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ONTARIO PNP (OINP) Master's graduate stream
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Master’s Graduate Stream stands as a pathway for international graduates who have successfully completed a master’s degree program in Ontario and aspire to build their careers and lives in the province. This immigration stream, within the broader framework of the OINP, is designed to attract individuals with advanced education, particularly those whose academic pursuits align with the needs of Ontario’s labor market.
By providing a route to permanent residence, the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream plays a pivotal role in contributing to the diversity and skills of Ontario’s workforce. Designed to align with the evolving needs of Ontario’s labor market, the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream provides a direct pathway for eligible candidates to secure permanent residence in Canada. The program recognizes the valuable contributions that individuals with advanced education can make to the province’s workforce and communities. While the applicants need to meet certain criteria deeming them eligible for this stream, upon a successful application, graduates are granted the chance to live and work in Ontario permanently.
You can also explore other immigration pathways more suited to each particular situation. All of our fees and packages are also available! Additionally, you can get acquainted with other OINP programs.
Book a consultation today to discuss your eligibility with an expert immigration advisor and take your first step toward living and working in Ontario. Let our immigration firm guide you through the immigration process to make your Canadian dream a reality.
Recent draws
DRAW DATE
Jan 24, 2024
PROGRAM(S)
Master’s Graduate Stream
INVITATIONS ISSUED
1344
LOWEST SCORE
50
Latest Updates
On January 24th, 2024, invitations were issued to eligible candidates in general occupations, and the candidates received an invitation if they had a score of 50 and above. Read more
On October 30, 2023, invitations were sent to graduates in general occupations and the successful candidates had a score of 43 and above. Read more
On September 19, 2023, another draw was conducted and the successful applicant who received an invitation had a score of 41 and above. Read more
- On August 30, 2023, invitations were issued to successful applicants in general occupations who had a score of 44 and above. Read more
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
APPLICANT TIES TO ONTARIO
SETTLEMENT FUNDS
APPLICATION PERIOD
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible under the OINP Master’s Graduate stream, the candidate must have successfully completed the necessary steps to achieve their degree. For the degree to be eligible, it must both:
- Completed in a full-time academic year, defined as a minimum of 15 hours of weekly instruction throughout the academic year, which may encompass any workplace training integrated into the study period. Part-time studies may also be considered, provided the program duration is equivalent to at least one full-time academic year.
- Be acquired from an eligible institution in Ontario
As an actively enrolled student, you can’t be eligible unless:
- Current enrollment leads to a licence
- The applicant works full-time in Ontario
If the degree was completed with the aid of a grant from the home country which requires the applicant to return, the candidate will not be eligible under this program. It is of key importance to show intent to live and work in Ontario to meet the eligibility mark.
- Language
The applicant must meet the language eligibility criteria by being able to speak either English or French at level 7 of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Before submitting the application, the candidate must have a valid language certificate that was taken no more than 2 years ago at the time of submission. Acceptable English tests include:
- IELTS General
- CELPIP General
Acceptable French tests include:
- Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF)
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF)
APPLICANT TIES TO ONTARIO
The candidate must have lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years before application. This serves as appropriate proof of integration within the province. It is important to remember that this one year can be acquired cumulatively, allowing for gaps throughout residency that, when combined, add up to a total of one year of living in Ontario.
The applicant’s ties to Ontario are another determining factor in receiving an invitation to apply. The candidate must show that upon receiving permanent residence, he/she intends to live and work in Ontario. Some of the factors that can serve as proof of ties in the province include:
- Past work experience in Ontario
- Applying for jobs/actively going to job interviews
- Leasing or owning property
- Studying/volunteering
- Having professional ties or personal relationships
SETTLEMENT FUNDS
To be a successful candidate under this stream, the applicant must demonstrate sufficient proof of funds required by the Canadian government. These funds will be required in support of the applicant, and any dependant family members that will be settling in Canada with them (spouse, children, grandchildren) Funds can be proven in various ways including:
- Balances reflected in the bank statements, or statements demonstrating appropriate investments such as mutual funds, etc.
