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The Ontario government plans to make some updates to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), also known as Ontario PNP. These changes aim to allow more international students to qualify for the provincial nominee program.
A fresh law is in the works to improve the OINP. The redefinition of eligibility criteria is poised to open doors for many international students. These students, having successfully completed one-year college graduate certificate programs throughout the province, will now find themselves eligible to apply.
Ontario Enhanced Opportunities for International Students
More than 900 college programs offer an Ontario College Graduate Certificate, and most of them are one-year programs. This is great news for international students who previously faced challenges in obtaining permanent residency. Many would consider relocating to other provinces due to these difficulties.
Furthermore, the upcoming legislation aims to restrict the requirement of Canadian work experience in job advertisements or application forms. This change intends to give a fair chance to qualified candidates to progress through the interview process without facing barriers.
The provincial government is considering approving these proposed changes as soon as next week, and if approved, the implementation is expected to begin early next year.
Removing Work Experience Barriers for Students
Moreover, starting December 1, 2023, over 30 occupational and professional licensing bodies will no longer be allowed to impose Canadian work experience requirements for licensing. This change is part of the broader efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible pathway for individuals seeking professional licensure in Ontario.
A comparable prohibition on employers in job advertisements and application forms aims to eliminate another significant employment obstacle for newcomers. The government is also committed to ensuring that assessments are conducted promptly, transparently, and impartially, promoting a more equitable and efficient process.
To achieve this goal, the government aims to enhance oversight and accountability regarding how regulated professions, such as accountants, architects, and geoscientists, engage third-party organizations to assess international qualifications. This measure seeks to ensure a more transparent and fair evaluation process for individuals with international qualifications in these professions.
Ontario Promoting Economic Growth and Opportunities for Skilled Newcomers
Ontario consistently welcomes a higher number of immigrants annually compared to any other province in Canada. Research suggests that assisting newcomers with foreign training in securing employment aligned with their studies could contribute significantly to the province’s GDP, potentially reaching $100 billion over five years.
In the current year, Ontario plans to nominate 16,500 immigrants for permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), focusing on important sectors like healthcare and skilled trades. This reflects the province’s commitment to harnessing the potential of skilled immigrants for economic growth.
David Piccini, the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, emphasized the need for a change, stating, “For far too long, too many people arriving in Canada have been directed towards jobs that don’t match their qualifications. We need to ensure these individuals can secure well-paying and fulfilling careers that address the labor shortage. When newcomers to Ontario are given a meaningful opportunity to contribute, it benefits everyone.”
OINP’s Shift in Access Method
Starting November 12, 2023, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will implement changes to how representatives and applicants access the e-filing platform. All existing applications and expressions of interest with the OINP need to be transferred from an ONe Key account to a My Ontario account.
Instructions on how to migrate the existing OINP e-filing accounts will be provided by the OINP at a later date. It’s important for users to follow these instructions to ensure a smooth transition to the new platform.