Score
0-11
0-31%
Score determination
Low accessibility
If
-
How accessible are Canada's economic immigration pathways for displaced talent?
These scorecards measure the accessibility of Canada’s economic immigration pathways for applicants who are living in refugee circumstances. The score indicates if the pathway design is likely to include or exclude this community.
Many people living as refugees have the skills and experience sought by Canadian employers and governments. However, few economic immigration pathways are designed to include them by thoughtfully accommodating the unconventional circumstances that displacement creates.
Our scoring framework establishes twelve factors that are common barriers for displaced applicants. These barriers are not human capital factors. They relate to legal status, documents, conventional work experience, and finances. The program scorecards assess each pathway across these factors, with an overall program score determined by averaging the scores of the individual pathways within the program. Scores range from low to high accessibility, as well as full accessibility where there are specific features designed to facilitate access for displaced applicants.
Each scorecard includes recommendations to improve access for people with needed skills who are living as refugees. Greater accessibility would broaden the pool of eligible talent, but would not change the primary purpose or levels of an economic pathway. Greater accessibility would recognize, in the words of someone who relocated for work from displacement, the “talent, ambition and humanity” of people seeking safety.
EXPLORE PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY
How accessible is the OINP for displaced talent?
PROGRAM SCORECARD
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
8.5 Low accessibility
Average scoreLow accessibility
PathwayScoreDeterminationAccessibility notes
PATHWAY SCORECARD
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
11 Low accessibility
Low accessibility
Pathway total score
Summary of barriers
This pathway is only accessible to those who hold a valid passport, have obtained two years of paid, full-time work experience within five years of a nomination application, and have obtained work experience in the same position or NOC as the job offer. These are difficult criteria for displaced applicants to meet. Those who fled war or persecution may be unable to safely renew a passport, or the costs may be prohibitive. Many are unable to obtain conventional work experience during displacement because they lack legal work authorization, and/or face discrimination in hiring practices. Displaced applicants are further disadvantaged by an EOI system that rewards in-Canada experience; they generally cannot demonstrate temporary intent and are unable to enter Canada with temporary residence to obtain work or study experience.
Score rationale and recommendations
Lawful residence
2
Lawful residence
Barrier type
Legal status
Score rationale
Proof of lawful residence is not required; or unlawful and/or undocumented status is accepted with explanation
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may be unable to obtain lawful residence for various reasons such as the method of entry to the host country or inability to pay residence permit fees.
In-Canada experience (work, study)
1
In-Canada experience (work, study)
Barrier type
Legal status
Score rationale
A selection system rewards in-Canada work or study experience
Displacement context
Displaced applicants are typically unable to arrive in Canada on temporary work or study permits in order to gain in-Canada experience, as current temporary residence rules largely exclude them. They would be excluded from any pathway requiring in-Canada experience. In addition, points systems that reward in-Canada experience present a structural disadvantage for them, as they are typically unable to score enough points to qualify or be competitive with other applicants already in Canada.
Recommendations
Ontario: Create an alternative selection mechanism or points allocation (i.e. strategic points) for displaced applicants, to offset the inability to obtain in-Canada work or study experience while temporary residence is largely inaccessible.
Ability to leave Canada (temporary intent)
1
Ability to leave Canada (temporary intent)
Barrier type
Legal status
Score rationale
There is a work permit option to arrive swiftly, requiring temporary intent Note: This usually indicates a longer PR processing timeline and can disadvantage displaced applicants
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may be unable to demonstrate their ability and willingness to leave through ties to another country. They have left their home country due to conflict or other persecution, and may have only tenuous ties to a host country. They may be without traditional forms of proof such as a valid passport and lawful residence. Other forms of proof they likely do not have include property, bank accounts, and family members with ties to the host country.
Recommendations
Canada: Waive temporary intent for displaced applicants to enable them to arrive on a work permit; or extend a PR processing service standard for displaced applicants that is comparable to work permit processing timelines.
Valid passport
0
Valid passport
Barrier type
Documentary
Score rationale
A valid passport is required Note: Digital applications in particular can exclude applicants without a valid passport
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have an expired passport or no passport, and no means to renew or obtain one either safely or without prohibitive cost.
Recommendations
Ontario: Do not require a valid passport; accept an alternative form of ID. Canada: Do not require a valid passport for displaced applicants; accept an alternative form of ID, and extend an alternative means of travel such as a single journey travel document (SJTD).
