Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Your complete guide to Ontario's pathway for international graduates
On This Page You Will Find:
• Complete eligibility requirements for international students in Ontario • Exact scoring breakdown to maximize your 118-point application • Recent invitation data showing minimum scores of 60-82 points • Job offer and employer requirements that determine approval • Strategic tips to boost your chances in competitive draws
Summary:
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) International Student Stream offers recent graduates a direct pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsorship. With 2,963 invitations issued in 2023 alone, this stream targets high-skilled workers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Success requires securing a qualifying job offer, meeting strict education timelines, and achieving competitive scores in Ontario's point-based system. Recent draws have seen minimum scores ranging from 60-82 points, with healthcare and skilled trades occupations receiving priority consideration.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Must apply within 2 years of graduation from eligible Canadian institution
- Job offers must be full-time, permanent, and in NOC TEER 0-3 occupations
- Maximum 118 points available across employment, education, language, and regional factors
- Healthcare, tech, and skilled trades see most frequent invitations
- Northern Ontario positions receive 20 bonus points for regionalization
Farida Chen stared at her diploma from Fanshawe College, her hands trembling slightly as she read the job offer letter for the third time. After two years studying business administration in London, Ontario, this marketing coordinator position at a local tech company represented more than just employment—it was her ticket to calling Canada home permanently.
Like thousands of international students across Ontario, Farida discovered that graduation marks the beginning, not the end, of her immigration journey. The OINP International Student Stream has become the lifeline for recent graduates who've fallen in love with Canadian life and secured meaningful employment in their field of study.
What Makes the OINP International Student Stream Your Best Bet?
The OINP International Student Stream operates as Ontario's express lane for international graduates transitioning from temporary to permanent status. Unlike federal programs that can take years, this provincial pathway specifically targets students who've already proven their ability to integrate into Ontario's economy and communities.
Here's what sets this stream apart: it's designed for people exactly like you—recent graduates with fresh Canadian credentials and local job offers. The program recognizes that you've already invested 2-4 years building connections, understanding Canadian workplace culture, and contributing to local communities.
The process follows a clear three-step path. First, you register in Ontario's Expression of Interest (EOI) system, where you're scored against other candidates. Second, if your score ranks high enough, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Finally, after Ontario nominates you, you apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
What makes this particularly attractive? You don't need to enter the federal Express Entry pool first. This stream operates independently, giving you direct access to provincial nomination without competing against candidates worldwide.
Decoding the Job Offer Requirements That Make or Break Applications
Your job offer serves as the foundation of your entire application, and Ontario's requirements are refreshingly specific. Let's break down exactly what qualifies and what doesn't.
The Full-Time Permanence Rule Your position must guarantee at least 1,560 hours annually and 30 hours weekly. This isn't just about current scheduling—Ontario wants evidence that this represents ongoing, sustainable employment. Contract positions, seasonal work, and project-based roles automatically disqualify, regardless of duration or pay.
High-Skilled Occupation Requirements The job must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. Category 0 includes management positions, while categories 1-3 cover professional, technical, and skilled support roles. If you're unsure about your NOC classification, check the government's NOC website using your job title and primary duties—not just the title your employer uses.
The Wage Floor Reality Your salary must meet or exceed the low wage level for your occupation in your specific Ontario region. This varies dramatically across the province. A software developer in Toronto needs to earn significantly more than the same role in Thunder Bay. Job Bank Canada provides current wage data, but remember—you need to meet the "low wage" threshold, not the median.
The Business Necessity Test Perhaps the most subjective requirement: your position must be "necessary to the employer's business." Ontario evaluates whether the role aligns with existing business activities and supports ongoing operations. A marketing coordinator at a tech company passes this test easily, while a newly created position with unclear responsibilities might raise red flags.
Employer Requirements: What Your Boss Needs to Prove
Your employer becomes your immigration partner, and they must meet stringent criteria that many don't initially understand.
Business Longevity and Stability The company must demonstrate three years of active operation with physical premises in Ontario. This eliminates startups and virtual companies, reflecting Ontario's preference for established employers with proven track records.
