Opportunities Ontario FSW Pilot Program: How To Apply
What documents do I need to submit?
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The application package you submit to Opportunities Ontario must include:
- The Ontario Federal Skilled Worker Pilot Program - Nominee Application form (Word / PDF)
- The following supporting documentation:
- A copy of the letter you received from CIC alerting you of the opportunity to apply for consideration under the Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program.
- A signed copy of the Consent page you received from CIC to be considered for processing under the Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program.
- A copy of employment confirmation letter from your employer (or previous employer/s) on official company letterhead.
- Certified true copy of your degree and/or copy of the official final transcript issued by the institution showing all degree requirements complete.
- Official, original IELTS General or TEF test report issued by a testing centre recognized by IELTS or TEF. Test must have been taken by applicant within 12 months prior to submission of the application to Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program, as per test date on test report.
- Please note that if you are unable to secure a test date for an IELTS examination before the May 31, 2012, application deadline, you can still submit an application to the program indicating that an IELTS test is to follow and the anticipated date for your test. If you are submitting IELTS test results to us separately, please send the IELTS test results to us no later than June 30, 2012.
- Up-to-date, original bank account statements (must be stamped and dated by the banking institution) in your name and copies of your bank transaction records for the six months immediately preceding the date you submit the application to Opportunities Ontario.
- Please provide a free form letter indicating your ties to Ontario, if any, and the rationale behind your decision to choose Ontario as your place of residence. You may include reference letters, previous work/study permits, academic transcripts, affidavits from relatives in Canada, etc., to substantiate stated ties.
- A copy of any/all previous status documents issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (i.e. work permits, study permits, visitor records, etc.).
What happens after I am approved?
A provincial Nomination Certificate will be issued for all successful nominees. Successful nominees must then apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence. A successful provincial nomination replaces the selection component under other immigration classes (such as the Federal Skilled Worker Class, and the Family Class). Provincial nominees will receive priority processing from CIC.
For more information, please visit our Nominees: What’s next section of our website.

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
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
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
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
Only Master’s graduate students require a language proficiency test. Opportunities Ontario accepts only
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.
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 


