OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream – A Practical Pathway for Ontario Graduates

I often meet international graduates who feel overwhelmed when planning how to gain one full year of skilled Canadian work experience before they can qualify for permanent residence pathways, particularly the Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class. For many who are just transitioning from school into the workforce, that requirement can feel restrictive.

However, Ontario offers a pathway that does not require prior Canadian work experience: the OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream.

If you have recently completed an eligible program in Canada and you’ve secured a permanent, full-time job offer in Ontario, this stream may be one of the most accessible routes toward provincial nomination. Here is what you need to know.

What is the OINP International Student Stream?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has multiple streams under “Employer Job Offer.” One of them is the International Student Stream.

This stream is meant for international students (inside or outside Canada) who have a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 under NOC).

Key point: For this stream, work experience is not required.

Requirements & Process

Here are the main requirements and steps you need to know:

1. Education Requirements

You must have completed:

• A 2-year full-time degree or diploma program in Canada, or
• A 1-year full-time post-graduate certificate program that required a previous degree for admission.

Additional rules:

• More than 50% of your studies must have been completed in Canada
• You must apply within 2 years of completing your program requirements

2. Job Offer Requirements

Your job offer must be:

• Full-time (minimum 30 hours/week)
• Permanent (no end date)
• In a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
• Located in Ontario
• Genuine and necessary to the employer’s business operations

Wage Requirement

For this stream, the employer must offer a wage that is:

• At or above the low wage level for your occupation and region in Ontario
• If a collective agreement applies, the wage in the agreement prevails

The wage requirement is often misunderstood, so ensuring your offer meets the correct wage threshold is essential.

3. Employer Requirements

Your employer must:

• Be actively operating in Ontario for at least 3 years
• Have a physical place of business where you will work
• Have no outstanding orders under the Employment Standards Act or OHSA
• Meet the minimum revenue and staffing requirements
• Submit the job offer through the OINP Employer Portal

Since 2025, the process has become more employer-driven, meaning their participation is essential.

4. Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once the employer creates your job offer in the OINP Employer Portal:

1. You must submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) within 30 days
2. Ontario ranks candidates and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs)
3. If invited, you must submit your full application for nomination within 14–17 days

The timelines are strict. Missing even one deadline can affect your eligibility, especially with your two-year graduation window.

Timing & Deadline: Why It Matters?

One of the most important details: you must get nominated within 2 years of graduating. This means you can’t wait too long after your studies to pursue this route.

Because your window is limited, missing deadlines or delays in the Employer Portal / EOI / ITA process can jeopardize eligibility.

Also, OINP’s process is shifting. As of July 2, 2025, the Employer Job Offer streams moved more toward an employer-led system using the Employer Portal.

That means the employer must initiate many steps. Your coordination with your employer becomes even more critical.

Recent Draws & Demand

Ontario has resumed draws in 2025 under the Employer Job Offer streams, including the International Student Stream.

For example:

• On September 2, 2025, Ontario issued 1,105 invitations under the International Student stream (job offers in health occupations, early childhood educators, etc.).
• On June 3, 2025, Ontario conducted draws issuing many invitations across the Employer Job Offer streams, including hundreds under the International Student stream.

These draws show that the stream is active and competitive. Meeting requirements and staying ready is key.

Why This Stream is a Great Opportunity

• No work experience required. A major advantage over many federal pathways, like Express Entry.
• You can get a head start toward permanent residence, especially soon after graduation.
• Better alignment with your employer — if they support your nomination, you may secure your status sooner.
• Growing competitiveness: as draws continue, being ready matters.

How Northia Supports You Through the Process

At Northia Immigration, we guide both graduates and employers through each part of this employer-driven stream. As your RCIC, I help you:

• Confirm eligibility based on your education and graduation date
• Review your job offer to ensure it meets TEER and low-wage requirements
• Support your employer in navigating the OINP Employer Portal
• Prepare your EOI and monitor draw activity
• Ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted on time
• Track your two-year graduation window to keep you eligible

Our goal is to make the process clear, organized, and manageable for both you and your employer.

Ready to Explore Your Options in Ontario?

If you are an international graduate with a permanent job offer in Ontario — or if you are exploring your immigration options — this stream may fit your situation well.

Let’s review your eligibility together and plan the next steps.

Book your consultation.