Revenue Thresholds by Region Here's where location dramatically impacts eligibility. Employers in the Greater Toronto Area must show minimum $1 million revenue in each of the past two fiscal years. Outside the GTA, this drops to $500,000—a significant difference that makes smaller cities more accessible for international students.
The Canadian Workforce Requirement Your employer must employ at least five full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the GTA, or three outside the GTA. This ensures you're joining established teams rather than becoming the primary workforce. Full-time means 30+ hours weekly, and Ontario verifies this through payroll records.
Documentation Responsibilities Your employer must complete and sign the official Employer Form, providing detailed business information, financial records, and justification for hiring internationally. Many employers underestimate this paperwork burden, so discuss expectations early in your job search.
Student-Specific Requirements: Your Academic Foundation
As an international student applicant, you face unique requirements tied directly to your educational journey in Canada.
The Two-Year Education Rule Your credential must represent at least two years of full-time study at an eligible Canadian institution. However, there's an important exception: one-year graduate certificates from Ontario institutions qualify if they required a previous degree for admission. This opens doors for students who completed accelerated programs after their initial bachelor's degree.
The Critical Two-Year Timeline You must apply within two years of graduation—but Ontario measures this from three different points: when you submit your Expression of Interest, when you receive your invitation, and when you submit your complete application. Miss any of these deadlines, and you're automatically disqualified, regardless of other qualifications.
Legal Status Requirements If you're applying from within Canada, you must maintain legal status throughout the process. This typically means holding a valid study permit, work permit, or visitor record. If your status expires during the application process, you risk automatic refusal.
Ontario Connection Demonstration You must prove intention to live in Ontario permanently. Strong evidence includes current employment, property ownership, family relationships, volunteer work, or professional associations within the province. Simply studying in Ontario isn't sufficient—you need ongoing ties.
Mastering the 118-Point Scoring System
Success in the OINP International Student Stream depends entirely on your score in four categories. Understanding how points are allocated helps you strategically strengthen your application.
Employment and Labour Market Factors (46 Points Maximum)
Your occupation's NOC TEER level provides your foundation score. TEER 0 or 1 positions earn 10 points, while TEER 2 or 3 earn 8 points. TEER 4 and 5 occupations receive zero points, making them ineligible.
Hourly wage significantly impacts your score. Earning $40+ hourly maximizes this category at 10 points, while wages below $20 receive nothing. This creates a clear incentive to negotiate higher salaries during job offers.
Current work authorization adds 10 crucial points. If you're working on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you automatically qualify. Students without current work authorization face a significant disadvantage.
Experience in your job offer position provides bonus points. Six months of experience in the same role with the same employer adds 3 points. This rewards students who transition from co-op positions or part-time work to full-time offers.
Previous Canadian earnings, based on Canada Revenue Agency tax assessments, contribute up to 3 points for annual earnings of $40,000 or more. This benefits students who worked during their studies.
Education Category (32 Points Maximum)
Your highest credential determines base education points. PhD graduates receive 10 points, master's graduates earn 8, bachelor's degrees provide 6, and college diplomas or trade certificates contribute 5 points.
Field of study dramatically affects scoring. STEM fields (engineering, health, mathematics, computer science) and skilled trades earn 12 points. Business, administration, social sciences, and education receive 6 points. Arts and humanities unfortunately receive zero additional points.
Multiple Canadian credentials provide significant advantages. Holding more than one Canadian credential adds 10 points, while single credentials receive 5 points. This rewards students who completed multiple programs or added certificates to their degrees.
Language Proficiency (20 Points Maximum)
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9 or higher maximizes this category at 10 points. CLB 8 earns 6 points, CLB 7 provides 4 points, and CLB 6 or lower receives nothing. Recent test results (within two years) are required.
Bilingual candidates receive substantial bonuses. Demonstrating proficiency in both English and French adds 10 points, while single-language proficiency provides 5 points.
