Ontario International Student Stream: 2025 Guide

Your complete guide to Ontario's International Student immigration stream

On This Page You Will Find:

• Complete eligibility requirements for graduates and Ontario employers
• Step-by-step application process with critical deadlines
• Points breakdown for the Expression of Interest system
• Recent draw results and minimum score requirements
• Insider tips to maximize your nomination chances

Summary:

If you've recently graduated from a Canadian institution and landed a job offer in Ontario, the OINP International Student Stream could be your fastest path to permanent residence. This employer-driven program allows recent graduates with skilled job offers to apply for provincial nomination, leading to permanent resident status. Unlike other streams, this requires employer participation and uses a competitive points system. With processing times of 60-120 days for provincial nomination plus federal processing, you're looking at 12-18 months total. The key? Understanding the points system and having an employer who meets strict revenue and staffing requirements.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Requires job offer from Ontario employer with $1M revenue (GTA) or $500K (outside GTA)
• Uses competitive points system - recent draws required 71-77 points for invitations
• Employer must submit job offer first, then you have 30 days to file Expression of Interest
• Processing takes 60-120 days for provincial nomination, plus 12+ months for federal application
• STEM/Health graduates get 12 bonus points; jobs outside GTA earn up to 10 extra points

Sarah Chen stared at her laptop screen at 11 PM, her University of Toronto computer science degree certificate beside her keyboard. She'd just received a job offer from a Toronto tech startup, but the salary was $28 per hour – would that be enough for the Ontario International Student Stream? More importantly, did her employer even qualify?

If you're like Sarah, navigating Ontario's International Student Stream can feel overwhelming. You've invested years in Canadian education, landed that crucial job offer, but now face a complex application process with strict employer requirements and competitive scoring.

Here's what you need to know: this isn't just about meeting minimum requirements anymore. With recent draws requiring 71-77 points just to receive an invitation, strategic planning makes the difference between success and disappointment.

What is Ontario's International Student Stream?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) International Student Stream – officially called the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream – is designed for recent graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions who have secured skilled employment in Ontario.

This stream operates differently from the Masters or PhD Graduate streams because it requires employer participation. Your potential employer must meet specific business requirements and actively participate in your application process.

The program uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, meaning you compete against other candidates for limited invitation spots. Think of it like a job application pool – only the highest-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply.

What makes this stream unique:

• Requires active employer participation throughout the process
• Uses competitive point-based ranking system
• Not aligned with Express Entry (slower federal processing)
• Covers broader range of occupations than graduate streams
• Allows inclusion of spouse and dependent children

Eligibility Requirements for Graduates

Meeting minimum requirements doesn't guarantee an invitation – you need to maximize your competitive score. Here's what Ontario requires:

Educational Requirements

Your Canadian credential must be:

• Two-year minimum program (degree or diploma), OR
• One-year minimum program that required a completed degree for admission

Critical details most people miss:

• At least half your program must have been completed while physically present in Canada
• Online-only programs receive 0 points for "location of study"
• Graduate certificates often qualify if they required a bachelor's degree for admission

Job Offer Requirements

Your Ontario employer must provide a job offer that's:

• Full-time and permanent (not contract or temporary)
• Skilled position in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Above low-wage threshold for your specific region and occupation
• Urgently necessary to the employer's business operations

Wage impact on your score:

• $40+ per hour = 10 points
• $35-$39.99 per hour = 8 points
• $30-$34.99 per hour = 7 points
• $25-$29.99 per hour = 6 points
• $20-$24.99 per hour = 5 points
• Under $20 per hour = 0 points

Additional Requirements

You must:

• Intend to reside permanently in Ontario
• Maintain legal status throughout the application process
• Be medically and criminally admissible to Canada

Pro tip: If your study permit is expiring, apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit immediately. Having valid status when you apply is mandatory and worth 10 points.

Employer Eligibility Requirements

This is where many applications fail. Your employer must meet strict financial and staffing requirements that vary by location.

Business Requirements

Your employer must have:

• Minimum 3 years of active business operations
• Physical business premises in Ontario
• Established business registration in Ontario

Revenue Requirements (Most Recent Fiscal Year)

Greater Toronto Area positions:

• Minimum $1,000,000 total gross annual revenue
• Includes Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, and Peel regions

Outside Greater Toronto Area:

• Minimum $500,000 total gross annual revenue
• All other Ontario locations

Staffing Requirements

Greater Toronto Area positions:

• Minimum 5 full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• Must work at the same location where you'll be employed

Outside Greater Toronto Area:

• Minimum 3 full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• Must work at the same location where you'll be employed

What this means practically: Startups and small businesses often struggle to meet these requirements, especially in the GTA. If you're considering multiple job offers, factor in your employer's ability to qualify.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process involves precise timing and coordination between you and your employer. Missing deadlines results in automatic refusal.

