Everything that you must know about Ontario’s EOI system

Alisha Khan
[Published 03 Dec, 2021 | 05:14 PM]
About Author - 11 min read
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Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is now accepting Canada immigration applications through its new Expression of Interest system. OINP or the Ontario Immigration Program is amongst the highly preferred immigration programs of Canada. The EOI system is accepting applications through 5 streams in the OINP. 

The purpose for launching the EOI system

Ontario required a new system for selecting immigrants through its PNPs functioning separately from the federal Express Entry System. Previously the Ontario Immigration Program was operating through the model of first-applied-first-served. 

Candidates had to wait for the opening of the registration for applying to a base PNP. Subsequently, they would rush to submit the registration. Moreover, they had to compete with each non-Express Entry applicant seeking to move to Ontario.

Ontario being the most renowned Canadian destination for immigrants, the applicants are also in huge numbers. Applicants could access the registration only for a limited time. They had to access multiple browsers for attempting to register their profile leading to technical complications. Many applicants complained that the system was unjust for those having internet speed issues.

In order to develop a new and immigrant-friendly EOI system, Ontario began public consultations in fall 2020. By this time, the majority of the Canadian provinces had implemented the EOI system. 

Meanwhile, an OINP spokesperson outlined the need for launching the EOI system thus: “The new system is required for managing the high demand and applications intake for the Ontario Immigration Program. It is also required for avoiding vagueness associated when the OINP stream open and with the existing first-applied-first- served model”. 

Thus, Ontario formally launched the new EOI system in spring 2021. Candidates can now submit their Canada immigration applications through OINP streams through the EOI system.

The Expression of Interest System

EOI is a system based on points. Skilled immigrants are selected for Canada PR Visa based on the details they furnish for appropriate fields. The system scores and ranks applicants according to this information and selects them for Canada immigration. 

The scoring factors

Ontario Immigration Program ranks profiles in the EOI based on the answers provided by the candidates. This is by considering their job offer’s skill level and work experience in Canada. It makes use of NOC - National Occupational Classification System for assigning points. 

The allocation system for scores varies based on your chosen OINP stream. It takes into account your work experience, skill level, and specific other factors. These include your salary, proficiency in the official language, education, and location in Canada for your work or study. 10 Points are allocated discretionarily for responding to the needs of the labor market.

OINP Streams implementing the EOI system 

The following streams in OINP have now implemented the EOI system:

• Overseas Worker Stream - Employer Job Offer

• Overseas Student Stream - Employer Job Offer

• In-Demand Skills Stream - Employer Job Offer

• Graduate Stream - Masters

• Graduate Stream - Ph.D.

Overseas Worker Stream - Employer Job Offer

This stream is aimed at overseas workers who have a job offer for a skilled occupation. It must be in a qualified skill category B, A, or 0 in the NOC - National Occupational Classification. They can then apply for a Provincial Nomination through OINP. Successful candidates can reside and work permanently in the province of Ontario. 

Overseas Student Stream - Employer Job Offer

This stream is aimed at overseas students who have a job offer for a skilled occupation. It must be in a qualified skill category B, A, or 0 in the NOC. They can then apply for a Provincial Nomination through OINP. Successful candidates can reside and work permanently in the province of Ontario.

In-Demand Skills Stream - Employer Job Offer

This stream is aimed at overseas workers who have a job offer in specific in-demand occupations like Construction, Trucking, Agriculture, etc. They can then apply for a Provincial Nomination through OINP. Successful candidates can reside and work permanently in the province of Ontario.

Graduate Stream - Masters

This stream is aimed at overseas students who have obtained a Master’s degree in Ontario. They can then apply for a Provincial Nomination through OINP. Successful candidates can reside and work permanently in the province of Ontario.

Graduate Stream - Ph.D.

This stream is aimed at overseas students who have obtained a Ph.D. degree in Ontario. They can then apply for a Provincial Nomination through OINP. Successful candidates can reside and work permanently in the province of Ontario.

Process of Registration

The first requirement is creating a profile in the e-Filing Portal of OINP. You must then check the requirements for applicants for your stream to confirm that you are qualified. Then, you can register EOI – Expression of Interest for one or multiple streams. You can create only one profile in EOI at any point in time. 

The information that you offer at the time of your registration must be accurate. It is possible to update your profile at any time for keeping the information updated.

1: Registration of EOI

You must first register an EOI - Expression of Interest for informing OINP that you would like to get an ITA - Invitation to Apply. This is prior to applying for any of the 5 streams. 

Registration allows OINP to collate crucial details about the applicants. These include their language skills, education, work experience for catering to the labor market and economic needs of Ontario.

Registering in EOI is different from applying to OINP or application for Canada Permanent Residency. The registration has a validity of 12 months till the applicant receives an ITA if registration is not withdrawn. The registration in EOI is deleted automatically from the system once 12 months get over if no ITA is offered.

2: Invitation

You must have received an ITA for applying to any of the 5 streams. You have 14 days for submitting the application once you receive the ITA.

3: Post-nomination

The next stage is applying for Canada PR through IRCC. This is if you have received a nomination from OINP as a result of your successful application.

Two new pathways for overseas students to apply for Ontario’s PNP

Overseas graduates in Ontario with a job offer now have the opportunity to obtain a Provincial Nomination through two extra OINP streams: 

• Graduate Stream - Masters

• Graduate Stream - Ph.D.

Students who have obtained a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Ontario can now register for OINP through the EOI system at any time. Their profile will be ranked by OINP in the EOI system based on a matrix for scoring. Points are allocated for diverse factors including work experience, education, and destination intended in Ontario. The objective of the ranking is to select candidates with experience and skills for succeeding in the labor market in Ontario. 

The implications of EOI for aspiring immigrants to Ontario

You can now register your profile in EOI at any time for eventually submitting a Canada immigration application through any of the base PNPs of Ontario. Previously you could register only when OINP would open its online portal. 

After registration, your profile will be entered into a pool of candidates and offered a score depending on your answers. OINP will then select candidates to apply for a nomination from Ontario. 

Registration in EOI does not assure that you will get the ITA. You or your authorized representative will be notified by OINP if you have been offered the ITA. 

The validity of your profile in the EOI system is for 12 months or till you get an ITA. You also have the option to remove your registration. Your profile in EOI will be automatically deleted upon completion of 12 months.

You can register in EOI without any cost. But you must pay fees when you apply if you receive the ITA. Obtaining an ITA does not imply that you will receive the Provincial Nomination. The current eligibility requirements must be fulfilled while you are applying for the specific stream.

Ontario Immigration Program or OINP can contact the candidates in EOI to apply for a nomination at any time. 

Top Canada PR Immigration Consultancy

Nationwide Visas is the premier Canada PR Visa and Immigration Consultancy with a rich experience of 14 plus years in the overseas immigration industry. Our Immigration Consultants are experts who are competent and experienced suitably. They can offer you valuable assistance and support for submitting your profile in OINP’s EOI system. 

We provide seamless professional support and guidance for all Canada immigration programs. It is a well-known fact that failing to act immediately within specified timelines results in forfeit of the right to apply. You have very limited time to apply if you receive ITA from OINP.

Our experts will ensure that your application is completed and submitted in total compliance with rules and documentation. Once you receive the nomination, you need to apply for PR and get ready to move to Canada.