Regionalization Advantages (20 Points Maximum)
Location provides the most dramatic score variations. Northern Ontario positions earn 10 points for both work location and study location (20 points total). Other areas outside the GTA earn 8 points each, GTA locations outside Toronto provide 3 points each, while Toronto positions receive zero regional points.
This scoring structure clearly incentivizes candidates to work and study outside major urban centers. A Northern Ontario position can provide the equivalent of maximum language scores simply through geography.
Recent Invitation Patterns: What the Numbers Reveal
Understanding recent invitation trends helps calibrate your expectations and timing strategy.
2024 Invitation Analysis September 2024 saw targeted draws for healthcare (806 invitations, 67 minimum score) and skilled trades (1,017 invitations, 67 minimum score). July's general draw required 77 points for 839 invitations, while healthcare-specific draws needed 81 points for 424 invitations.
Early childhood educators received special attention with dedicated draws in June, requiring only 60-65 points. This reflects Ontario's critical need in this sector.
Historical Score Trends Minimum scores have ranged from 60-82 points over the past two years. General draws typically require higher scores (75-82 points), while occupation-specific draws often accept lower scores (60-75 points).
Healthcare, technology, and skilled trades consistently receive priority consideration. If your occupation falls outside these categories, expect to need higher scores for general draws.
Invitation Frequency Ontario typically conducts 4-6 draws annually for this stream, with larger draws (1,000+ invitations) occurring 2-3 times per year. Smaller, targeted draws happen more frequently based on labour market needs.
Strategic Positioning for Maximum Success
Timing Your Application Submit your Expression of Interest as early as possible after graduation. Scores can change between submission and invitation, and early submission provides maximum flexibility if you need to improve qualifications.
Geographic Strategy Consider positions outside the GTA seriously. The 16-point regional advantage (8 points for work location, 8 for study location) can overcome deficiencies in other categories. Northern Ontario's 20-point bonus makes it especially attractive for borderline candidates.
Occupation Selection If you have flexibility in job searching, prioritize healthcare, technology, and skilled trades positions. These sectors receive frequent targeted draws with lower minimum scores.
Score Optimization Focus on controllable factors: language test preparation, salary negotiation, and work authorization maintenance. A few points improvement can mean the difference between invitation and waiting another year.
Common Pitfalls That Derail Applications
Timeline Mismanagement The two-year graduation deadline is absolute. Students who delay applications thinking they'll become more competitive often find themselves ineligible. Start the process immediately after securing a job offer.
Employer Unpreparedness Many employers underestimate their documentation requirements. Discuss the Employer Form requirements during job negotiations, not after receiving an invitation.
Status Lapses Allowing work permits or study permits to expire during the application process results in automatic refusal. Apply for extensions early if your current status expires before expected nomination.
Regional Misunderstanding Students often underestimate regionalization benefits. A position in Sudbury (Northern Ontario) provides massive scoring advantages compared to Toronto, often outweighing salary differences.
Your Next Steps Toward Permanent Residency
The OINP International Student Stream represents your most direct path from graduation to permanent residency. With proper preparation, competitive scoring, and strategic positioning, you can join the thousands of international students who've successfully transitioned to permanent residence through this program.
Start by calculating your current score using Ontario's point system. If you're approaching the competitive range (65+ points), begin preparing your Expression of Interest immediately. If your score needs improvement, focus on language testing, salary negotiation, or geographic flexibility.
Remember Farida's story—her journey from nervous graduate to confident permanent resident candidate began with understanding exactly what Ontario wanted and positioning herself accordingly. Your Canadian dream isn't just possible; with the right strategy and timing, it's entirely achievable through the OINP International Student Stream.
FAQ
Q: What are the minimum eligibility requirements for the OINP International Student Stream, and how strict is the two-year graduation deadline?
