OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — International students who complete eligible Canadian post-secondary programs and hold a qualifying, full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario can apply for provincial nomination through the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream. This pathway helps recent graduates convert an Ontario job offer into permanent residence (PR).

Who should use this stream?

If you completed an eligible degree, diploma or graduate certificate in Canada, and now hold a full-time permanent job offer in Ontario in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3), the OINP International Student Stream may be the right route. Prior work experience is not mandatory for recent graduates — the critical requirements are your Canadian credential, the job offer, and employer eligibility.

Process overview (simple)

1. Employer registers and submits a job offer through the OINP Employer Portal and you receive a Job Offer ID.
2. You register an Expression of Interest (EOI) using that Job Offer ID (within 30 days).
3. If invited, employer submits the job-position approval (within 14 days) and you submit your application (within 17 days after employer submits).
4. If nominated, OINP issues a nomination certificate and sometimes a work-permit support letter. Then apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

Step-by-step: how to apply

1. Employer submits a job offer: Your employer must register their business in the Employer Portal and create a job offer for the specific position. Once submitted, the employer’s action generates a Job Offer ID you will use for your EOI.
2. Register an EOI: Use the Job Offer ID to register in the OINP Expression of Interest system. You must register within 30 calendar days of the employer submitting the job offer.
3. If invited: Employer has 14 calendar days to submit the application for approval of the employment position. You, the applicant, have 17 calendar days to submit your application and fee — however you may only submit after your employer has filed their approval application.
4. OINP assessment & nomination: OINP may request additional employer or applicant documents. If approved, you receive a provincial nomination (and possibly a work permit support letter).
5. Apply to IRCC: With nomination in hand, submit a federal permanent residence application to IRCC, which performs final medical, criminal and security checks.

Job offer requirements

• Full-time and permanent — minimum 30 hours per week (1,560 hours/year), no fixed-term or seasonal roles.
• Skilled occupation — position must fall under TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the NOC.
• Wage — must meet or exceed the low-wage level for that occupation in the specific Ontario region (check Job Bank).
• Position necessity — the role must be necessary to the employer’s business (ongoing operations or growth).
• Work primarily in Ontario — duties must be carried out mainly in Ontario.
• Equity restriction — you and your family must hold less than 10% equity in the employer unless it was part of employee compensation.

Employer requirements

• Business actively operating in Ontario for at least three years.
• Business premises in Ontario where you will work.
• No outstanding orders under Ontario Employment Standards or Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Revenue thresholds (most recent fiscal year): GTA locations (Toronto, Durham, Halton, York, Peel) — ≥ CAD $1,000,000; Outside GTA — ≥ CAD $500,000.
• Employee thresholds at the work location: ≥ 5 full-time Canadian citizens / PRs in GTA; ≥ 3 full-time Canadian citizens / PRs outside GTA (full-time = 30+ hours/week).

Applicant requirements

• Invitation to apply: you must receive an EOI invitation and apply within the deadlines.
• Eligible Canadian credential: undergrad degree/diploma (min 2 yrs), graduate degree/diploma (min 1 yr), or eligible Ontario graduate certificate (min 1 yr). More than 50% of the credential must be completed while physically present in Canada.
• Licences: if the occupation requires a mandatory Ontario licence or authorization, you must hold it at application time.
• Intention to reside in Ontario: demonstrated by study, work, job search, volunteering, property lease/ownership, professional networks, or family ties.
• Legal status in Canada (if applicable): maintain valid status (study permit, work permit, visitor record) or be in maintained status.
• Timing: submit your OINP application within two years of the date on your Canadian credential (or official completion letter).

How EOIs are scored — main factors

Documents commonly required

• Job offer letter and employment contract
• Employer job-position approval paperwork
• Official education documents and completion letter
• Proof that >50% of your credential was completed in Canada
• Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF) where required
• Work/study permit evidence or maintained status proof
• Pay stubs, employer references, CRA notices for earnings history
• Licences or regulatory authorizations, where applicable

Processing time & fees

Processing times and fees change. Check the OINP portal for current timelines and fee amounts. Complete and accurate applications reduce delays.

If you are nominated — next steps & conditions

• Receive nomination approval letter and certificate (and potentially a work-permit support letter).
• Apply to IRCC for PR — IRCC completes final checks.
• If not already employed, apply for a work permit within 6 months and begin the approved employment within 10 months of nomination. Notify OINP at ontarionominee@ontario.ca if you cannot start within 10 months.
• Maintain the same employment conditions during the nomination period. Report any material changes to OINP immediately.

Eligible Ontario institutions (full list)

The OINP accepts credentials from many Ontario colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes. Use this list to confirm your credential’s institution.

Eligible Canadian institutions (summary by province)