Canada's provinces
Residence in Ontario
See Ontario's routes to permanent residence, who they suit and the general steps to apply.
- CapitalToronto
- Largest cityToronto
- Immigration programOntario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
About Ontario
Ontario is Canada's most populous province and home to Toronto and Ottawa, the national capital. Finance, technology, manufacturing and education lead its economy, and many newcomers settle there.
Under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), the province nominates the applicant and IRCC then assesses and decides the permanent residence application. Streams, allocations and requirements can change from year to year.
Government of Ontario (official site)Why Ontario?
The largest job market
Toronto is the country's financial centre; technology, auto manufacturing, education and health care also offer many jobs.
Well-known universities
Many of Canada's leading universities and colleges are in Ontario.
A large Iranian community
The Greater Toronto Area has Canada's largest Iranian community.
Cost of living
Housing in the Greater Toronto Area is expensive; cities such as Hamilton, London and Ottawa are other options.
Main routes
- Ontario's nominee program is being restructured. According to the official site (checked October 2026), only the Ontario Workforce Priority stream is open and all other streams are closed
- Ontario says more changes are coming; check the current status before you act
- Federal routes such as Express Entry are also open to people who plan to live in Ontario
Who it suits
- People who meet the Ontario Workforce Priority stream's requirements
- Express Entry candidates who plan to live in Ontario
- People ready to reassess their route as the program changes
Good to know
- A provincial nomination is not permanent residence; IRCC makes the final decision.
- Streams open and close and allocations change during the year.
- A genuine intention to live in that province or territory matters.
- This information was checked against the official sites in October 2026.
General steps
- 1
Choose the right stream
Based on your work, experience, studies and ties to the province.
- 2
Check the requirements and gather documents
As the stream's official guide says.
- 3
Submit an expression of interest or application
Most streams invite applicants from a pool.
- 4
Receive a provincial nomination
If the province nominates you.
- 5
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Through Express Entry or a base (non-Express Entry) application.
This page is general information, not immigration advice for your situation. Rules and streams change; check the official site for current details.
What we look at in a consultation
This page gives the overall picture. The details of each route depend on your situation and are assessed properly in a consultation.
The right route for you
Which of the province's routes really fits your work, studies and language.
Your chances and ranking
An estimate of where you stand in the provincial and Express Entry draws.
Job offer and employer
Whether your job offer meets the requirements and what the employer must do.
Timing, costs and risks
The right order of steps, the official fees and the common reasons files are refused.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Ontario nomination guarantee permanent residence?
No. A nomination is an important step, but IRCC assesses the permanent residence application separately and makes the final decision.
Do these routes need a job offer?
It depends on the stream. Many streams, especially in smaller provinces and the territories, need a job offer; some do not.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Some routes are open to applicants abroad and some only to people working or studying in the province. Which are open to you depends on your background and situation, and is assessed in a consultation.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Processing times and official fees change with the route and the number of applications. In a consultation you get a current estimate for your file.
How current is this information?
This page was checked against the official sites in October 2026. Routes change often, so check the official site before you act, or talk to us.