Job offer requirements for the OINP International Student Stream
International students who graduate from approved programs may immigrate to Ontario. However, other than eligible Master’s and Ph.D. graduates, the rest need an acceptable job offer. Let’s explore the job offer requirements for the OINP International Student Stream. Of course, the first step is to find an eligible employer to make the offer. I have another article that explores the eligibility criteria for employers.
- Job offer NOC code
- LMIA criteria for the OINP International Student Stream
- The start date of the job
- Working hours
- The job location
- Salary requirements
- Let us help!
If you don’t know an employer, consider reading my articles on the subject of job finding in Canada:
- Cold Calling for Job Search – A Canada Visa and Work Permit Perspective
- Job Search Websites – Canada Work Permit and Immigration
Job offer NOC codes for the OINP International Student Stream
NOC stands for National Occupational Classification. The last version of NOC (i.e., 2016) divides the job levels into the following categories. However, this is about to change in 2022.
- Managerial positions – NOC Type 0 (zero)
- Jobs that generally require a university degree – NOC Level A
- Technical jobs and skilled trades positions that usually require a post-secondary diploma – NOC Level B
- Intermediate roles that typically mandate job-specific training or a high school diploma – NOC Level C
- Labour jobs – NOC Level D
I have another article that explains NOC levels and types in detail. Moreover, consider reading my other article about the upcoming changes.
Under the OINP International Student Stream, the satisfactory jobs are NOC 0, A, or B only. Therefore, you may not apply if your job offer is NOC C or D.
Do I need an LMIA for the job offer?
Job offers for the OINP International Student Stream are exempt from recruitment efforts. Moreover, they are exempt from the LMIA. However, holding a positive LMIA could convince the authorities the position is necessary for the employer. A positive LMIA could also help you in the following areas:
- You could secure a work permit in Canada. However, you sometimes hold a valid work permit, such as a PGWP or an IMP C41 or C42. Therefore, you do not need to apply for a new work permit.
- You could apply for other immigration options such as FSW, CEC, or FST. Of course, all these options fall under the Express Entry system.
Although you do not need an LMIA, the employer must have an urgent necessity for the position. Consequently, you must show the job aligns with the employer’s current activities. Moreover, the role must maintain or grow the ongoing business activities.
When to start the job under the OINP International Student Stream?
If OINP nominates you, the employer must make the job offer available to you. Therefore, if you hold a valid work permit and receive the nomination, you must immediately start working for the employer. Moreover, if you already work for the employer, they must adjust your work conditions based on the job offer. Here are two examples:
- You currently work for another employer and have a valid open work permit. As soon as you receive the nomination, you have to start working for the employer who has made the job offer. Also, make sure your work conditions match the ones you have shared with OINP.
- The job offer is for the position of store manager. However, you currently work as a store clerk for the same employer. As soon as you receive the nomination, the employer must promote you to the store manager position. Of course, they also must adjust your salary, benefits, and other conditions accordingly.
Working hours
The job offer must be for a full-time position. Under the OINP International Student Stream, a full-time job meets all of the following criteria:
- At least 30 hours per week
- At least 1,560 hours per year
- No end date (i.e., a permanent position or rather an indeterminate duration)
- Not a contract-based or a seasonal job
- Being a paid job (not a voluntary or unpaid work)
The job location for the OINP International Student Stream
The place of work must remain primarily in Ontario. The employer may have offices outside Ontario. However, you have to work for their Ontario office.
Wage requirements
Under the OINP International Student Stream, a job offer must meet the minimum wage requirements. Regardless, let’s first see how we can locate the wages. Therefore, take the following steps:
- Visit the job-bank website.
- Enter the NOC code or the job title in the search box and click Search. Of course, you must pick “Occupation” from the drop-down list first.
- Scroll down to Ontario. Nonetheless, focus on the region you are going to work.
- The lower end of the wage range is the number you need to consider. Nonetheless, if the region you are working in does not show wages, consider the low wage level for Ontario.
- Your wage must be equal to or higher than the low wage level. If you are currently working for the employer, the new salary cannot be lower than your current salary. However, any collective agreement with a union precedes the wage requirements.
You may not consider the following in wage calculations:
- remuneration by piece work (i.e., payments when you complete a task)
- bonuses
- vacation-pay
- commissions
- non-financial compensation
(source: OINP)
Let us help!
We can help you with the OINP International Student Stream if you have a job offer. Please fill out the following form. Alternatively, you may book a consultation session with me.
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Al Parsai, LLM, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor – Queen’s University – Faculty of Law
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
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