Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Extends Eligibility Criteria for International Students
Post by : Admin on Jan 26,2024
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program or OINP brings good news for international students who have completed a year of college program. The update is applicable to the International Student Stream under the Employer Job Offer category. IRCC expanded the eligibility requirements for international students with a legitimate job offer in Ontario to acquire permanent residency in the province.
What’s the Latest Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Update?
According to the latest Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program update, international students with an Ontario College Graduate Certificate from any one-year college program, are eligible to apply.
The update has been effective from 1st January 2024.
Prior to this, students with a one-year credential from specific institutions only could apply for the program.
IRCC brought forth this change to meet Ontario’s economic needs and fill the labour shortages in the province.
What is the OINP International Student Stream?
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is the economic immigration program of Ontario. It functions through IRCC and enables the province to invite skilled foreign workers and international students. The OINP also nominates specific candidates for permanent residence.
The International Student Stream falls under the employment job offer category of the program. Internationals living in or outside Canada are eligible to apply for this program through this stream. They, however, must have a valid job offer in Level 0, A or B category as stated in the NOC.
The employer and job should also meet the eligibility requirements in this program. For instance, the employer in Ontario should complete an Employer Form. The international student needs to submit it while applying.
You need to get the approval from Canadian Government and an Ontario provincial nomination under this stream to be able to apply for a work permit. It is also an efficient pathway to permanent residence in the province.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- A diploma or graduate degree of at least a year if the student completed it on a full-time basis from an eligible Canadian institution
- A diploma or an undergraduate degree of at least a year if the student completed it on a full-time basis from an eligible Canadian institution
- A college graduate certificate of at least a year if the student completed it on a full-time basis from an eligible institution in Ontario
- A graduate degree of at least a year if the student completed it on a full-time basis from an eligible Canadian institution
International students usually have queries about the eligibility of their graduate certificate. In such cases, you should check if the Ontario College Graduate Certificate is mentioned on the official credential you received from the university.
What else do you need?
The legit authorization you need for the job
A valid job offer in skilled occupation NOC 0, A or B
Legal status in Ontario during the application period
Proof that you intend to reside in Ontario
How can you show your ties to Ontario at the time of applying?
- Academic journey in Ontario
- Employment history in Ontario
- Family ties
- Previous visits to Ontario
Professional connections - Volunteering history in Ontario
- Job offers in Ontario
- Property ownership in the province
- Personal relationships
Ontario is one of the most sought-after places for skilled international students and foreign workers to live their Canadian dream. The International Student Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program allows skilled international students to get their dream job and apply for permanent residence here. The entire application process gets simpler and easier with experienced immigrant consultants by your side.
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