Canadian Immigration | Practical Guide

Ontario Bound: Understanding the OINP Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada Immigration

By Radmila Lim, RCIC (R414423) — Lawseph & Associates Inc.

Book a Consultation
Call 416-962-3334
Email Our RCIC Team

What is the OINP Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issues Invitations to Apply (ITA) to eligible candidates who meet provincial criteria and align with Ontario’s economic and labour market needs. An OINP ITA means Ontario is inviting you to apply for a provincial nomination, which can then support your application for Canadian permanent residence.

What it is not: The OINP ITA is not a permanent residency approval on its own. Instead, it is the crucial first step toward obtaining a provincial nomination and subsequently applying for PR through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

How OINP Differs from Other Immigration Programs

While Express Entry is federal and competitive across all provinces, the OINP is region-specific and focuses on attracting skilled workers who can fill gaps in Ontario’s labour market. In contrast to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), OINP specifically targets Ontario’s workforce demands in sectors like healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and business management.

A Real-Life Motivation Example

Consider Daniel, a 29-year-old IT professional from Nigeria. He entered the Express Entry pool but did not score high enough to receive a federal ITA. However, Ontario issued him an OINP ITA through the Human Capital Priorities Stream, recognizing his strong skills in tech. With Lawseph’s full RCIC application service, Daniel’s documents were carefully prepared, avoiding costly errors. Within months, Daniel secured his nomination, applied for PR with IRCC, and eventually landed in Toronto with a job offer in hand—achieving his Canadian dream.

Why Choose Lawseph & Associates Inc.?

Our RCIC full application processing service prioritizes accuracy and compliance. Incomplete, inconsistent, or error-prone applications are among the most common reasons for rejection. By hiring Lawseph, you benefit from:

Thorough document review to eliminate errors
Tailored strategies to improve approval chances
Timely and compliant submissions
Expert RCIC representation at every stage

Associated Costs and Processing Times

OINP Application Fee: CAD $1,500–$2,000 (depending on stream)
IRCC PR Application Fee: CAD $1,365 (Principal Applicant)
Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person
Medical Exam: Approx. CAD $200–$350
RCIC Legal Fees: Starting at CAD $3,500 for OINP + PR full processing
Processing Time: OINP: 3–6 months; PR: 6–8 months

Eligibility & Admissibility Requirements

Candidates must:

Meet OINP stream-specific requirements (e.g., Human Capital, Employer Job Offer, Masters Graduate)
Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) or OINP ITA
Provide proof of funds and settlement ability
Demonstrate valid language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
Pass medical, security, and background checks

FAQs

Q: Does an OINP ITA guarantee permanent residency?
A: No, but it is the first step toward securing a provincial nomination and then applying for PR with IRCC.
Q: How long do I have to submit my OINP application after receiving an ITA?
A: Typically, 14 days for NOI and 45–60 days for ITA submissions.
Q: Can I apply to OINP if I already have an Express Entry profile?
A: Yes, in fact, many OINP streams operate through Express Entry.
Q: Can my family be included in the OINP process?
A: Yes, spouses and dependent children can be included in your PR application.
Q: What if I don’t qualify for OINP?
A: We can explore alternative PNPs or federal pathways suitable for your profile.

Next Steps: Begin Your OINP Journey

The path to Ontario starts with the right guidance. At Lawseph & Associates Inc., our RCIC professionals ensure your application is complete, accurate, and fully compliant, reducing risks and maximizing your chances of approval.