Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program

What is it?

The Provincial Nominee Program is an immigration program which is designed in part to assist employers who are having difficulty recruiting qualified, skilled workers in Ontario. It facilitates the immigration process so that employers can recruit the highly skilled workers they need.

What is the benefit to your company?

The Provincial Nominee Program may assist you to meet your human resource needs for workers, by recruiting foreign workers and international students through this program. This will allow you to access the same talent pool that is available to your global competitors.

Who Qualifies?

Companies operating inside the Greater Toronto Area that:

• have been in active business for at least three years (corporations, limited partnerships and sole proprietorships)
• have a minimum of $1,000,000 in gross revenue for the most recent fiscal year
• have a minimum of five permanent full-time employees
• have a business premise in Ontario where the prospective nominee will work

Companies operating outside the Greater Toronto Area must:

• have been in active business for at least three years (corporations, limited partnerships and sole proprietorships)
• have a minimum of $500,000 in gross revenue for the most recent fiscal year
• have a minimum of three permanent full-time employees
• have a business premise in Ontario where the prospective nominee will work
  

What positions qualify?

Permanent and full-time skilled occupation positions (National Occupation Classification 0, A, or B) that are necessary for your operation can qualify as long as:

• the positions meet prevailing wage levels (for foreign workers) or entry-level wage levels (for international students), and
• filling the position does not affect the settlement of any labour dispute or adversely affect employment or training opportunities for Ontarians.
  

How many positions can be approved?

You can apply for approval of:

• one position for every five full time employees, if within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); or,
• one position for every three full time employees, if outside the GTA.
  

How do I apply?

First, apply for approval of the positions you intend to fill.

If the positions are approved, you then recruit individuals who must apply to Opportunities Ontario for a nomination. Eligible individuals are nominated, along with their dependants, for permanent resident status.

If you previously applied successfully to the program, you don't have to submit supporting documents unless there are changes that may affect your eligibility for Opportunities Ontario. You will find the Pre-Screen Application for Previously Approved Employers on the website.

For details on obtaining approvals and nominee application package go to www.ontarioimmigration.ca/ and click on the Opportunities Ontario: PNP icon.

Where can I find more information?

Provincial Nominee Program website.