The new Ontario law for students with a one-year certificate

Ontario government proposes enhancements to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to increase the number of eligible international students participating in the provincial nomination program. Ontario aims to implement these changes in early 2024.

Proposed legislation seeks to reform the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), bringing changes to eligibility criteria for numerous international students with one-year college graduate certificate programs across the province.

Good news for international students! New changes in Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) put one-year diploma students on the path to Canadian permanent residence through the provincial nomination program.

These changes are significant for students seeking permanent migration to Canada for two reasons:

an increased chance for international students to apply for permanent residence through the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, and over 900 one-year diploma programs granting Ontario College Graduate Certificates, opening doors for a substantial number of international students.

Ontario’s proposed law and changes aim to remove obstacles by eliminating the requirement of Canadian work experience in job advertisements or job application forms, making it easier for job seekers and newcomers. The government also seeks to ensure that assessments are conducted quickly, transparently, and fairly.

To achieve this, the government wants to enhance oversight and accountability regarding the use of regulated professions, such as accountants, architects, and geologists, by third-party organizations for the assessment of international credentials.

Key expectations following the implementation of the new changes:

• Fair hiring processes without the need for Canadian work experience. More opportunities for
• newcomers to showcase their skills and competencies.

From December 1, 2023, more than 30 licensing bodies will no longer demand Canadian work experience for professional licensing applications. This initiative seeks to standardize the process and remove unnecessary hurdles for newcomers seeking professional licenses.

Key Points:

• A more inclusive approach to obtaining professional licenses.
• Skilled newcomers can pursue their expertise and specialized fields without requiring Canadian work experience.

Studies indicate that supporting newcomers with international education to find employment in their fields of study can contribute up to $100 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product over five years. These changes align with this goal, benefiting both newcomers and the province from this new law.

Potential impact of the new law:

• Strengthening Ontario’s economy by integrating skilled international talents.
• Creating a win-win situation for newcomers and the province.

This year, Ontario intends to welcome 16,500 new immigrants for permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), with a focus on vital sectors such as healthcare and specialized professions.

Key Highlights of Provincial Acceptances:

• Opportunities for permanent residency in Canada in various critical sectors
• Acknowledgment of the importance of immigrants in key workforce sectors

From November 12, 2023, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is transitioning to a new electronic platform called My Ontario Account. To ensure a seamless process, the transfer of existing accounts from ONE Key to My Ontario is crucial, following the guidelines provided by the OINP.

Stay informed about the electronic file transfer process through the Ontario Immigration Office. The Ontario Immigration Office will share guidelines on how to move your existing OINP electronic file account.