Ontario Immigration - Opportunities Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

Opportunities Ontario: Employers

If you are an Ontario employer finding it difficult to recruit the skilled workers you need, Opportunities Ontario may be the program for you.

Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program helps employers meet their human resource needs for workers, by enabling them to recruit foreign workers and international students. Opportunities Ontario has a target of 1,000 nominations in 2012.

A brochure is available for employers

New! Simplified Application

If you are an employer who previously applied successfully to the program, Opportunities Ontario has made it easier for you to apply again. Previously approved employers are no longer required to submit supporting documents unless there are changes that may affect the employer’s eligibility for Opportunities Ontario. Please note that Opportunities Ontario reserves the right to request updated documentation. You will find the Pre-Screen Application for Previously Approved Employers on this website.

Smart Employer Application Forms

We have made it easier for employers to complete our application forms. The “smart” application form has help messages that are useful in filling out sections of the form. This feature is available for the Employer Pre-Screen Application Form and Pre-Screen Application Form for Previously Approved Employers.

About the process

Employers first apply for approval of the positions they intend to fill. If the positions are approved, employers then recruit individuals who must apply to Opportunities Ontario for a nomination. Eligible individuals are nominated, along with their dependants, for permanent resident status.

Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program is designed in part to assist employers who are having difficulty recruiting qualified, skilled workers in Ontario. Applications from employers who are seeking positions for foreign workers residing abroad, or foreign workers who are visiting Canada, will receive priority processing if those employers have tried to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents located in Ontario for those positions before applying to the program.

You will find more detailed information here:

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Learn more

Do you have more questions? Visit our Questions and Answers section and find information in other languages. You will also find the Employer Pre-Screen Application and other forms on this website.

About using a representative

Applicants are not required to hire a representative. All applications are treated equally, regardless of whether or not they were prepared with the assistance of an authorized representative. Opportunities Ontario reserves the right to contact the employer or prospective nominee directly regarding the application, if the program considers this necessary.

If you do choose to use a representative, you must use an authorized representative. Opportunities Ontario follows Canadian government regulations requiring all paid immigration representatives to meet the definition of “authorized representative”. This means that Opportunities Ontario will only conduct business with paid immigration representatives who are the following:

Immigration consultants who are members in good standing, with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). (For program rules during the transition period, please visit the Program Updates page)
Lawyers who are licensees in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society and students-at-law under their supervision, and
Quebec notaries.

Can you provide a list of employers who are hiring for required occupations?

Opportunities Ontario does not maintain a list of eligible employers searching for employees. It is the responsibility of an Ontario employer to apply to Opportunities Ontario, and, if approved, recruit a qualified individual for the approved position. Learn more about the Ontario labour market and occupation classifications.
Can my family immigrate with me?

Accompanying ‘eligible’ family members of nominees may immigrate to Ontario once medical and security checks have been passed. Federal immigration law defines which family members can be included with a permanent resident application. Learn more about ‘eligible’ family members.
What happens to my application when the full quota has been reached?

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. When the program reaches its target, submitted applications will be assessed in the next calendar year. All applications received will be processed. The processing fee is non-refundable, but guarantees the processing of the application irrespective of the calendar year. You can stay up to date by checking what’s new with Opportunities Ontario.
My work permit is about to expire. What should I do?

Even if nominated by Opportunities Ontario, it is your responsibility to ensure you remain in proper status in Canada until you receive permanent resident status from the federal government. You should either renew, extend or apply for proper temporary resident status throughout your stay in the country. Learn more about work permits in Canada and how to apply.
Do you accept IELTS or TOEFL results as proof of English proficiency?

Only Master’s graduate students require a language proficiency test. Opportunities Ontario accepts only IELTS – General with an overall band score of 7 for English, or TEF with an overall band score of 5 for French, that has been obtained within 12 months of applying.
Can I change jobs or temporarily leave Canada after I submit my application?

Once you become a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Canada. If you leave your current employer during either the nomination process or the permanent residence application process, your nomination and application can be denied by Opportunities Ontario. Prolonged absences from Ontario can also affect your eligibility for the program. You should keep Opportunities Ontario informed.
What documents are required to prove my residency in Ontario?

To prove your intention to settle in Ontario, you will need to demonstrate one year of physical residence in Ontario, in the past two years, and your presence in the province at the time of your application. You should provide credit card statements, leasing documents or bills and accounts with your name and Ontario address. See Page 12, Demonstrating Residence in Ontario.
As a student, does my overseas money count towards the funds requirement?

If the account is in your name, your overseas bank statements will be accepted in support of your nominee application. If you have received financial support from your parents or any family member, you will need to submit a letter of support, stating their ongoing financial support, original bank statements and account balance.
As an international student, my final semester is part-time. Is that okay?

To qualify for Opportunities Ontario, international students are expected to study on a full-time basis. You may be considered eligible for the program if you have proof that course offerings at your university compelled you to complete your final semester on a part-time basis. However, studying part-time by choice rather than by compulsion may affect your eligibility for the program.
How long will it take to process my nomination and permanent resident application?

Opportunities Ontario aims to process nominee and employer applications on a first-come first-served basis within 90 days, provided they are complete. Federal government application processing times vary across visa offices. More information is available at your respective visa office.