Step 1: Employer Submits Job Offer

Your employer must:

• Register in the OINP Employer Portal
• Create detailed job offer with wage, duties, and requirements
• Provide business documentation proving eligibility
• Generate an Offer ID for your use

Timeline: This can take employers 1-2 weeks to complete properly.

Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

You have 30 calendar days after your employer submits the job offer to file your EOI through the OINP e-Filing Portal.

Your EOI will be scored based on factors like:

• Job offer details (NOC level, wage, location)
• Education level and field of study
• Language proficiency
• Canadian work experience
• Study location in Canada

Critical timing note: If you miss the 30-day deadline, your employer must submit a new job offer and restart the process.

Step 3: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Ontario conducts regular draws, typically every 2-4 weeks. Recent draws for International Students have required:

• Northern Ontario: 77 points minimum
• Eastern Ontario: 77 points minimum
• Southwestern Ontario: 73 points minimum
• Central Ontario (excluding GTA): 71 points minimum

Reality check: If you're scoring below 70 points, consider strategies to increase your score before applying.

Step 4: Submit Provincial Nomination Application

Once you receive an ITA, strict deadlines apply:

Employer deadline: 14 calendar days to apply for employment position approval

Your deadline: 17 calendar days to submit complete application (must be after employer submits theirs)

Required documentation includes:

• Educational credentials and transcripts
• Language test results
• Employment records
• Employer forms and business documentation
• Identity documents
• Proof of funds

Critical success factor: Prepare all documents in advance. Incomplete applications are automatically refused with no opportunity to resubmit.

Step 5: Receive Provincial Nomination

Processing typically takes 60-120 days, though complex cases may take longer. If approved, you'll receive:

• Provincial Nomination Certificate
• Work Permit Support Letter (optional but recommended)

The Work Permit Support Letter allows you to apply for or renew your work permit while your permanent residence application processes, ensuring continuous work authorization.

Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence

Submit your federal application to IRCC under the Provincial Nominee Program. This is separate from Express Entry and typically takes 12-18 months to process.

Important reality: Total timeline from EOI to permanent residence is often 18-24 months.

Ontario's Points System Breakdown

Understanding the points system is crucial for competitive success. Here's how to maximize your score:

Job Offer Factors (Predetermined by Employer)

NOC TEER Level:

• TEER 0 or 1: 10 points
• TEER 2 or 3: 8 points

Occupational Category:

• Categories 0, 2, 3: 10 points
• Category 7: 7 points
• Categories 1, 9: 5 points

Hourly Wage:

• $40+: 10 points
• $35-$39.99: 8 points
• $30-$34.99: 7 points

Factors You Can Influence

Education Level:

• PhD: 10 points
• Master's: 8 points
• Bachelor's/Graduate certificate: 6 points

Field of Study (Often Overlooked):

• STEM/Health/Trades: 12 points
• Business/Social sciences: 6 points
• Arts/Humanities: 0 points

Language Proficiency:

• CLB 9+: 10 points
• CLB 8: 6 points
• CLB 7: 4 points

Job Location (Major Score Impact):

• Northern Ontario: 10 points
• Outside GTA (except Northern): 8 points
• GTA (except Toronto): 3 points
• Toronto: 0 points

Study Location:

• Northern Ontario: 10 points
• Outside GTA (except Northern): 8 points
• GTA (except Toronto): 3 points
• Toronto: 0 points

Strategic Scoring Tips

To reach 75+ points:

1. Target employers outside the GTA for location bonuses
2. Ensure your wage meets higher point thresholds
3. Take language tests to achieve CLB 8 or higher
4. Consider additional Canadian credentials for education points

Example competitive profile:

• TEER 1 position ($35/hour) outside GTA: 18 points
• Master's in Computer Science: 8 + 12 = 20 points
• CLB 8 English: 6 points
• Study/work location outside GTA: 16 points
• Valid work permit + other factors: 15 points
• Total: 75 points

Recent Draw Results and Trends

Understanding recent draw patterns helps you assess your chances realistically.

