Studying in Ontario can open several pathways to permanent residence (PR) through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Ontario offers a range of streams tailored to international graduates, whether or not they have a job offer. Below is a detailed overview of the streams available for students:

1. OINP Master's Graduate Stream

• Eligibility: Recent graduates with a Master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university.
• Job Offer: Not required.
• Residency: Must have lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in either English or French.
• Application Process: Applicants must register an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before submitting a full application.
• Benefits: No job offer needed

2. OINP PhD Graduate Stream

• Eligibility: Graduates with a PhD from an eligible Ontario university.
• Job Offer: Not required.
• Residency: Must have lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in either English or French.
• Application Process: Applicants must register an EOI and receive an ITA before applying.
• Benefits: No job offer needed 

3. OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

• Eligibility: Recent international graduates from Ontario with a job offer from an Ontario employer.
• Job Offer: Required. The job offer must be full-time, permanent, and in an occupation classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Residency: The applicant must have completed their studies at a recognized Ontario post-secondary institution.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an application with a valid job offer.
• Benefits: Great for students who have secured employment in Ontario.

While the OINP offers valuable pathways for international students in Ontario, achieving PR can be competitive. Meeting eligibility criteria does not automatically translate into an invitation to apply. Students should approach the OINP with a clear understanding of the requirements, challenges, and timelines involved, and may also want to explore additional options, such as Express Entry or Canadian Experience Class to increase their chances of success in obtaining permanent residence.

Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp

Date: March 3,2025

Note: None of the above statements are legal advice and are not meant to be the same for everyone. You must check the latest policy from the IRCC website before applying. Although everything is clearly stated on the official website, you can seek legal advice if you don't understand something.

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