Graduated from a college or university in Ontario and want to stay in Canada permanently? The OINP International Student Stream could be your pathway to permanent residence, without needing Canadian work experience.
However, many applicants miss key steps and lose their chances.
This guide will show you exactly how to qualify, what mistakes to avoid, and how to improve your chances of success from the start.
What is the OINP International Student Stream?
The OINP International Student Stream helps international graduates with a valid job offer in Ontario apply for permanent residence through a provincial nomination. It’s designed for those who studied in Ontario and want to remain in the province long-term.
This stream is popular because:
- No Canadian work experience is required.
- It leads to a direct nomination for PR through IRCC.
- Ontario’s job market and diversity make it ideal for settlement.
However, this program is competitive, and approval depends on meeting particular criteria, not just having a diploma and a job.
Education Requirements: Are You Academically Eligible?
You must meet all of the following education conditions to be eligible:
- Graduate from a publicly funded college or university in Ontario
- Complete a program that is:
- At least 2 years full-time, or
- 1 year full-time if a previous degree or diploma is required
- Earn a degree or diploma—certificates alone are not eligible.
- Apply within two years of graduating.
Examples of what's eligible:
- A two-year Business diploma from George Brown College is eligible.
- A one-year postgraduate certificate in Project Management at Seneca College (completed after a degree) is also eligible.
- A one-year certificate from a private career college is not eligible.
- A program you completed more than two years ago is not eligible under this stream.
Also, avoid relying heavily on distance learning unless you were forced to (e.g., due to COVID-19). The program should be primarily in-person and completed in Ontario.
Tip: Unsure if your school qualifies? Ask their registrar or check the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities website.
Job Offer Requirements: What Kind of Job Do You Need?
To qualify, your job offer must meet all of these:
- Be permanent and full-time (minimum 30 hours/week, no end date)
- Located in Ontario
- Meet or exceed the median wage for your job in that region
- Match a job listed under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
What kinds of jobs qualify?
- TEER 0: Restaurant Manager, IT Director
- TEER 1: Software Engineer, Financial Analyst
- TEER 2: Web Technician, Lab Technologist
- TEER 3: Administrative Assistant, Plumber
Check your job’s NOC code here to confirm eligibility.
Employer Requirements
Your employer must be:
- Actively operating in Ontario for at least 3 years
- Have gross annual revenue of:
- At least $1 million (in GTA), or
- At least $500,000 (outside GTA)
- Employ:
- At least 5 full-time staff (in GTA), or
- At least 3 full-time staff (outside GTA)
If your employer doesn’t meet these, your application won’t be accepted—even if your job is valid.
Tip: Ask your employer to complete the Employer Form early and verify that their revenue/staff numbers match OINP requirements.
Work Experience and Licensing: Do You Need Either?
You do not need Canadian work experience to apply, but:
- If your employer lists experience in the job offer, you must prove it
- If your job is regulated in Ontario, you must show valid licensing or certification
Common regulated jobs include:
- Nurse (requires College of Nurses of Ontario registration)
- Electrician (must be certified through Skilled Trades Ontario)
- Teacher (requires Ontario College of Teachers license)
- Paralegal, Accountant, Engineer—each has its own governing body
Use Ontario’s regulated professions directory to confirm if your job requires a license.
Residency and Legal Status: Where Can You Apply From?
You can apply from inside or outside Canada, but you must have valid legal status.
If applying from within Canada:
- You must hold a valid:
- Study permit
- PGWP
- Visitor record
- Or be under an implied status
If applying from outside Canada:
- You must be legally residing in your country (with a valid visa, permit, or residency)
If your status in Canada has expired at the time of application, you will not be eligible for the program.
Keep your permit valid during the entire application. If it’s expiring, extend it before you apply.
Language Proficiency: Do You Need a Language Test?
In most cases, no language test is required for this stream.
You only need to submit test results if:
- Your job’s NOC description includes language ability as a requirement
- Or your employer states that language proficiency is essential
If required, use:
- IELTS General Training or
- CELPIP General
Aim for CLB 7 or higher to remain competitive.
Check your job’s NOC profile here and look under “Employment Requirements.”
Settlement Funds: Do You Need to Show Savings?
You must show that you can support yourself (and your dependents) once you settle in Ontario.
You can meet this requirement through:
A job offer salary that meets or exceeds Ontario’s LICO threshold
Recent bank statements or savings
A written commitment of financial support from your employer (rare, but allowed)
Most single applicants meet the requirement through their job salary alone. For families or lower wages, bank statements may be needed.
Find the latest LICO figures here: Ontario’s LICO threshold
EOI & ITA: How the Selection Process Works
You can’t apply directly. You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
How it works:
Create an EOI profile through the OINP e-Filing Portal
Receive a score based on:
- Education level
- NOC of the job
- Language (if applicable)
- Location of job
- Canadian experience (if any)
- If selected in a draw, you get an ITA
- After ITA, you have 14 calendar days to submit your complete application
Monitor your email and act fast after an ITA. There is no second chance if you miss the 14-day deadline.
Required Documents: What You’ll Need
Be ready to upload these:
| Document | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|
| Job Offer Letter | Proof of eligible employment |
| Employer Form | Verifies employer’s business history, staffing, and revenue |
| Education Credentials | A degree or diploma and transcripts from an eligible Ontario school |
| Legal Status Proof | Valid permit or visa if in Canada; residency proof if applying from abroad |
| Identity Documents | Passport, government ID, or birth certificate |
| Settlement Funds Proof | If applicable, recent bank statements or salary confirmation |
| Language Test Results | Only if your job or employer requires it |
| License/Certification | Required for regulated professions |
Important: Use PDF or JPG format. Scan everything clearly and label files properly.
Common Reasons for Rejection: Avoid These Mistakes
- Submitting incomplete or missing documents
- A job offer that’s not eligible (part-time, low wage, wrong NOC)
- The employer doesn’t meet revenue or staffing requirements
- Expired status in Canada or applying without legal residency
- Applying before receiving an ITA
- No license for a regulated occupation
Double-check every requirement before submitting. Mistakes are costly and avoidable.
Next Steps After Approval: What’s Next?
If approved, you’ll receive a nomination certificate from Ontario, valid for 6 months.
Then you must:
- Apply to IRCC for permanent residency through the non-Express Entry (base) stream.
- Include your nomination certificate in your application.
- Submit your PR application within the 6-month deadline.
Start preparing your federal application documents while your OINP application is in progress. It saves time later.
Final Note
The OINP International Student Stream is a strong path to permanent residence—but only if every detail is done right. Preparation is key to getting the right job offer and uploading complete documents.
Stay organized, track your EOI status, and be ready to act quickly once you receive an ITA. The window to apply is short, but the opportunity is real.
Need Help with Your Application?
Book a consultation with WEICS to get expert help with your OINP International Student Stream application. We’ll guide you through every step, so you can apply with confidence and avoid costly mistakes