How does the OINP Employer Job Offer stream work?
OINP's Employer Job Offer (EJO) streams allow foreign nationals who have received a qualifying job offer from an Ontario employer to apply for a provincial nomination. These streams operate outside of Express Entry and are paper-based, meaning the federal PR process after nomination is not Express Entry-based.
There are sub-streams within the EJO category targeting different occupation types — foreign workers in skilled professions and skilled trades who have a permanent, full-time offer in an eligible NOC occupation. The employer must meet OINP's requirements, including registration in Ontario, being in good standing with Ontario's employment and labour laws, and the job offer must meet minimum wage and hours requirements.
Unlike some other provinces, Ontario's EJO streams generally require a pre-existing Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a valid LMIA-exempt work permit in connection with the offer. The LMIA is a federal process through which the employer demonstrates that no qualified Canadian worker was available for the role.
These streams do not use a draw or Expression of Interest pool — eligible applicants can submit directly when OINP opens intake. However, Ontario does not always have open intake; it controls when applications are accepted.
Key takeaways
- OINP's EJO streams let Ontario workers with qualifying job offers apply for nomination.
- Occupations must fall within eligible NOC categories under the stream's rules.
- An LMIA or LMIA-exempt work permit is typically required in connection with the job offer.
- Intake windows are controlled by OINP — the stream is not always open.