- Annual salary from employment in Ontario
- A prospective job offer in Ontario
For example, if the candidate is required to show $25564, but their employment only covers $20000, the candidate then can even this up by money available in their balance. Candidates can learn about how much money they will require depending on their family size. (One-time large deposits may require more documentation in support of genuine funds rather than debt or liability)
- Legal Status in Canada (if applicable)
If the candidate is submitting their application from inside Canada, they must show that they possess a valid status like a visitor visa or a study permit. If they are in the process of extending their status, they can apply if they have their “maintained status” which essentially grants the applicant the right to remain in Canada while a decision is being made on the extension of their status.
APPLICATION PERIOD
The application must be submitted within two years of completing the Master’s degree. Hence, the entire process of registering for an expression of interest, receiving the invitation, and applying within 14 days should all lie within those two years. For example, if the date on the degree says May 5, 2022, the application cannot be submitted later than May 5, 2024. Once a candidate’s application is approved, the following will be sent via email:
- A nomination approval letter
- A nomination certificate
Once the applicant has both, the next step will be applying for permanent residency through the OINP Master’s Graduate stream.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
PROCESSING TIME
PROCESSING FEES
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
The OINP Master’s Graduate stream applicant must scan and upload the document checklist with the application
- attestation
- identity documents
- status documents in Canada
- residency in Ontario documents
- education documents
- language test results
- documents to demonstrate that you meet the settlement funds requirement
- resumé
- expression of interest selection factors
- other optional documents (if applicable)
(including non-mandatory documents may delay the process)
PROCESSING TIME
The average processing time for this stream usually takes 30-60 days. An applicant can check the status of the application on the OINP e-Filing portal.
PROCESSING FEES
While there are no government fees when submitting the application to the Express Entry pool or creating an e-Filing portal, once the applicant receives the notification of interest, a fee of $1500 will need to be paid for the processing of the application. (Refunds are possible in case of incomplete applications or withdrawal before the start of the processing). If you decide to retain us as your representative, some professional fees will be applicable.
Program Timeline
Once your application has been approved, you will receive the following via email:
- A nomination approval letter
- A nomination certificate
- A work permit support letter (if applicable)
Once the applicant has the appropriate documents, the following stage is applying for Permanent Residency through the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream.
Create a profile
Creating a profile on the OINP e-Filing Portal.
Register an expression of interest
Registering an expression of interest for the international student stream.
Fill in forms and upload documents
Filling in forms and uploading required documentations within 14 days of receiving invitation to apply.
Applying for permanent residency (PR)
Applying for permanent residency (PR) to the IRCC within 6 months of receiving the nomination.
Our Professional Fees
Which date should I use, if I don’t have my degree yet?
If the degree is not ready yet, the applicant should use the date from the official letter granted by the university stating when the degree will be ready.
Can I apply both from inside and outside Canada?
Yes, it is possible to apply both from inside and outside Canada. If the applicant decides to apply in Canada, it is important to maintain a valid status like a visitor status, study permit, or work permit. (The applicant does not qualify if they live anywhere other than Ontario at the time of application)
Am I eligible for this stream if I received my Master’s degree 2,5 years ago?
No, to be eligible for the International Graduate category – Master’s graduate stream, it is essential that the applicant’s degree was acquired a maximum of 2 years ago at the time of submission.
Do I need an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) for this stream?
No, the ECA is required for all degrees acquired in foreign countries. Since this stream requires the applicants to have a degree from an eligible institution in Ontario, there is no need to pass an ECA.
What should I do if some of my circumstances have changed after the submission?
If there are changes in circumstances like address or marital status, the applicant has to notify OINP as soon as possible to avoid any issues associated with the processing of the application.
When should I begin working in the employment position after nomination?
After receiving their nomination, an applicant must start working at the approved employer within 10 months. If they fail to do so, OINP has to be notified in writing immediately to avoid any complications.
