The Master’s Graduate Stream in Ontario presents a pathway for international students holding a master’s degree from a recognized Ontario university to achieve permanent immigration to the province, eliminating the need for a job offer. To initiate the process, candidates must enroll in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP) Expression of Interest System, awaiting an invitation to apply.
Subsequently, successful applicants can submit their permanent residence application online, seeking nomination from the Ontario government.
Once nominated, the final step involves applying to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), where the ultimate decision on permanent residency is made.
Calculate your OINP Scores through Ontario PNP Points Calculator
Program Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | No |
| Connection to Province | Study Experience |
| Job Offer | No |
| Language Proficiency | CLB 7 |
| Level of Education | Master’s Degree |
| Work Experience | No minimum |
| Investment Requirement | None |
Stream requirements
1. Residency & Intention To Reside
- Residency Intention:
- Applications need proof of intending to permanently reside in Ontario.
- This can be demonstrated through an Ontario job offer or family connections.
- Residency Requirement:
- You must have legally resided in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years before applying.
- Application Status:
- At the time of application, you must either be living in Ontario with legal status (study permit, work permit, visitor record) or residing outside Canada.
- Exclusion Criteria:
- If you’re living in a province or territory in Canada other than Ontario at the time of application, you do not qualify.
2. Education
Applicants must have finished a master’s degree at a qualifying Ontario institution in the past two years. Eligible institutions for the Ontario Masters Graduate stream comprise the following:
- Full-Time Study Requirement:
- At least one academic year of full-time study, equivalent to a minimum of 15 hours of instruction per week.
- Part-time studies may qualify if the program equals at least one full-time academic year, including any workplace training.
- Eligible University:
- The degree must be from a university in Ontario listed as eligible (refer to the list of eligible Ontario universities below).
| Eligible Ontario Universities offering Masters Programs |
|---|
| Algoma University |
| Brescia University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario) |
| Brock University |
| Carleton University |
| Dominican University College |
| Huron University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario) |
| King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario |
| Lakehead University |
| Laurentian University |
| McMaster University |
| Nipissing University |
| Ontario College of Art & Design University |
| Queen’s University |
| Royal Military College of Canada |
| Ryerson University |
| Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa) |
| St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo) |
| Trent University |
| University of Guelph |
| University of Ontario Institute of Technology |
| University of Ottawa |
| University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto) |
| University of Toronto |
| University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto) |
| University of Waterloo |
| University of Windsor |
| Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto) |
| Western University |
| Wilfrid Laurier University |
| York University |
3. Language Proficiency
The Master’s Graduate stream mandates a language proficiency score, in either English or French, aligning with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7.
- English Tests Accepted:
- International English Language Testing (IELTS) – General Training test only
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – General test only
- French Tests Accepted:
- Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF)
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF)
4. Settlement Funds
- Settlement Funds Requirement:
- All Ontario Masters Graduate stream candidates must meet the settlement funds requirement set by IRCC.
- Financial Support:
- Sufficient funds are necessary to support the candidate and dependent family members upon settling in Canada.
- Family Definition:
- Family members include a spouse, common-law partner, and children under 22, including their children.
- Fulfilling the Requirement: The funds can be demonstrated through bank statements, other investment statements, or a combination of:
- Funds listed in bank statements or investment accounts.
- Annual earnings from ongoing employment in Ontario.
- A job offer in Ontario.
5. EOI & Invitation To Live
- Invitation and Application:
- Obtain an invitation to apply and submit your application within the specified deadline.
- Qualification Verification:
- Validate the qualifications claimed in your Expression of Interest registered with the OINP and attested to during the application process.
6. Application Time
- Application Timeline: Submit your application within two years of completing the requirements for your master’s degree.
- Relevant Degree Date: The degree date should fall within two years of your OINP application submission date, not the invitation date.
- Example Clarification: For instance, if your degree is dated June 1, 2021, ensure you register an EOI, receive an Invitation to Apply, and submit your application by June 1, 2023.
- Incomplete Degree: If you don’t have your degree yet, use the date on the official letter from your university specifying when your degree will be granted.
Important: Complete your master’s degree before submitting your application.
Application Procedure
- Expression of Interest (EOI) System: The stream uses the OINP Expression of Interest system.
- EOI Submission: Eligible applicants can submit an EOI on the OINP e-Filing Portal throughout the year.
- Points-Based Ranking: Profiles are ranked using the OINP points system.
- Invitation to Apply: Highest-ranking candidates get an invitation to apply in OINP draws
- Application Timeframe: Upon invitation, applicants have 14 days to apply for nomination.
- Provincial Nomination Approva: If approved, Ontario notifies the applicant through their ONe-Key account.
- Federal Application: After provincial nomination, applicants submit a federal application for permanent residence.
- Application Submission: Applicants must submit a paper-based permanent residence application by mail.
- Processing Time: Paper-based PNP applications are generally pr processed within 18 months.
Ontario Masters Graduate Ranking System
| Factor | Maximum Points | |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Work Experience | Length | 4 |
| NOC skill level | 3 | |
| Earnings history | 3 | |
| Education | Field of study | 10 |
| Canadian education experience | 10 | |
| Language | Official language ability (CLB level) | 10 |
| Official languages (English, French, or both) | 10 | |
| Regional Immigration | Location of study | 10 |
| Strategic Prorities | Ontario may grant extra points to meet specific labor market needs as necessary. | 10 |
| Total Available Points | 70 | |
Read More about OINP Streams here.