Proof of education - educational credential assessment (ECA)
2
Proof of education - educational credential assessment (ECA)
Barrier type
Documentary
Score rationale
An ECA is not required; or there is no education requirement; and a selection system does not reward education demonstrated by an ECA
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may be unable to obtain an ECA that requires authenticated documents. Many cannot obtain these documents from institutions in their home country. The institution may no longer exist or function, the institution may be politicized and unwilling to assist, or the applicant or their family may face other danger or threats by attempts to reach the institution.
Proof of language - language test
1
Proof of language - language test
Barrier type
Documentary
Score rationale
A selection system rewards language demonstrated by an in-person language test
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may be unable to access an in-person language testing site safely or at all. Some countries hosting refugee populations do not having testing sites by accepted providers. Other testing sites are inaccessible due to instability or conflict, or restrictions on internal mobility.
Recommendations
Ontario: Accept a remote language test (i.e. Duolingo) and/or other flexible means of demonstrating proof of language (i.e. employer attestation; proof of study in English or French) for displaced applicants.
Work experience recency
0
Work experience recency
Barrier type
Conventional work experience
Score rationale
Work experience must be obtained within the last 1-5 years
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have older related work experience obtained before they were displaced. Many have to work in different jobs during displacement due to restrictions on their work rights in host countries.
Recommendations
Ontario: Waive the recency criteria for displaced applicants, to include older work experience obtained prior to displacement.
Work experience relevance
0
Work experience relevance
Barrier type
Conventional work experience
Score rationale
Work experience must be within the same NOC as the job offer
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may not have been able to yet work in their field of expertise or education due to restrictions on their work rights in host countries.
Recommendations
Ontario: Accept work experience in a related NOC and TEER for displaced applicants, to include related and transferable work experience obtained during displacement.
No self-employed work experience
2
No self-employed work experience
Barrier type
Conventional work experience
Score rationale
Work experience may be obtained through self-employment; or there is no work experience requirement
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have limited employment options in their host countries and often must work for themselves in order to continue working in their field and/or to make a living.
No unpaid work experience
0
No unpaid work experience
Barrier type
Conventional work experience
Score rationale
Work experience must be paid
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may not have authorization to work in their host countries and their experience has been gained from volunteer work, unpaid internships, apprentices, or placements during their studies.
Recommendations
Ontario: Accept unpaid work experience for displaced applicants, to include volunteer and internship experience obtained during displacement.
Settlement funds (savings)
2
Settlement funds (savings)
Barrier type
Financial
Score rationale
Settlement funds are not required
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have low or no savings and may be unable to open a bank account.
Application fees
0
Application fees
Barrier type
Financial
Score rationale
Application fees for principal applicants are more than $1,000 CAD to arrive in Canada
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have low or no savings and may be unable to pay fees at all, or without impacting their wellbeing or quality of life in displacement.
Recommendations
Ontario: Waive or reduce the application fee for displaced applicants. Canada: Waive or reduce federal application and Right of Permanent Residence fees, or extend the Immigration Loans Program (ILP) to cover these fees, for displaced applicants with a nomination certificate.
Score
12-23
33-64%
Score determination
Moderate accessibility
If
-
Score
24-30
67-83%
Score determination
High accessibility
If
-
Score
31-36
86-100%
Score determination
Full accessibility
If
If no factor is scored 0; otherwise, high accessibility (capped)
| Score | If | Score determination | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-11 | - | Low accessibility | 0-31% |
| 12-23 | - | Moderate accessibility | 33-64% |
| 24-30 | - | High accessibility | 67-83% |
| 31-36 | If no factor is scored 0; otherwise, high accessibility (capped) | Full accessibility | 86-100% |
Factor
Lawful residence
Type
Legal status
Authority
Program
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may be unable to obtain lawful residence for various reasons such as the method of entry to the host country or inability to pay residence permit fees.
Score descriptions
0
Proof of lawful residence is required
1
-
2
Proof of lawful residence is not required; or unlawful and/or undocumented status is accepted with explanation
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
In-Canada experience (work, study)
Type
Legal status
Authority
Program
Displacement context
Displaced applicants are typically unable to arrive in Canada on temporary work or study permits in order to gain in-Canada experience, as current temporary residence rules largely exclude them. They would be excluded from any pathway requiring in-Canada experience. In addition, points systems that reward in-Canada experience present a structural disadvantage for them, as they are typically unable to score enough points to qualify or be competitive with other applicants already in Canada.
Score descriptions
0
In-Canada work or study experience is required
1
A selection system rewards in-Canada work or study experience
2
In-Canada work or study experience is not required or rewarded
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or an alternative selection mechanism or points allocation (i.e. strategic points) is available for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
Ability to leave Canada (temporary intent)
Type
Legal status
Authority
Program; Federal
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may be unable to demonstrate their ability and willingness to leave through ties to another country. They have left their home country due to conflict or other persecution, and may have only tenuous ties to a host country. They may be without traditional forms of proof such as a valid passport and lawful residence. Other forms of proof they likely do not have include property, bank accounts, and family members with ties to the host country.
