Ontario immigration policy for international students

Ontario is world-famous for its majestic Niagara Falls and beautiful Ottawa capital. This place is considered as one of the busiest and most developed states of Canada, accounting for 37% of the country's GDP. Ontario is also home to nearly 50% of its workforce in the financial services, high technology and other knowledge industries. Therefore, the demand for human resources in the economy is always high. To meet the human resources for the market, the government has issued many policies to promote the migrant population in Ontario, attracting talents to contribute to the development of the local economy. In 2019, Ontario issued 6,650 provincial nominations to allow foreign workers to immigrate to the state through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). However, this figure is not enough to meet the needs of foreign human resources in Ontario. So from now until 2022, Ontario is expected to double its target from 6,650 to 13,300 nominations.

In addition, Ontario is also a place with the highest quality of education in Canada, home to many prestigious colleges, universities and destinations not only for studying but also a “fertile land” for those who want to work and live permanently. Therefore, if you are also interested in Ontario immigration for international students, do not ignore this article.

Ontario immigration policy

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programs for international students are divided into the following 3 categories:

International Student Stream

For this group, employers will have to apply to prove that they need to recruit students to work at their company. Upon approval of the OINP, students will have to submit a nomination within 60 days.

The following are the minimum requirements for students:

Academic requirements:

Have graduated from or have met the requirements of a full-time degree or diploma program at an eligible publicly-funded Canadian college or university that is at least two years in length; or
Have graduated from an one year post-graduate certificate program, which requires a previous degree in order to qualify
Apply within two years from the date on which they graduated; or
Have completed at least half of their studies in Canada before applying for PR

Occupational requirements:

Occupations must be included in NOC 0, A, B groups
Full-time, long-term work which is at least 30 hours/week and 1560 hours/year
A job offer must be for a necessary position in the employer's company
Must meet the minimum salary required by Ontario for occupations, which do not include allowances, commissions or other payments.

Documentation requirements:

Legal documents such as study permit, work permit, visitor record etc., if you are staying in Canada
Note: This requirement is not applicable if the student is not staying in Canada during the application and approval process.

Requirements for immigration intent:

• Students must demonstrate a connection between themselves and life in Ontario. Students will be asked several questions about academic issues, volunteer work in the state, rental contracts or job offers or previous jobs etc.

Requirements for businesses that recruit students

The business must be a corporation, partner or private company with an official operation period of 3 years or more
Must have a permanent workplace in Ontario
Comply with the rules of the Ontario occupational code law or the Ontario occupational safety and health law
If the company is located in the Greater Toronto Area, it must have a total annual income of at least $ 1,000,000 and at least 5 full-time employees who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada
If the business is located outside of the above area, the total income must reach at least $ 500,000 and it must have at least 3 permanent full-time employees.
Businesses must fill out and complete an employer form and then send them to employees. This form will be valid for 6 months from the date of signing.

International Masters Graduate Stream

For masters graduates from an Ontario public school, you are not required a job offer to apply for permanent residence. This is a highlight of Ontario's immigration policy, and you just need to prepare the following requirements:

Academic requirements:

Master degree from an eligible university accredited by OINP in Canada
At least one year of full-time study (at least 15 hours/week)
The part-time program is applicable if the program is equivalent to at least one year of full-time study

English language requirements:

Proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or above
IELTS score of at least 6.0 with no band below 6
TEF: listening 249-279; reading: 207-232; writing: 310-348 and speaking: 310-348
CELPIP: 7 (no band below 7)

Documentation requirements:

Must have resided for at least 12 consecutive months in Ontario in the last 2 years before applying
Proofs include:
Full name
Utility bill, home insurance, car insurance, telephone bill etc.
Rental contract
Payroll (if any)
Must apply within 2 years of the date on which the Master’s degree was granted (the date that appears on the diploma)

Requirements for immigration intent:

Prove your intention to reside and work in Ontario
Proof of income and savings that can ensure the stable life of students and their relatives (if any) in Ontario
Students must demonstrate a connection between themselves and life in Ontario. Students will be asked several questions about academic issues, volunteer work in the state, rental contracts or job offers or previous jobs etc.

Other requirements:

No intention to study further in Ontario
Must be residing in Ontario
Students are not required to return home after completing their studies

International PhD Stream

Academic requirements:

• Graduated or have met all degree requirements from a PhD degree program at an eligible publicly-funded university in Ontario.

Documentation requirements:

Legal documents such as study permit, work permit, visitor record etc., if you are staying in Canada. It is not applicable if the student is not staying in Canada during the application and approval process
Telephone bill, car insurance, rent records etc.
Applications must be submitted within 2 years of the date on which the PhD degree was granted

Requirements for immigration intent:

Have lived in Ontario for 1-2 years before the date of applying for PR
Students must demonstrate a connection between themselves and life in Ontario. Students will be asked a number of questions about academic issues, volunteer work in the state, rental contracts or job offers or previous jobs etc.
Prove your intention to reside and work in Ontario.
Proof of income and savings that can ensure the stable life of students and their relatives (if any) in Ontario.
Postgraduate students are not required to live in Canada during the application period. If you are living in Canada, you need to have an eligible residence permit.
Not be required to return home after completing their studies.

Above are some of Ontario immigration policies for international students that you can refer to if you want to work and live here. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask questions below to be supported by ApplyZones.

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