In addition to other methods of securing foreign workers, Canada often admits needed foreign talent by permitting provinces the opportunity to nominate prospective candidates. This nomination process allows a more targeted approach to fill labour shortages, which provinces are often more keenly aware of. Consequently, employers seeking to fill labour shortages can meet their needs by recognizing and accessing provincial programs available, rather than just federal programs.
Certainly, there are caveats to the use of such provincial nominee programs, including the meeting of relevant legal criteria, and quotas on the number of candidates a province can nominate. It should also be noted that such nominations are for permanent residence, but often, a nomination will bring with it the ability to secure a work permit based on the ‘foundation’ of the permanent residence nomination, so that positions can be filled quickly, and the foreign national can be working while the permanent residence matter is in process.
The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) has now announced that it will be increasing the number of nominations available through its program. In 2021, there were 9,000 nominations available; in 2022, 9,750. However, in 2023, there will be 16,500, and by 2025, this number will be 18,361.
This is an opportunity for Ontario employers to take advantage of greater opportunity to seek to fill positions with foreign talent, if necessary. Again, there are certainly details and caveats related to each specific case, but employers may want to investigate if this program can be of value to them.
The information in this article is for general purposes only, and not intended as legal advice for any particular situation.