The Ontario government has announced changes to its Nominee Program designed to make it easier for businesses in the North to attract top talent and skilled workers from around the world.
The changes will include the expansion of worker types and a drive on attracting entrepreneurs.
new occupations have been added to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s In-Demand Skills Stream to include transport truck drivers and personal support workers. Meanwhile, the Entrepreneur Stream has been updated to make it easier for international entrepreneurs to become a job creator in Ontario, changing the eligibility requirements.
The threshold of investment needed to be eligible through the program has been lowered from CDN$1 million to CDN$600,000 in the Greater Toronto Arena and from CDN$500,000 to $CDN200,000 outside the GTA.
The threshold for investment in the information and communication technology sector is $200,000 across the province. Ontario has also changed the net worth threshold and fine-tuned the applicant screening process to ensure Ontario is attracting the best businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We’re looking to bring talented people to Ontario and especially Northern Ontario to grow the economy, to create job opportunities, and to create new opportunities for people already living here,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “That is why we are taking swift action to achieve our goals, so businesses can grow and create good jobs. By tailoring economic immigration for regions with specific labour needs, such as Northern Ontario, we are helping the economy with the right talent at the right time.”
The changes serve as a follow-up to last month’s announcement of reforms coming to the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program, allowing businesses to nominate immigrants for permanent residence to fill labour pool gaps.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program allows Ontario to nominate economic immigrants for permanent residence to fill talent gaps and support economic growth.
Article published 18th July 2019