Ontario has implemented a significant change to the "Employer Job Offer for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) "International Student Pathway," streamlining eligibility criteria for students completing a one-year undergraduate graduate degree.
Ontario relaxes eligibility criteria for OINP
Candidates with a one-year credential from an appropriate university may have applied under the "OINP Employer Job Offer: Overseas Student Pathway" in the past; however, that was limited in cases where the program needed degree completion for admission.
A wider variety of degree programs are now eligible for the OINP, as it now accepts applications from any one-year graduate degree program at an Ontario college. January 1, 2024, was the effective date of this amendment.
Understanding the OINP Employer Job Offer
The "OINP Employer Job Offer: Overseas Student Pathway" provides international students with a job offer in an eligible skilled occupation in Ontario, offering a pathway to permanent residency.
This pathway targets international students, whether residing in Canada or abroad, who have a job offer in a "skilled occupation" classified as Type/Level 0, A, or B according to the National Occupational Classification of Canada (NOC).
Applicants must ensure that they, the employer, and the job offer meet program criteria. The Ontario employer must complete an Employer Form submitted by the foreign student during the application process.
Upon approval and issuance of an Ontario nomination, candidates can apply for a work permit and Canadian permanent resident status through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Eligibility Criteria Under the Program:
To qualify under the program, candidates must demonstrate that they possess one of the following qualifying credentials:
- University degree or diploma of at least two years from an eligible Canadian institution.
- A graduate certificate or diploma of at least one year from an eligible Canadian institution.
- A college graduate degree taking at least one year to complete from an eligible Ontario institution.
- Undergraduate graduate degree taking at least one year to complete from an eligible institution in Ontario.
The candidate must live and study in Canada for at least half of their degree program at an approved Canadian institution.
Conditions
In addition to educational credentials, applicants must:
- Have an approved full-time job offer of indefinite duration in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) in Ontario.
- Obtain the mandatory license or authorization required for the position at the time of application.
- Demonstrate your intent to reside in Ontario.
- Maintain legal status (visitor register, study permit, or work permit) in Ontario throughout the application period if you are a resident of Canada.
Applicants can establish a connection to Ontario through various means, including employment, education, volunteering, or personal relationships in the province.