OINP Tech Occupations – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
Wanjiru is a Kenyan citizen who lives in Canada. She holds a work permit and is a database analyst in Waterloo, Ontario. Wanjiru intends to immigrate to Canada and wishes to pick an OINP option. She has heard Ontario gives priority to tech occupations. However, Wanjiru is not clear how. Is there a list of tech occupations that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program considers?
Table of contents
What is OINP?
Before exploring the tech occupations for OINP, let’s delve into this program. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province, boasting a rich tapestry of natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the pristine Algonquin Provincial Park. As the heart of Canada’s economic engine, Ontario contributes about 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With its diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and thriving industries, Ontario continually seeks talent and a workforce to enrich its economy and cultural mosaic further.
While many federal immigrants move to Ontario, this province offers provincial immigration options (PNP) as well. We call these options the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program or OINP. The current OINP streams include the following:
- Non-Express Entry
- Employer Job Offer:
- Post Graduate:
- Entrepreneur Stream
- Express Entry:
Keep in mind this list is subject to change.
How tech occupations fit into the current options
OINP does not offer a unique program for tech occupations. However, they prioritize issuing Invitations to Apply (ITA) for this group. They mainly apply prioritization under the following streams:
- Express Entry – Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream
This means you must (1) Meet the minimum requirements of Express Entry or the other option, (2) Enter the pool of Express Entry or the OINP Expression of Interest (EOI), and (3) Have work experience in one of the health occupations (In case of Express Entry, the tech occupation must be your primary NOC on the Express Entry profile). Consequently, when OINP invites tech occupations from any of those groups, they will invite you.
The list of tech occupations for OINP
OINP usually refers to the following list for invitations. However, they may only select some of these occupations for a round of invitations. They could also add to this list in other circumstances.
- 20012 – Computer and information systems managers
- 21211 – Data scientists
- 21223 – Database analysts and data administrators
- 21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers
- 21231 – Software engineers and designers
- 21232 – Software developers and programmers
- 21233 – Web designers
- 21234 – Web developers and programmers
- 21311 – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- 22221 – User support technicians
- 22222 – Information systems testing technicians
Certainly, as highlighted previously, the OINP might select from this list or broaden its scope. Thus, the list can change over time. Nonetheless, it serves as a useful reference.
Points to consider
OINP prioritizes tech occupations due to the province’s demand. However, it’s crucial to note the following key points:
- OINP does not offer a particular stream for tech occupations. Nonetheless, they give them priority under some of the existing streams. Therefore, you must qualify for one of them in the first place.
- The list of occupations is subject to change. Therefore, have a plan B. For example, consider learning French or applying under other Federal or provincial options.
Let us help!
Whether you are applying for OINP and have experience in tech occupations or if you choose another option, we are there for you. Thus, please fill out our assessment form or book a consultation session. However, if you face immigration issues, fill out the following form.
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Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
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