Canada: Remote Work Requirements for Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Clarified

Following the recent redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Ontario immigration authorities have confirmed that fully remote work arrangements are not accepted for employer-supported applications, providing additional clarity on a requirement that is not clearly stated in the written guidance. 

Employers supporting an OINP application must have a business location in Ontario that meets program requirements, including requirements regarding the number of permanent, full-time employees who work or report to that location. The position must also be urgently necessary to the employer’s business. Hybrid work arrangements are permitted, provided the foreign national regularly works from an eligible Ontario business location when not working from home. The location must be a permanent and regular workplace, such as an office or dedicated workspace where the employee is scheduled to work.  

Employers should review remote and hybrid work arrangements before pursuing an OINP application to ensure the position is connected to an eligible Ontario business location. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.