Maple News reports that Ontario held its inaugural draw under the International Student stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) on May 18. A total of 138 international student candidates received invitations to apply for a provincial nomination.
This draw marked the first time the province utilized its new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for selecting candidates interested in the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream. To receive an invitation, candidates needed a minimum EOI score of 77 and a valid job offer from an Ontario employer.
The International Student stream targets foreign nationals who have completed eligible educational programs at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions and secured full-time, permanent job offers in Ontario. Candidates are not required to apply from within Canada but must meet all eligibility criteria, including the intention to live and work in Ontario.
To participate, applicants must first register an Expression of Interest profile on the Ontario government’s immigration portal. Each profile is assessed and scored based on a range of human capital and labor market factors such as education, wage offered, official language proficiency, work experience in Canada, and job location within the province.
The province uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to assign points under the EOI model. Higher points are awarded for job offers in high-demand occupations, particularly those requiring advanced skill levels, as well as for attributes that suggest stronger potential for economic and social integration in Ontario.
Maple News notes that this new draw underscores Ontario’s ongoing commitment to attracting talented international graduates to help address labor market needs, particularly amid post-pandemic recovery efforts. The introduction of the EOI system provides a more transparent and strategic pathway for selecting qualified individuals aligned with the province’s economic priorities.
Given that Ontario is one of Canada’s most diverse and economically dynamic provinces, international students who complete their studies and gain Canadian work experience are uniquely positioned to succeed through the provincial nomination program.
As immigration pathways continue to evolve, this first draw serves as a strong signal of opportunity for international graduates aiming to build their future in Canada through permanent residency.