December 2024 Draw Results:

Targeted Regional Draws (December 11):

• Eastern Ontario: 77 points (93 invitations)
• Northern Ontario: 77 points (39 invitations)
• Southwestern Ontario: 73 points (136 invitations)
• Central Ontario (excluding GTA): 71 points (105 invitations)

Health/Education Sector Draw (December 10):

• 659 invitations at 73 points
• Targeted healthcare and early childhood education occupations

Key trends:

• Regional draws consistently occur every 2-3 weeks
• Northern and Eastern Ontario maintain highest point requirements
• Healthcare occupations receive priority treatment
• GTA positions rarely see targeted draws

What this means for you: If you're flexible about location, targeting positions outside the GTA significantly improves your chances.

Common Mistakes That Kill Applications

After reviewing hundreds of failed applications, these mistakes appear repeatedly:

Employer-Related Failures

Insufficient revenue documentation: Many employers can't provide audited financial statements proving revenue requirements.

Employee count miscounts: Contractors and part-time workers don't count toward the minimum employee requirements.

Location confusion: Employers in Mississauga (Peel Region) must meet GTA requirements, not outside-GTA requirements.

Applicant Mistakes

Missing the 30-day EOI deadline: This forces a complete restart with a new job offer.

Incomplete language testing: CLB 6 scores earn 0 points; investing in language preparation for CLB 8+ makes a huge difference.

Wrong NOC code selection: Employers often choose NOC codes that don't match actual job duties, affecting points and eligibility.

Document translation errors: All documents must be professionally translated to English or French.

Timing Mistakes

Expired status during application: Your legal status must be maintained throughout the entire process.

Employer application delays: If employers miss their 14-day deadline, the entire application is refused.

Maximizing Your Success Strategy

Before You Apply

Employer assessment: Verify your employer meets all requirements before they submit the job offer. Request to see:

• Recent financial statements showing required revenue
• Employee roster confirming citizen/PR status
• Business registration documentation

Score optimization: Calculate your points honestly and identify improvement areas:

• Take language tests if you haven't already
• Consider job offers outside the GTA for location bonuses
• Negotiate wages to reach higher point thresholds

During the Process

Document preparation: Gather all required documents before receiving your ITA:

• Educational credential assessments
• Official transcripts
• Language test results
• Employment records
• Identity documents

Employer coordination: Maintain regular contact with your employer to ensure they meet their deadlines and provide required documentation.

After Submission

Status maintenance: Keep your work permit valid throughout processing. Apply for extensions well before expiration.

Federal preparation: Start gathering documents for your federal permanent residence application immediately after receiving provincial nomination.

Alternative Strategies If You Don't Qualify

If your current situation doesn't meet requirements or score competitively, consider these alternatives:

Express Entry streams: If you have one year of skilled Canadian work experience, you might qualify for Canadian Experience Class.

Other OINP streams: Masters and PhD graduates can apply through graduate streams without job offers.

Quebec immigration: Quebec has separate programs for international graduates.

Other provinces: Many provinces have international graduate streams with different requirements.

Gaining more experience: Working in Canada for 6+ months with your current employer adds 3 points and strengthens your profile.

What Happens After Provincial Nomination

Receiving your provincial nomination is a major milestone, but it's not the finish line. Here's what comes next:

Work Permit Support Letter

Request this optional document from Ontario – it allows you to:

• Apply for a new work permit tied to your nominating employer
• Renew your existing work permit
• Maintain work authorization during federal processing

Federal Application Requirements

Your permanent residence application to IRCC requires:

• Provincial nomination certificate
• Medical examinations for you and family members
• Police certificates from all countries where you've lived 6+ months
• Proof of funds (varies by family size)
• Biometrics

Processing Timeline Reality

Total timeline breakdown:

• EOI to ITA: 2-6 months (depending on your score)
• Provincial processing: 60-120 days
• Federal processing: 12-18 months
• Total: 18-24 months

During this time: You can work for your nominating employer, travel (with proper documentation), and your family can join you in Canada.

Conclusion

Ontario's International Student Stream offers a realistic path to permanent residence for recent graduates, but success requires strategic planning and perfect execution. The days of simply meeting minimum requirements are over – you need to optimize your points, choose the right employer, and navigate strict deadlines flawlessly.

Your biggest advantages? Study and work outside the GTA for location bonuses, target STEM fields for education points, and achieve strong language scores. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint – from EOI submission to permanent residence, you're looking at 18-24 months.

The investment in Canadian education was just the beginning. Now it's time to use that credential, along with your job offer and strategic planning, to build the permanent future in Ontario you've been working toward.