OINP introducing Expression of Interest, bringing changes to its Traditional System

March 31, 2021

spscanada

Canada’s popular immigration program, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is introducing major changes to its five immigration streams by introducing the Expression of Interest system.

On March 15, 2021, the program filed the amending regulations under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 for introducing the Expression of Interest system. 

Before looking at the changes, let’s first understand what an Expression of Interest is.

What is Expression of Interest (EOI)?

Simply put, Expression of Interest is a system to select skilled economic immigrants based on their qualifications and experience, and other relevant fields, which is points-based, in order to meet the labour market needs of the province. Previously, the system used first-come-first-served model and is now being improved to rank candidate’s human capital and labour market factors. 

Most of the provinces under Provincial Nominee Programs are already using the Expression of Interest system for managing new registrants.  

OINP streams introduced with Expression of Interest

The following streams remain closed and will be re-opened once the EOI is implemented in the following weeks. The OINP will be applying the new changes to the following streams: 

• Employer Job Offer Category streams (Foreign Worker, International Student and In-Demand Skills)

• Masters Graduate stream; and

• Ph.D. Graduate stream

What does it mean to submit the Expression of Interest? 

Registering for Expression of Interest means you are only submitting your interest to OINP and is not the application for permanent residence. A typical Expression of Interest usually requires candidates to submit a resume, with their relevant work experience, education, and other information. However, OINP has not mentioned the details of the Expression of Interest system.

The director would decide to issue a general or targeted invitation for a certificate of nomination as per the defined category, based on the highest-ranking applicants in the category. If you have the set of qualifications required in Expression of Interest, you will then be requested supporting information and to apply for a certificate of nomination. 

To receive a certificate of nomination from Ontario, the applicant must have been issued an invitation and have applied for the certificate within the deadline determined by the director, which will be published on the Ministry’s website. 

Further details on when the streams will open, and how the Expression of Interest would work exactly and the changes that will be effective are yet to be posted.

Why switch to Expression of Interest?

With the introduction of the EOI system, it would help OINP to make significant improvements on

• Managing intakes more strategically 

• Increasing responsiveness to the OINP’s labour market and responding better to the regional labour market needs 

EOI systems are currently being used by many of the provinces under Provincial Nominee Programs – Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and more. The main purpose of introducing the system is to make the process more predictable, fairer, and user-friendly than the current process. In addition, the system would also prioritize candidates with certain skills to meet the regional labour market need.

It was during fall 2020, Ontario started consultations about implementing the EOI system, for which it received positive feedback overall from individuals, applicants, employers, organizations, representatives, and associations. Prior to this, the OINP has also made amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act for Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream.

Amendments to Regulations

The Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development filed on March 15, 2021, under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 for introducing an Expression of Interest system:

Ontario Regulation 422/17 (General)

Ontario Regulation 421/17 (Approvals under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and Other Matters)

The changes to the OINP’s system would mean an improved intake system, providing a fair chance for the individuals and applicants to submit their interest and qualify under the stream for permanent residence. 

Learn about your eligibility for different immigration streams and find the best way for settling in Canada as a permanent resident by starting your assessment! 

Simply Start your Assessment or Call (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada), +91 9586 226232 (Ahmedabad) or drop an E-mail at support@spscanada.com (Canada), support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad) for further information.  

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