7 min

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 qualify for the OINP International Student Stream, 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:

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:

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:

What kinds of jobs qualify?

Check your job’s NOC code here to confirm eligibility.

Employer Requirements

Your employer must be:

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:

Common regulated jobs include:

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:

If applying from outside Canada:

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:

If required, use:

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:

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:

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

Schedule your consultation now.