The OINP International Student Stream has four non-negotiable requirements that every applicant must meet. First, you must have completed at least two years of full-time study at an eligible Canadian institution (with exceptions for one-year graduate programs requiring a previous degree). Second, you need a full-time, permanent job offer in NOC TEER 0-3 occupation from an eligible Ontario employer. Third, you must apply within two years of graduation—this deadline is measured from three critical points: EOI submission, invitation receipt, and final application submission. Finally, you must demonstrate intention to live permanently in Ontario through employment, property, family ties, or community involvement. The two-year deadline is absolutely strict with zero extensions granted. Ontario has refused applications submitted even days after the deadline, regardless of other qualifications. This means if you graduated in June 2022, your final application must be submitted by June 2024, not just started.
Q: How does the 118-point scoring system work, and what's considered a competitive score for recent draws?
Ontario's scoring system allocates points across four categories: Employment (46 points max), Education (32 points max), Language (20 points max), and Regionalization (20 points max). Employment points depend on your NOC level (10 points for TEER 0-1), hourly wage (10 points for $40+), work authorization status (10 points), experience (3 points), and earnings history (3 points). Education considers your credential level (10 points for PhD), field of study (12 points for STEM), and multiple Canadian credentials (10 points). Language proficiency maxes at CLB 9 (10 points), with bilingual bonuses (10 points). Regional points vary dramatically—Northern Ontario provides 20 points total, while Toronto offers zero. Recent draws show minimum scores of 60-82 points, with healthcare and skilled trades typically requiring 65-70 points, while general draws need 75-82 points. A competitive application should target 70+ points to ensure invitation across different draw types.
Q: What specific requirements must my employer meet, and how do revenue thresholds differ between GTA and non-GTA locations?
Your employer must meet strict criteria that many don't initially understand. The business must operate for at least three years with physical premises in Ontario—eliminating startups and virtual companies. Revenue requirements create a significant geographic divide: GTA employers need minimum $1 million annual revenue for each of the past two fiscal years, while non-GTA employers only need $500,000. This makes smaller cities much more accessible for international students. The company must employ at least five full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the GTA, or three outside the GTA (30+ hours weekly). Your employer becomes your immigration partner by completing detailed paperwork including the official Employer Form, providing financial records, and justifying the business necessity of hiring internationally. Many employers underestimate this documentation burden, so discuss these requirements during job negotiations, not after receiving an invitation to apply.
Q: Which occupations and regions receive priority in OINP draws, and how can I strategically position myself?
Ontario consistently prioritizes healthcare, technology, and skilled trades through targeted draws with lower minimum scores. Healthcare workers (including early childhood educators) saw draws with 60-67 point minimums in 2024, while general draws required 75-82 points. Geographic location provides massive scoring advantages that many students overlook. Northern Ontario positions earn 20 bonus points (10 for work location, 10 for study location), while other non-GTA areas provide 16 points total. Toronto positions receive zero regional points, creating a significant disadvantage. For strategic positioning, consider that a healthcare role in Northern Ontario could score 20 regional points plus priority draw consideration, often outweighing higher salaries in Toronto. Technology roles in cities like Waterloo, Ottawa, or London provide excellent scoring opportunities while maintaining strong job markets. If you have flexibility in job searching, prioritize these sectors and regions to maximize your invitation chances.
Q: What are the most common mistakes that lead to application refusal, and how can I avoid them?
The most devastating mistake is timeline mismanagement—the two-year graduation deadline is absolute, and Ontario refuses applications submitted even days late. Students often delay applications thinking they'll become more competitive, only to find themselves ineligible. Second, employer unpreparedness causes significant delays and potential refusals. Many employers underestimate their documentation requirements and financial disclosure obligations. Discuss the Employer Form requirements during job negotiations, not after receiving an invitation. Third, work permit or study permit lapses during the application process result in automatic refusal. Apply for extensions early if your current status expires before expected nomination. Fourth, students frequently misunderstand regional benefits, choosing Toronto positions that receive zero regional points when nearby cities offer 6-16 point advantages. Finally, inadequate job offer documentation—ensure your position clearly falls under NOC TEER 0-3, meets wage thresholds for your region, and demonstrates business necessity. Address these issues proactively rather than reactively to avoid costly delays or refusals.
