AIP Halifax vs. OINP Northern Ontario (Cook 63200) — Which pathway should we choose?

[rido]

Hi everyone,

My common-law partner and I are trying to decide between two options for PR and need advice.

Profile:

• NOC: 63200 (Cook)
• Currently in Canada, WP expires August 2026
• 2 years Canadian work experience, CLB 6, WES completed
• Job offers:
  • Halifax, NS — designated AIP employer
  • Thunder Bay, ON — designated employer eligible for OINP FWS

Concerns:

• AIP Halifax: Cooks are not prioritized right now. I’m worried nomination could take too long and risk WP expiry.
• OINP FWS (Northern Ontario): Her EOI score is 36 points, calculated as:
  
  • CLB 6 or lower = 0 points
  • Salary below $20/hour = 0 points
  • Job in Northern Ontario = 10 points
  • Other factors = 26 points
    → Total = 36 points. Recent cutoffs seem higher (41–42+).

Question:
Given this situation, which pathway makes more sense to commit to — Halifax AIP or OINP Northern Ontario? We really want to move once and not risk relocating again.

Any experiences or insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,

My common-law partner and I are trying to decide between two options for PR and need advice.

Profile:

• NOC: 63200 (Cook)
• Currently in Canada, WP expires August 2026
• 2 years Canadian work experience, CLB 6, WES completed
• Job offers:
  • Halifax, NS — designated AIP employer
  • Thunder Bay, ON — designated employer eligible for OINP FWS

Concerns:

• AIP Halifax: Cooks are not prioritized right now. I’m worried nomination could take too long and risk WP expiry.
• OINP FWS (Northern Ontario): Her EOI score is 36 points, calculated as:
  
  • CLB 6 or lower = 0 points
  • Salary below $20/hour = 0 points
  • Job in Northern Ontario = 10 points
  • Other factors = 26 points
    → Total = 36 points. Recent cutoffs seem higher (41–42+).

Question:
Given this situation, which pathway makes more sense to commit to — Halifax AIP or OINP Northern Ontario? We really want to move once and not risk relocating again.

Any experiences or insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Neither are great options realistically. There are no guarantees when it comes to immigration and food service likely not a priority sector for most of Canada for the near future. You should max out things like language scores and learn French. What is the NOC of the other partner?