If you’re targeting Permanent Residency (PR) through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) International Student Stream, it’s important to understand that simply securing a job as a manager, supervisor, Personal Support Worker (PSW), or Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is not enough to guarantee an invitation or PR. While having a full-time, permanent job with an eligible employer who is willing to support your application is a basic eligibility requirement, it’s only the first step. There are additional criteria you must meet to qualify.

Let’s assume you meet all the basic requirements. The key factor in securing an invitation is scoring enough points based on the OINP point system. Invitations are issued through draws, and your points will determine whether you’re selected. Last year, the cutoff scores for this stream ranged between 60 and 81 points, with the majority of invitations going to candidates with scores above 70.

However, the landscape is becoming more competitive. The PNP quota for Ontario has been reduced by 50%, meaning only around 10,000 to 11,000 people will be nominated in 2025. Additionally, there will likely be only 2-3 draws for the International Student Stream this year. Fewer draws mean higher cutoff scores, making it even more challenging to receive an invitation.

In our opinion, if your score is below 70, it will be very difficult to secure an invitation under this stream. To improve your chances, focus on maximizing your points by enhancing factors like your job type, language proficiency, and education level.

If you’re unsure about your points or how to improve them, feel free to drop a comment. Remember, preparation and strategy are key to succeeding in the OINP International Student Stream!