OINP Employer Job Offer – International Student Stream
Apr 29, 2025
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) aims to retain talented international graduates who have studied in Ontario through its Employer Job Offer: International Student stream. This stream allows eligible international students who have received a full‑time and permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in a skilled occupation to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. Similar to other OINP Employer Job Offer streams, applicants must first register an expression of interest in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System and receive an invitation to apply before submitting their online application. Upon successful nomination by the Ontario government, graduates can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. This stream is specifically designed to transition eligible international graduates from temporary status to permanent residents, contributing their skills and knowledge to Ontario’s economy.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student stream, applicants must meet several specific requirements.
1. Expression of Interest and Invitation to Apply
Applicants must have registered an expression of interest in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System under the International Student stream.
Applicants must have received an invitation to apply from the OINP.
The application must be submitted within the deadline specified in the invitation to apply.
Applicants must demonstrate that they possessed the qualifications they claimed in their expression of interest at the time of registration.
2. Job Offer Requirements
The job offer must be for a full‑time and permanent position in a skilled occupation at TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC. Full‑time employment consists of at least 30 hours of paid work per week. A permanent position is of indeterminate duration.
The wage offered must meet or exceed the low wage level for that specific occupation in the region where the job is located. Wage information can be found on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website.
The employer providing the job offer must meet specific employer eligibility criteria established by the OINP.
3. Educational Requirements
Applicants must have graduated with a degree or diploma from an eligible Ontario post‑secondary institution.
The degree or diploma program must be at least two academic years in length if it is a bachelor’s degree, a diploma, or a certificate. A one‑year post‑graduate certificate program also qualifies, provided a bachelor’s or master’s degree was completed prior to enrolling in the post‑graduate certificate program.
The program of study must have been completed within two years prior to the date of application registration in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System.
4. Work Experience (Related to Studies)
Applicants must have at least 30 hours per week of paid employment in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). This employment does not need to be in the same NOC as the job offer, but it must be in a skilled occupation.
This required work experience can be cumulative and must have been obtained within two years before the date of application registration.
5. Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to understand, read, write, and speak either English or French at a CLB level 5 or higher.
Valid language test results from a designated testing organization (e.g., IELTS General, CELPIP General) must be submitted with the application. The test must have been taken within two years prior to the date of application submission.
6. Intention to Reside in Ontario
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to reside permanently in Ontario.
7. Legal Status in Canada
Applicants must have legal status in Canada at the time of application registration and when the application is submitted.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
The application process for the OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student stream involves the following steps.
1. Verify Eligibility
Thoroughly review all the eligibility criteria for the International Student stream to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.
Confirm that your job offer is for a full‑time and permanent position in a TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation and that the wage meets the low wage level for the region.
Ensure your Ontario post‑secondary education meets the program length and timeframe requirements.
Confirm you have at least 30 hours per week of paid employment in a skilled occupation obtained within two years before registration.
2. Employer Requirements
Ensure that your prospective employer meets the OINP’s employer criteria.
The employer must have been actively operating a business in Ontario for at least three years before submitting an application on your behalf.
The business must have a physical location in Ontario where you will work.
The employer must meet specific minimum gross annual revenue based on their location and employee count.
The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the position and that reasonable recruitment efforts were made locally.
3. Register an Expression of Interest
Create a profile in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System via the OINP e‑Filing Portal under the International Student stream.
Provide accurate details about your job offer, Ontario education, work experience, and language proficiency.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply
The OINP will periodically invite top‑ranking candidates from the expression of interest pool who meet the criteria of the International Student stream.
Invitations will be sent through your OINP e‑Filing Portal account.
5. Prepare and Submit Your Online Application
If you receive an invitation, you have 14 calendar days to submit your complete application online through the OINP e‑Filing Portal.
Accurately complete all sections of the application form.
Upload all mandatory supporting documents as outlined in the OINP document checklist for this stream. These typically include proof of your Ontario graduation (degree or diploma), your job offer details, proof of at least 30 hours per week of paid employment in a skilled occupation within the past two years, language test results, your legal status in Canada, and other required documents.
Pay the non‑refundable application processing fee.
6. Application Assessment
The OINP will review your submitted application and supporting documentation.
They may contact you for additional information or clarification.
7. Nomination Decision
If your application is successful, you will receive a nomination approval letter, a work‑permit support letter (if applicable), and a nomination certificate from the OINP via email.
8. Apply for Permanent Residence
Following your OINP nomination, you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Class.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Job Offer Not in a Skilled Occupation: Offers in TEER 4 or 5 are not eligible.
Wage Below Low Wage Threshold: Offered wage must meet or exceed the low wage level.
Ineligible Ontario Education: Degree/diploma must be from an eligible institution and within the two‑year window.
Insufficient Work Experience: Minimum 30 hours/week in a skilled occupation within two years.
Language Proficiency Below CLB 5: Ensure test results are valid.
Employer Ineligibility: Employer must meet all OINP requirements.
Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: Can lead to refusal.
Applying Outside the Two‑Year Graduation Window: Graduation must be within two years of EOI registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of educational credentials qualify under this stream? Bachelor’s degrees, diplomas (≥2 academic years), certificates (≥2 academic years), and one‑year post‑graduate certificates (with a prior degree) from eligible Ontario institutions.
Does my job offer need to be related to my field of study? No, but it must be in a TEER 0‑3 occupation.
What if my study permit expires before I receive an invitation? Maintain valid status throughout the process.
Where can I find a list of eligible institutions? On the OINP website.
Is there a specific list of skilled occupations for the work‑experience requirement? Any TEER 0‑3 occupation under the NOC.
Conclusion
The OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student stream offers a significant pathway for eligible international graduates from Ontario to transition to permanent residence. By meeting the requirements related to job offer, Ontario education, skilled work experience, and language proficiency, and by carefully adhering to the application process, graduates can build their future in Ontario. Staying informed about the specific program criteria and employer requirements is crucial for a successful application.
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