One of the most appealing features of Mississauga is its multicultural population. The city has residents from various racial, cultural, and professional backgrounds. Many newcomers bring valuable international education and work experience.
Immigration has always been a driving force in Mississauga’s growth, and diversity continues to increase. Today, more than half of the city’s population was born outside Canada, and this number is still rising.
This makes it an excellent time for skilled immigrants to apply through provincial immigration programs. The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced updated pathways that make the process easier and more attractive for new skilled workers.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) 2023 Overview
Ontario is the fastest-growing province in Canada. With major cities like Toronto and Ottawa expanding rapidly, employers are facing shortages of skilled workers. Because of this, the OINP plays a crucial role in filling labor market needs.
The program is employer-driven, meaning applicants often need a permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer. Some categories, such as the PhD and Masters Graduate Streams, do not require a job offer.
Usually, the nomination process involves two main steps:
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Employer or position pre-approval
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Worker, student, or business applicant submission
Step 1: Employer Eligibility Requirements
For Employers in the GTA
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Must be in active business for at least 3 years
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Minimum CAD 1,000,000 in gross annual revenue
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At least 5 full-time employees
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A physical business location in Ontario
For Employers Outside the GTA
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Minimum 3 years in active business
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At least CAD 500,000 in annual revenue
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At least 3 full-time employees
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A business location in Ontario
Job Position Requirements
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Full-time, permanent role
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Position classified under NOC 0, A, or B
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Meets minimum wage requirements
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Must not conflict with ongoing labor disputes
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Necessary for day-to-day business operations
Step 2: OINP Immigration Streams
1. Foreign Worker Stream
Applicants must have:
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A full-time permanent job offer in NOC 0, A, or B
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At least 2 years of work experience in the same field within the last 5 years
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A wage equal to or higher than the median wage
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Legal status if applying from within Canada
2. Investor Stream
Applicants must:
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Be actively involved in business operations
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Create at least 5 new jobs
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Invest a minimum of CAD 1 million or own at least 33.3% of the business
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Ensure the investment is not refundable
3. International Student Stream
Applicants must:
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Have graduated (or be close to graduating) from a public-funded Canadian institution
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Have a full-time job offer in NOC 0, A, or B
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Earn a wage equal to or above the entry-level wage
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Hold legal status in Canada
4. International PhD Graduate Stream
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For graduates from publicly-funded Ontario universities
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No job offer required
5. International Masters Graduate Stream
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For those finishing a Master’s degree in Ontario
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No job offer required
Step 3: Applying Through Express Entry
Ontario uses Express Entry to manage applications for these streams:
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Human Capital Priorities Stream (seeks in-demand skilled workers)
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French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
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Skilled Trades Stream
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for PR.
Support for Newcomers in Mississauga
Mississauga offers settlement services, language training, job search centers, and community support programs. These services help newcomers adjust quickly and integrate into the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is it like to live in Mississauga?
Mississauga is diverse, safe, and family-friendly, with strong job opportunities and excellent community facilities.
2. What is the population trend?
The population is projected to reach about 812,000 by 2031.
3. How do I immigrate through OINP?
You can apply through streams for skilled workers, international students, business owners, or Express Entry-linked categories.
4. What are employer eligibility requirements?
Employers must meet revenue, staffing, and business operation criteria to hire through OINP.
5. Can international students apply for OINP?
Yes, through the International Student Stream, Master’s Graduate Stream, or PhD Graduate Stream.
6. Does OINP use Express Entry?
Yes, several streams are linked to Express Entry for faster processing.
7. What is the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot?
It supports smaller communities facing labor shortages, including some in Ontario.
8. Is a job offer required for all OINP streams?
No. PhD and Master’s Graduate streams do not require a job offer.