Score descriptions
0
This is a work permit pathway, requiring temporary intent; or temporary intent was formerly required, if in-Canada work or study experience is required
1
There is a work permit option to arrive swiftly, requiring temporary intent Note: This usually indicates a longer PR processing timeline and can disadvantage displaced applicants
2
There is no work permit option, and temporary intent is not required
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
Valid passport
Type
Documentary
Authority
Program; Federal
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have an expired passport or no passport, and no means to renew or obtain one either safely or without prohibitive cost.
Score descriptions
0
A valid passport is required Note: Digital applications in particular can exclude applicants without a valid passport
1
-
2
A valid passport is not required; or an alternative form of ID is accepted
3
Waiver for displaced applicants - an alternative form of ID is accepted, and an alternative means of travel such as a single journey travel document (SJTD) is available
Factor
Proof of education - educational credential assessment (ECA)
Type
Documentary
Authority
Program
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may be unable to obtain an ECA that requires authenticated documents. Many cannot obtain these documents from institutions in their home country. The institution may no longer exist or function, the institution may be politicized and unwilling to assist, or the applicant or their family may face other danger or threats by attempts to reach the institution.
Score descriptions
0
An ECA is required
1
A selection system rewards education demonstrated by an ECA
2
An ECA is not required; or there is no education requirement; and a selection system does not reward education demonstrated by an ECA
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or an alternative ECA, such as the WES Gateway Program, is available for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
Proof of language - language test
Type
Documentary
Authority
Program
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may be unable to access an in-person language testing site safely or at all. Some countries hosting refugee populations do not having testing sites by accepted providers. Other testing sites are inaccessible due to instability or conflict, or restrictions on internal mobility.
Score descriptions
0
An in-person language test is required
1
A selection system rewards language demonstrated by an in-person language test
2
A language test is not required; or a remote language test is available; or there is no language requirement; and a selection system does not reward language demonstrated by an in-person language test
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or a remote or other flexible test is available for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
Work experience recency
Type
Conventional work experience
Authority
Program
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have older related work experience obtained before they were displaced. Many have to work in different jobs during displacement due to restrictions on their work rights in host countries.
Score descriptions
0
Work experience must be obtained within the last 1-5 years
1
Work experience must be obtained within the last 6-10 years
2
Work experience may be obtained any time; or there is no work experience requirement
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
Work experience relevance
Type
Conventional work experience
Authority
Program
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may not have been able to yet work in their field of expertise or education due to restrictions on their work rights in host countries.
Score descriptions
0
Work experience must be within the same NOC as the job offer
1
Work experience must be in a related NOC to the job offer; or is restricted by TEER level
2
Work experience may be in any NOC; or there is no work experience requirement
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
No self-employed work experience
Type
Conventional work experience
Authority
Program
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have limited employment options in their host countries and often must work for themselves in order to continue working in their field and/or to make a living.
Score descriptions
0
Work experience cannot be obtained through self-employment, or there are very limited exceptions (e.g. physicians)
1
-
2
Work experience may be obtained through self-employment; or there is no work experience requirement
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
No unpaid work experience
Type
Conventional work experience
Authority
Program
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may not have authorization to work in their host countries and their experience has been gained from volunteer work, unpaid internships, apprentices, or placements during their studies.
Score descriptions
0
Work experience must be paid
1
-
2
Work experience may be unpaid; or there is no work experience requirement
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
Settlement funds (savings)
Type
Financial
Authority
Program
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have low or no savings and may be unable to open a bank account.
Score descriptions
0
Settlement funds are required for applicants outside Canada and must be 'unencumbered' and in a bank account
1
Settlement funds are required for applicants outside Canada but may be demonstrated by flexible means
2
Settlement funds are not required
3
Waiver for displaced applicants; or displaced applicants may demonstrate settlement funds through a loan or grant; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants
Factor
Application fees
Type
Financial
Authority
Program; Federal
Displacement context
Displaced applicants may have low or no savings and may be unable to pay fees at all, or without impacting their wellbeing or quality of life in displacement.
Score descriptions
0
Application fees for principal applicants are more than $1,000 CAD to arrive in Canada
1
Application fees for principal applicants are less than $1,000 CAD to arrive in Canada
2
There are no application fees for principal applicants to arrive in Canada
3
Waiver of full costs or loan option to cover full costs for displaced applicants; or same as 'high accessibility' but designed for displaced applicants