COVID-19 Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Updates

OINP is still actively processing existing candidates and is also accepting new applications. Special considerations are also being made for applicants who have had a change in status or are facing difficulties obtaining documents to support their OINP applications.

Ontario is the most populous province in Canada and receives almost half of all newcomers to Canada. Part of the appeal of Ontario for newcomers is the strong economy and the diverse cultural nexus that the city of Toronto and surrounding areas offer.

While most applicants who land in Ontario do so under the federal Express Entry program, Ontario also offers newcomers another option to immigrate to the province through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

Like most Canadian immigration programs, OINP has had to make changes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In the event you are unable to provide a required document, it is suggested you submit a letter of explanation with whatever supporting materials you can provide, in lieu of the official document being requested.

Impacts of COVID-19 on Ontario job offer application streams:

Candidates applying under a job offer stream will all have their job offered verified by OINP to ensure the applicant still has the employment conditions as outlined on the initial application. If your employer indicates your position has been terminated, the application will be considered incomplete and the processing fees will be refunded. You will be allowed 90 days to secure a new offer of permanent, full-time employment and submit a new application.

If your employer indicates you have been temporarily laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will hold your application for 90 days to determine if you will be returning to permanent, full-time work.

Therefore, if you have a change of employment status, you need to update OINP officials.

Changes in employment status include adjustments to your:

1. Job title
2. Employment duties
3. Hours
4. Wages
5. Employment duties

If your status has changed, it may be possible to apply under other immigration categories since Canadian work experience opens up a lot of opportunities for provincial or federal programs. Take our free online assessment to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Impacts of COVID-19 on entrepreneur application streams:

If you received an invitation to apply to the Ontario Entrepreneur stream, you will be granted an additional 90 days to submit your application.

If your application is submitted but you are experiencing difficulties obtaining specific requirements related to your application, you can contact OINP and request extensions which will be assessed on a case by case basis.

If you’re interested in learning more about your immigration options to Ontario at this time, fill out our free online assessment and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.