Ontario Immigration - Opportunities Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

Opportunities Ontario: International Student Category

The International Student Category has three streams:

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With Job Offer Stream allows Ontario employers to recruit international students graduating from a publicly funded Canadian college or university in a skilled position, and,
PhD Graduate Stream allows PhD graduates from Ontario publicly funded universities to apply to live permanently in Ontario.
Pilot Masters Graduate Stream allows Masters graduates from Ontario publicly funded universities to apply to live permanently in Ontario.

1. International Student with Job Offer Stream:

Opportunities Ontario helps employers who are having difficulty finding the skilled workers they need. Through the program, employers can recruit international students in any managerial, professional or skilled trades occupation (see the NOC 0, A or B) categories.

Who can be recruited

Employers may recruit qualified employees for approved positions through the International Student Category, whether they are in Canada with legal status or are abroad. International students are eligible to apply in their last semester or within two years of completing their studies in Canada. All prospective nominees who are visiting or residing in Canada will be required to provide documentation of their status with their application forms. Employers will need to indicate on their application forms that they are recruiting an international student.

In the International Student Category, employers use the International Student With Job Offer Stream when they want to recruit international students. The General Category, also described on this website, is used to recruit foreign workers.

About the process

Opportunities Ontario is an employer-driven program with a two-step application process:

Step 1: Employers submit a Pre-screen Application to Opportunities Ontario requesting positions for which the employer would like to recruit a foreign national. Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.

Step 2: The individuals who have been recruited submit a nominee application package to the Opportunities Ontario program. Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.

2. International PhD Graduate Stream:

International students who are graduates of a PhD program from one of Ontario’s publicly funded universities do not need a job offer to qualify for the program. They are also eligible to apply within two years of the date on which the PhD was granted. Prospective nominees have to submit the Nominee Application Form for International Graduates (PhD and Masters).

3. Pilot International Masters Graduate Stream:

International students who are graduates of a Masters program from one of Ontario’s publicly funded universities do not need a job offer to qualify for the program. They can apply in their last semester or within two years of the date on which they receive their degree. Prospective nominees have to submit the Nominee Application Form for International Graduates (PhD and Masters).

You may want to immigrate to Ontario as a skilled worker. Visit our How to Apply section to find out about other ways to immigrate to Canada.

Learn more

Employers interested in Opportunities Ontario can find more information about employer eligibility criteria, and how to apply, by visiting the Employer section of our website.

International students interested in Opportunities Ontario can find more information in the International Students section of our website.

Can you provide a list of employers who are hiring for required occupations?

Opportunities Ontario does not maintain a list of eligible employers searching for employees. It is the responsibility of an Ontario employer to apply to Opportunities Ontario, and, if approved, recruit a qualified individual for the approved position. Learn more about the Ontario labour market and occupation classifications.
Can my family immigrate with me?

Accompanying ‘eligible’ family members of nominees may immigrate to Ontario once medical and security checks have been passed. Federal immigration law defines which family members can be included with a permanent resident application. Learn more about ‘eligible’ family members.
What happens to my application when the full quota has been reached?

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. When the program reaches its target, submitted applications will be assessed in the next calendar year. All applications received will be processed. The processing fee is non-refundable, but guarantees the processing of the application irrespective of the calendar year. You can stay up to date by checking what’s new with Opportunities Ontario.
My work permit is about to expire. What should I do?

Even if nominated by Opportunities Ontario, it is your responsibility to ensure you remain in proper status in Canada until you receive permanent resident status from the federal government. You should either renew, extend or apply for proper temporary resident status throughout your stay in the country. Learn more about work permits in Canada and how to apply.
Do you accept IELTS or TOEFL results as proof of English proficiency?

Only Master’s graduate students require a language proficiency test. Opportunities Ontario accepts only IELTS – General with an overall band score of 7 for English, or TEF with an overall band score of 5 for French, that has been obtained within 12 months of applying.
Can I change jobs or temporarily leave Canada after I submit my application?

Once you become a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Canada. If you leave your current employer during either the nomination process or the permanent residence application process, your nomination and application can be denied by Opportunities Ontario. Prolonged absences from Ontario can also affect your eligibility for the program. You should keep Opportunities Ontario informed.
What documents are required to prove my residency in Ontario?

To prove your intention to settle in Ontario, you will need to demonstrate one year of physical residence in Ontario, in the past two years, and your presence in the province at the time of your application. You should provide credit card statements, leasing documents or bills and accounts with your name and Ontario address. See Page 12, Demonstrating Residence in Ontario.
As a student, does my overseas money count towards the funds requirement?

If the account is in your name, your overseas bank statements will be accepted in support of your nominee application. If you have received financial support from your parents or any family member, you will need to submit a letter of support, stating their ongoing financial support, original bank statements and account balance.
As an international student, my final semester is part-time. Is that okay?

To qualify for Opportunities Ontario, international students are expected to study on a full-time basis. You may be considered eligible for the program if you have proof that course offerings at your university compelled you to complete your final semester on a part-time basis. However, studying part-time by choice rather than by compulsion may affect your eligibility for the program.
How long will it take to process my nomination and permanent resident application?

Opportunities Ontario aims to process nominee and employer applications on a first-come first-served basis within 90 days, provided they are complete. Federal government application processing times vary across visa offices. More information is available at your respective visa office.