The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has reached its full nomination quota for 2024, marking another milestone in Canada’s immigration efforts. As of December 23, 2024, all 21,500 nominations allocated by the federal government have been distributed across various streams. This update highlights key statistics, stream-specific details, and what applicants can anticipate in 2025.
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2024 OINP Quota Allocation and Highlights
For 2024, the federal government allocated 21,500 nominations to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). These nominations were distributed across five primary streams, with the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream leading in the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
Key 2024 ITA Statistics:
| OINP Stream | Number of ITAs | Minimum Cutoff Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 6,695 | General: 50+; Skilled Trades: 33+; Health & Tech: 40+; Early Childhood Educators: 39+ |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 8,363 | General: 72+; Skilled Trades: 66+; Health & Tech: 72+; Early Childhood Educators: 60+ |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills | 914 | General: 34+ |
| Masters Graduate | 5,519 | 50+ |
| PhD Graduate | 533 | 42+ |
These streams cater to a diverse pool of candidates, including skilled workers, recent graduates, and international talent in high-demand industries.
Express Entry Notifications of Interest (NOIs)
The OINP also used the federal Express Entry system to issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs) in 2024.
| OINP Stream | Number of NOIs | CRS Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities | 12,731 | 352 – 528 |
| Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades | 9,006 | 350 – 435 |
| Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker | 1,525 | 290 – 469 |
These streams enable Ontario to invite candidates directly from the Express Entry pool, focusing on those with skills that align with provincial labor market needs.
OINP Stream-Wise Processing Times
Applicants should be aware of the average processing times for OINP streams. The timelines vary depending on the stream and application complexity:
| OINP Stream | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker | 90 – 120 days |
| Express Entry Human Capital Priorities | 60 – 90 days |
| Express Entry Skilled Trades | 120 – 150 days |
| Masters Graduate | 30 – 60 days |
| PhD Graduate | 30 – 60 days |
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 120 – 150 days |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 90 – 120 days |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills | 120 – 150 days |
| Entrepreneur (EOI Assessment) | Less than 30 days |
What to Expect for OINP in 2025
Significant changes are expected for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in 2025 due to a federal reduction in provincial nomination quotas. The overall PNP allocation is set to decrease by 54%, from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025. Ontario’s share is projected to drop from 21,500 to approximately 10,747 nominations.
Implications for Applicants:
- Increased Competition: Fewer nominations may lead to higher cutoff scores and stricter selection criteria.
- Preparation is Key: Applicants are encouraged to improve their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores and prepare well for 2025 draws.
Conclusion
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) remains a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration framework, offering pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers, students, and entrepreneurs. While 2024 marked a year of achievement with its quota fulfillment, the anticipated challenges of 2025 highlight the importance of early preparation and staying informed.
If you’re considering applying to OINP, start planning now to navigate the increased competition effectively. Stay tuned for updates as we approach the 2025 application cycle.
