicable), and be ready to go as soon as the new application site opens up. Some patience and preparation will be a tremendous help in taking advantage of these changes.