Ontario continuing to welcome newcomers with modernized Immigration Program
Province Attracting Global Talent, Helping Businesses Find Skilled Workers
By Luis Aparício
Ontario is continuing to help businesses attract the talented people they need to compete globally by accepting more skilled newcomers than ever before through its successful Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Laura Albanese (photo), Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, were at the University of Toronto’s Centre for International Experience last February to make the announcement.
“Immigration is key to stimulating innovation, growing our workforce and keeping us competitive in today’s global economy”, said Laura Albanese. “By helping attract the people who have the skills and abilities we need to fill labour market gaps, Ontario is helping ensure businesses are better able to prosper and make our province even stronger.”
Permanent resident status
Recognizing the success of the OINP and its importance to Ontario’s economy, the federal government has increased the province’s 2017 allocation by 500 nominees to a total of 6,000. Through the OINP, Ontario is able to nominate people for permanent resident status. Nominees include skilled workers, international students, experienced entrepreneurs, and key staff of established foreign corporations seeking to expand into Ontario.
Deb Matthews stressed that “attracting and retaining skilled newcomers and international students will help to create a prosperous economy based on ideas, innovation and exchange and will enrich the cultural diversity of Ontario”.
The OINP is opening applications for its three highest-volume streams – the International Masters Graduate Stream, the International PhD Graduate Stream, and the Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream.
The OINP is also modernizing its application process this year with a new, paperless online system, which will speed up the application process, improve customer service, and help employers find the skilled workers they need sooner.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
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