Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Michael Chan recently announced a new development in the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that removes obstacles for international students who wish to become Canadian permanent residents.

Whereas previously only graduates of Ontarioinstitutions were considered for the Ontario Pilot PNP, it is now open to international graduates from post-secondary institutions across Canada.Candidates must be graduates of eligible publicly-funded Canadian universities or colleges and have a job offer from an Ontario employer. Successfulnominees have their permanent residency applications fast-tracked through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

"International students are highly skilled, have Canadian credentials and are familiar with Canadian society. Our province will benefit from their talentsfor years to come," stated Minister Chan. There are over 35,000 international students currently enrolled in Ontario universities and colleges.

The new expansion of the Ontario Pilot PNP has also made it easier for small employers outside the Greater Toronto Area to attract skilled workers forspecific occupations in the education, health, construction, and manufacturing sectors.