By Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB – Founder, VG Immigration Services Inc.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream provides a valuable pathway to permanent residence for international graduates working in Ontario. One of the most critical eligibility requirements is meeting the low wage level threshold—a minimum pay standard that protects workers and ensures fair compensation across the province.
Understanding these wage requirements is essential for both international students seeking provincial nomination and employers preparing job offers for foreign talent.
What is the Low Wage Level Requirement?
The low wage level represents the minimum hourly pay your job offer must meet based on your specific occupation and the region in Ontario where you will be working. This requirement ensures international students receive wages comparable to Canadian standards for their role and geographic location.
Unlike other OINP streams that require median wage levels, the International Student Stream accepts the low wage threshold, making it more accessible for recent graduates entering entry-level positions.
How to Verify Your Wage Meets OINP Standards
Follow these steps to confirm your job offer meets the low wage requirement:
Step 1: Visit the Job Bank Wage Search Tool
Step 2: Enter your occupation title and National Occupational Classification (NOC) code in the occupation search field
Step 3: Input the specific location where you will be working in the filter search
Step 4: Review the low wage level displayed on the wage chart for your occupation and region
Important Note: If wage data for your specific employment region is not available on the wage report, use the Ontario-wide wage level as your reference point.
Special Considerations for Current Employees
If you are already working in the position being offered, your job offer wage must satisfy both of these conditions simultaneously:
- Equal to or greater than the wage your employer currently pays you in that position
- Meet or exceed the low wage level for that occupation and region
This dual requirement protects workers from wage suppression while ensuring compliance with provincial standards.
How to Calculate Hourly Wage from Annual Salary
Many employers offer annual salaries rather than hourly wages. To convert your annual salary to an hourly rate for OINP verification, use this calculation method approved by the program:
Step 1: Deduct any bonuses or other discretionary benefits from the annual salary
Step 2: Divide the remaining amount by the number of weeks of work per year (generally 52 weeks)
Step 3: Divide this amount by the number of hours of work per week
Step 4: The remaining amount is your hourly wage
What Doesn’t Count Toward Your Base Wage
The OINP does not consider the following as part of your hourly base wage:
- Remuneration by piece work
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Vacation pay
- Non-financial compensation
Only your regular hourly or salary-based compensation counts toward meeting the wage requirement.
Exemption: Collective Agreements
You do not need to meet the low wage level requirement if your workplace has a collective agreement in place. A collective agreement is a written contract between your employer and a union that determines wages and working conditions.
Workers covered by union contracts follow the wage structure outlined in their collective agreement instead of OINP wage thresholds.
How Wages Impact Your OINP Ranking Score
Beyond meeting the minimum wage requirement, your hourly wage directly affects your Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking score. The OINP awards points based on wage levels as follows:
| Hourly Wage Range | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| $40.00 or higher | 10 points |
| $35.00 to $39.99 | 8 points |
| $30.00 to $34.99 | 7 points |
| $25.00 to $29.99 | 6 points |
| $20.00 to $24.99 | 5 points |
| Less than $20.00 | 0 points |
Higher wages improve your competitiveness in the EOI pool, increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for provincial nomination.
2026 OINP Changes for International Students
Recent updates to the OINP have made the program more accessible for Ontario graduates. International students who graduated from an eligible Ontario institution within the past two years can now qualify with job offers at the low wage level instead of the median wage previously required.
This change recognizes that entry-level positions for recent graduates often pay less than median occupational wages while still providing valuable career opportunities and pathways to permanent residence.
Regional Wage Variations Across Ontario
Wage levels vary significantly across different regions of Ontario. The same occupation may have different low wage thresholds in:
- Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- Ottawa and Eastern Ontario
- Southwestern Ontario (London, Windsor)
- Northern Ontario (Sudbury, Thunder Bay)
- Central Ontario (Barrie, Peterborough)
Always verify the wage requirement specific to your work location rather than assuming provincial averages apply to your situation.
Practical Tips for Employers and Applicants
For Employers:
- Structure job offers to clearly document the hourly wage or provide sufficient detail to calculate the hourly rate using the OINP formula
- Separate base salary from bonuses or other variable compensation in offer letters
- Verify the low wage level for your region and occupation before extending offers
- Maintain documentation showing wage verification from Job Bank
For International Students:
- Keep documentation showing how you verified the low wage level for your occupation and region
- Save screenshots or printouts from the Job Bank wage search tool
- Ensure your job offer letter clearly states your base wage separate from bonuses
- Verify that your calculated hourly wage meets both the low wage threshold and any current wage you’re receiving
Why Wage Compliance Matters
Meeting the OINP wage requirements protects international students from exploitation and ensures fair compensation. These standards also help maintain the integrity of Ontario’s labor market by preventing wage suppression that could disadvantage Canadian workers and permanent residents.
Proper wage verification is a critical component of a successful provincial nomination application. Applications with unclear wage information or calculations that don’t meet OINP standards face delays or refusals.
How VG Immigration Services Can Help
Navigating OINP wage requirements is just one component of a successful provincial nomination application. At VG Immigration Services, we provide comprehensive support for international students and employers throughout the OINP process.
Our services include:
- Job offer review and wage verification
- EOI profile preparation and optimization
- Complete OINP application support
- Employer compliance guidance
- Post-nomination PR application assistance
Led by Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB (R708308), our licensed immigration consultants are authorized to represent clients before immigration authorities and provide expert guidance on all aspects of the OINP International Student Stream.
Next Steps for Your OINP Application
If you’re an international student in Ontario with a job offer or an employer looking to hire international graduates, understanding wage requirements is the foundation of OINP eligibility.
Contact VG Immigration Services today to ensure your job offer meets all OINP requirements and to develop a comprehensive strategy for achieving permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
About the Author: VG Immigration Services INC. is a full-service Canadian immigration consultancy led by Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB (R708308). We specialize in Provincial Nominee Programs, Express Entry, work permits, study permits, and family sponsorships.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements change frequently. Consult with a licensed immigration professional for personalized guidance on your specific situation.